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Below is a collection of individual and group responses from June 2024 to October 2024. Responses are from a combination of survey responses, listening sessions, and emails. In Columns E through M we note what the comments are directed at.
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CountyDateSourceResponsesWhat excites?Anything missing?PartnershipsCommunicationConnectivityNatural Resource ConservationRecreationManagementGeneral
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El Paso8/29/2024SurveyIt is very important to maintain and strengthen relationships with all public and private representatives that are stakeholders in managing and using our public lands.x
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El Paso8/30/2024SurveyThe region needs more single-track, motorized, multiuse trails. Existing and future trails need to be interconnected, such that recreational user can ride from north to south and east to west through the system. Additionally, OHV training areas need to be developed to teach new riders how to ride and let them develop their riding skills. These training areas lead to better riders that will enjoy years of safe recreation for themselves and other trail users.x
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El Paso8/28/2024SurveyWithout cooperation, all is lost.x
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El Paso8/28/2024SurveyEducating all as to the necessity of what is being planned is critical. People must realize what is at stake to make informed decisions, for today and tomorrow.x
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El Paso8/28/2024SurveyFirst priority needs to be given to the connectivity of wildlife habitat, for animals, birds, and vegetation. If this is not done, there will be nothing to connect except more asphalt paths from city to city.x
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El Paso8/28/2024SurveyIf natural systems are not given first priority, all else is temporary. Our future as a species depends on putting others' survival first. RESTORATION OF DESECRATED AREAS NEEDS TO BE ADDED AND PRIORITIZED! For example, the scar on the mountain at Pikes Peak's base is deplorable.x
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El Paso8/28/2024SurveyFirst priority should go to FIXING paved and desolate existing areas before adding more depressing, desolate areas. Too many area "open spaces" are paved with grass requiring high volumes of water and mowing by nasty, gas-powered machines. Restore native plantings to all over-maintained areas.x
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El Paso8/28/2024SurveyIf we, as adults, dedicate ourselves to a future that will support life, we will be able to better define how each area should be managed or restored most effectively. i.e. If bikers what to have trails in what is needed for habitat for all creatures, all must work together to preserve sanity and respect.x
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El Paso8/28/2024SurveyI was born here. I am not convinced that anyone is headed in a healthy or sustainable direction.x
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El Paso8/23/2024SurveyWould love to see more MTB trailsx
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El Paso8/22/2024SurveyAdd more mountain biking trails that suit a variety of skill levels.x
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El Paso8/21/2024SurveyConservation is very important and SHOULD NOT be achieved by cutting down trees (deforestation) to shut down small unsanctioned trails. The practice of deforestation to “preserve” local habitats from the “threats” posed by trails is frankly pathetic.x
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El Paso8/21/2024SurveyWe need more purpose built, progressive mountain bike trails. There is huge demand for this and mountain bikers are some of the most dedicated trail stewards and maintainers in the outdoor recreation scene.x
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El Paso8/21/2024Surveyyes, especially as they pertain to expanding mountain bike and general cycling accessx
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El Paso8/21/2024SurveyWould like to see more progressive trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, that connect in a way to make them both easily accessible from inner Colorado Springs and within themselves.x
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El Paso8/21/2024SurveyWork on maintaining recreation paths that connect communities to the trailsx
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El Paso8/20/2024SurveyCast a wide net/think outside the box with regard to potential partnerships--such as, not only public & private schools and established outdoors-oriented young people organizations, but other groups that work with (for example) young people (such as Peak Education)x
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El Paso8/20/2024SurveyCreate regular communications and provide updates to community in general, partnering organiations, schools, etc.x
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El Paso8/20/2024Survey1.Prioritize minimal impact on the natural environment when increasing access (minimize new roads, buildings, etc.). 2. In increasing access for underserved communities, include aspects of access to trailheads, etc.. via public transport (partner with nearby communities, Mountain Metro, city transportation departments, etc.)x
