Concerns about camping, unleashed dogs and unattended and abandoned campfires have led the U.S. Forest Service to consider closing access to both Maxwell Falls and the Cub Creek Park area, just south of Evergreen.
According to Jim Fiorelli, acting district ranger for Arapaho National Forest and the Clear Creek Ranger District, the possible closures are one of several solutions the agency is considering as it struggles to protect the natural resources and maintain both safety and sanitation standards in the area.“Our focus is to encourage responsible and respectful use of National Forest lands and that visitors are being good stewards of the land and resources,” said Fiorelli.
For area fire departments that are increasingly responding to late-night, emergency calls at Maxwell Falls, the possibility of closing access to the area is appealing.
“Maxwell Falls has been a problematic area for the Elk Creek fire district due to a number of things,” said Elk Creek Fire Chief Bill McLaughlin. “We have had a number of alcohol and drug-related issues there, including a person who fell off a cliff at night. … We also respond to a significant number of illegal campfires in that area during burn bans. Unfortunately, these camping areas are downhill from a large, residential neighborhood and an escaped fire there would immediately threaten homes.”
Contact reporter Sal Christ at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 303-350-1035.
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