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El Paso8/20/2024SurveyNone of these options appears to differentiate between management for different user constituencies (and maybe that's the point; maybe there should be no differentiation). I just wonder whether "management" as an overall category sufficiently addresses variables such as access to sites/trailheads; types of outdoor recreation; wildlife & flora protection vs. human recreation; etc.x
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Missoula County, Montana8/17/2024SurveyPartnerships are fine in theory, but often are used to advance private financial interests at the expense of the public interest - especially on the context of public land management.x
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Missoula County, Montana8/17/2024SurveyIndustry propaganda is likely to offend non=corporate interests and undermine collaborative efforts ideally based on honest, transparent communication.x
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Missoula County, Montana8/17/2024SurveyRecreation advocates must recognize that industrial recreation can have harmful social and environmental effects. More is not always better. Context matters.x
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Missoula County, Montana8/17/2024SurveyNot all wildfires are bad. Aggressive fire suppression results in larger, more intense fires. Mechanical and commercial fuel treatment requires extensive road networks that often have adverse environmental impacts that exceed effects of fire. The “healthiest” forests are often in wilderness areas.x
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Missoula County, Montana8/17/2024SurveyThe phrase “recreation asset and opportunity improvement, expansion, and development” is troublesome to me. It appears to presume more industrial/commercial recreation is always good and/or inevitable. The commercial recreation industry is harming public resources and community values in areas of Colorado and throughout the western U.S. Excessive resort and ski area expansions on public wildlands provide clear examples.x
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Missoula County, Montana8/17/2024Survey“Cross jurisdictional agreements” to manage public lands is a new form of 20th century “and grabs.” It sounds like the devolution of public lands to allow private commercial interests greater authority and political influence in management of public resources.x
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El Paso8/16/2024SurveyThere is a strong need to partner with the motorized OHV community, like CMTRA, BLM, and the Forest Service to identify and develop more motorized OHV Single Track Trails.x
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El Paso8/16/2024SurveyWhile creating more Motorized OHV Single Track Trails, it is important to communicate with all of the stake holders about the timelines, cost, and progress being made. In addition, as new areas are being investigated for additional Motorized OHV Single Track Trails, the OHV community and business partners should be brought in early, to help get the word out and to and seek public support if any additional funds are required.x
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El Paso8/16/2024SurveyI strongly support connecting all of the existing Motorized OHV Single Track Trails, in addition to connecting the new ones that will be created as part of the Master Plan. A new Motorized OHV Single Track Trail System should be created that would allow for multiple access points from the Urban/Forest Boundry. An OHV parking area in the GoG would allow Motorcycles access to new Motorized OHV Single Track Trails created just off of Rampart Road. These trails would connect with Motorized Single-Track Trails (both new and existing) outside Woodland Park. I envision that the trails in Jones Park would connect into this master Motorized OHV Single Track Trail Plan as well. With eventually 100's of miles of Motorized OHV Single Track Trails being connected, created, and enjoyed by all.x
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El Paso8/16/2024SurveyIt has been proven that Motorized Single Track Trails are no more harmful to the surrounding environment than Mountain Bike Trails and Horse Paths. With this in mind, I support maintaining wildlife corridors from development and exploitation - but I do not support creating corridors that prevent Motorized OHV Single Track Trails from being created and maintained. All trails (Motorized Single Track, Mountain Bike, Horse, Hiking) in the areas that are in Wildlife Corridors should have bridges over the waterways.x
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El Paso8/16/2024SurveyThe motorized OHV community is grossly underserved in the Pikes Peak region. All efforts seem to focus on placating the Mountain Bike community, and little effort has gone into creating new Motorized OHV Single Track Trails. As mentioned earlier - a new Motorized OHV Single Track Trail System should be created that would allow for multiple access points from the Urban/Forest Boundry. An OHV parking area in the GoG would allow Motorcycles access to new Motorized OHV Single Track Trails created just off of Rampart Road. These trails would connect with Motorized Single-Track Trails (both new and existing) outside Woodland Park. I envision that the trails in Jones Park would connect into this master Motorized OHV Single Track Trail Plan as well. With eventually 100's of miles of Motorized OHV Single Track Trails being connected, created, and enjoyed by all.x
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El Paso8/16/2024SurveyThe Motorized OHV community is different than the Mountain Bike Community, Hiking Community and the Equestrian Community. So, not sure a single agency would have the expertise to effectively manage all the competing priorities. But it could work if rules were in place saying that for every mile of Mountain Bike, or e-Bike trail created in the Pikes Peak Region, 10 miles of Motorized OHV Single Track Trail must also be created. Hikes and Equestrian riders benefit for any new trail created. I do like the idea of concentrating enforcement into one agency. This agency would know all of the rules, and violations by motorized and non-motorized offenders would be dealt with in a fair and similar matter.x
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El Paso8/16/2024SurveyI support the plan with my comments being included. The motorized OHV community is underserved in the Pikes Peak region. New Motorized OHV Single Track Trails need to be created.x
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Arapahoe8/13/2024SurveyNot sure what you mean by thisx
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Arapahoe8/13/2024SurveyI just want a quick little publication, like a magazine, that says what’s going on, what we can get involved in, etc.x
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Arapahoe8/13/2024SurveyI don’t know what ring the peak trail isx
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Arapahoe8/13/2024SurveyFeel very passionate about this. Our planet and the animals on it are dying. We should act fast and not even be wondering about IF we should do all this, but WHEN.x
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Arapahoe8/13/2024SurveyNo expansion. Enhancements yes, but don’t develop any more land. Enough is enough.x
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Arapahoe8/13/2024SurveyI’m not sure about the inner workings of land management. But do what’s right for the people already working there and create job opportunities for locals when able. Don’t be sneaky about stuff.x
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Arapahoe8/13/2024SurveyI think so but you shouldn’t talk in so many big words. You should just speak straight forward so the common person can understand what you’re trying to do and how you’re trying to do it.x
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El Paso8/7/2024SurveyMinimize motorized traffic / activity in wildlife corridors, riparian areas and trails utilized by foot, bikex
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El Paso8/7/2024SurveyEliminate motorized traffic in wildlife areas, riparian areas, and trails used by non-motorized traffic (foot and bike trails)x
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El Paso8/7/2024SurveyWith my additional comments abovex
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El Paso7/31/2024SurveyI'm all about all things trails. One thing that our trail system lacks, especially in the urban areas of town is loops. I ride my road bike at least as much as my mountain bike and frequently feel stuck with out and back rides, unless I incorporate street level bike lanes. This works okay on the westside, riding Pleasant Valley is a fine connector between Midland and GOG, however on this is much more difficult on the East Side. I would so love an Eastern North South connector between Cottonwood Creek and Rock Island. More loops!x
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El Paso7/31/2024SurveyI am concerned that an emphasis on cross jurisdictional management will result in a lowest common denominator approach. More conservation and recreation forward communities shouldn't have to lower their standards in pursuit of a unified strategy.x
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El Paso7/30/2024SurveyKeep advising citizens through news mediax
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El Paso7/25/2024SurveyWork with partners to encourage prioritizing land/water/habitat conservation with the goal of a healthy planet and health for all those living on the planet.x
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El Paso7/25/2024SurveyTo me, the priority is preserving our land and habitats for the health and well-being of all life on this planet. People don't need to love outdoor adventures in order to appreciate having clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and healthy food to eat.x
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El Paso7/25/2024SurveyI don't agree with the priority to expand recreation areas. We can maintain what we have but there is too much growth and development already. Preserve what is left of our wilderness. Even if it means we can't use those areas for hiking/mountain biking.x
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Teller7/24/2024SurveyPartnerships should include farm/ranch larger land holdings. Forest service and BLM grazing leases conflict with mixed use.x
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Teller7/24/2024Survey“Industry stakeholders”??? It’s not a commodity to be exploited for financial gain. We have a responsibility to be stewards and caretakers. We don’t need the public accessing our wilderness in droves…..Ranching communities need to be included.x
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Teller7/24/2024SurveyWhy? Who benefits? Local communities (more specifically residents) will NOT benefit. If you want to recreate in nature then travel to location and disperse from there. If made too easy more problems will come with easy access. Who will enforce? Those of us who live here don’t welcome the traffic and noise that comes with the exploitation of our backyard.x
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Teller7/24/2024SurveyHow can the strategies listed above be met when it can’t be enforced? We live in semi arid conditions that are getting dryer. More human access means more dangers for fires, wildlife disruption and Wild West shooting up nature and private property.x
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Teller7/24/2024SurveyWhy is goal to expand and develop? We can not manage and enforce what we have now. If this is done for economic reasons our assets (nature) will be compromised and depleted. Human nature only destroys and exploits …… this will be no exceptionx
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Teller7/24/2024SurveyThis is a pipe dream. power struggle already exists between agencies. Funding is non existent and one of your strategies should be “Funding”….. nothing else matters without the money for enforcement and education. Intergovernmental agreements mean nothing without boots on the ground and sold guidelines and rules to enforce. Actions need to have consequences.x
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Teller7/24/2024SurveyOne of your strategies needs to include a “values” conversation. If we can’t agree on the goals how do you go forward.x
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El Paso7/24/2024SurveyBut, this has to have the WHOLE REGION's buy in or it does not matter.x
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Macomb County, Michigan7/23/2024SurveyThis is my first time getting a survey like this. Would like to participate morex
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyGetting too crowdedx
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyToo much developmentx
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyDo not destroy Blogget; pleasex
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyAgain, do not expand Bloggett. It is good for hikers as Ute Valley is being taken over by the bikers.x
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyToo much expansionx
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyI'm hesitant about any strategy that consolidates power/control to a single entity.xx
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyPartnerships are important for accomplishing collective goals and supporting small businesses.x
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyCommunication in the form of education is needed to raise public awareness of how to recreate responsibly and sustainably, and about the rules and laws governing responsible and safe recreation. The public is especially dismissive of water recreation safety.x
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyConnecting the public with the outdoors is vital for mental health and for the overal health of our communities and of society. We also need safer public spaces and trails. It is becoming increasingly unsafe for women to recreate by themselves and violence towards women is increasing in our region.x
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyBeing on, in or near water offers immense mental and physical health benefits to humans. In this high-desert, arid climate, there is a significant need for more sustainable access to water for recreation.x
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyOur existing city parks could offer more to the public: more safety, more access, more effective access for the physically impaired. For example, at Quail Lake, only the oarking lots are handicap accessible. Beyond that the physically impaired cannot effectively access any other part of the lake, not even the picnic tables.x
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El Paso7/22/2024SurveyInvolving small businesses, such as Dragonfly Paddle Yoga, that have demonstrated being a steward of natural environment, can help facilitate shared interests while supporting the economy.x
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El Paso7/21/2024SurveyAs I noted above, I find some recommendations far less important than others.x
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Jackson County, Missouri7/21/2024SurveyCO Springs needs to get rid of the homeless population it is out of control!!!!!!x
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Teller7/20/2024SurveyForm partnerships with wildlife conservation, hunting, and fishing non-profit organizations.x
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Teller7/20/2024SurveyEffectively communicate the benefits of outdoor recreation for the greater community, ways hunting and fishing support habitat conservation and restoration efforts.x
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Teller7/20/2024SurveyI would change the Vision/Value statement to read: Connecting communities and recreation opportunities within the Pikes Peak region creates a more sustainable, accessible, and enjoyable future. I believe accessiblitiy it a major hurdle in connecting communities and should be highlighted in the vision/value statement.x
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Teller7/20/2024SurveyI believe it is worth nothing the value of wildlife conservation to overall outdoor recreation.x
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Teller7/20/2024SurveyI believe it is worth highlighting the work to expand access and opportunities for underserved communities and youth to engage in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing that not only build outdoor stewardship ethics but also provide sustainable healthy, harvest and can counter the effects of "food deserts" in urban and rural communities.x
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Teller7/20/2024SurveyI also support highlighting the positive impact of hunting and fishing within the outdoor recreation space as the hunting community faces significant existential threats from the politically powerful anti-hunting movement in Colorado. A major effort should be protecting the ability of Coloradans to sustainably harvest will game and fish for their families.x
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El Paso7/20/2024SurveyThe first question/statement is too vague to comment on. "...to meet priorities." What priorities and who or what entity establishes them?x
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Jefferson7/19/2024SurveyPartnerships are vital to achive present and future goals that would benefit the region. This is extremely important to work toghter in agreements would benefit all specifically with the tourist and visitors.x
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Jefferson7/19/2024SurveyCommunication is the true key any essential efforts to cordinate is based on effective communication and not just with information technology but coordination in live communication (face to face)x
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Jefferson7/19/2024SurveyConnectivity is based on communication this is vital linkx
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Jefferson7/19/2024SurveyNatural resources and remedies is by far the most important element thers no questionx
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Jefferson7/19/2024SurveyRecreation benefits all however a sustainable attitude for natural resources is importantx
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Jefferson7/19/2024SurveyManagement strategies also should enhance the benefits of the region including allx
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Jefferson7/19/2024SurveyIt's very interesting since I reside in the foothill region of Denver the rapid growth of the front range should only include the importance of the pikes peak initiative it would not be wise to exclude it the tourists is vital to allx
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New Castle, Delaware7/19/2024SurveyPartnerships could have other agendasx
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New Castle, Delaware7/19/2024SurveyWhy do the feds need to be involved?x
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New Castle, Delaware7/19/2024SurveyWhat is the purpose of connectivity?x
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New Castle, Delaware7/19/2024SurveySolid forest management pre-1970 standards. The climate clowns and environmentalists have misaligned this focus.x
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New Castle, Delaware7/19/2024SurveyNo DEIx
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El Paso7/19/2024SurveyCity council and El Paso county commissioners do not appear to support this. They want to develop as much as possible to bring in revenue, not caring where the water is coming from or keeping open spaces.x
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El Paso7/19/2024SurveyIt is great that OPPI (PPORA) is working to coordinate these partnerships. NO single agency has the resources to do what needs to be done by themselves.x
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El Paso7/19/2024SurveyIt is hard to get people to sign up for "push" communication directly to them, but Kudos for trying. Using other public outreach methods is a great way to go.x
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El Paso7/19/2024SurveyI REALLY wish our current and former governors would have kept pressing to complete the Ring the Peak trail, as I think it will require state and federal pressure to open up the uncompleted sections (using Hwy 24 is HORRIBLE, and the SW section of the "trail" leaves much to be desired). Completing other connecting trails should be a high priority. Good luck getting the US Forest Service to agree to building anything in the Captain Jack's and Waldo Canyon areas any time soon--I forecast more delays from them, creating more "social trails" in those areas...sadly. Appreciate your coordination efforts in ALL these areas.x
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El Paso7/19/2024SurveyThese are all important goals. We will probably continue to have more people wanting to trample across sensitive areas...if there is a way to create adjacent trails that attract people to them instead of through them, that may alleviate some pressure on these sensitive areas. As always, aspirational goals just need "more money" to achieve.x
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El Paso7/19/2024SurveyWe HAVE a lot of ways people can access the outdoors. I think of the Colorado Mountain Club's efforts to attract members, offering education, and reading about people that say they could not find resources to help them learn about recreating safely in the outdoors. How do our local clubs, non-profits, and social impact organizations advertise their services better, so people find them? I do not know the answer to this one...x
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El Paso7/19/2024SurveyPersonally, I think that having a single land-use manager take the lead in our Pikes Peak region is a GREAT idea--but "fiefdoms" will interfere with that quest. Hiring a skilled arbitrator that can help create an Interagency Agreement might help the USFS and Colorado CPW and our local governments hammer out an agreement might help here.x