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Open Space Commission presents 2026 work plan including new trail phases, conservation easements and a 620‑pack pheromone program
Summary
The countyOpen Space Commission outlined its 2026 work plan: Galloping Goose Park RFP closing soon, a two‑phase East End Connector Trail to link legacy trails (cost‑shared with Idarado/Newmont), Bridal Veil trail improvements and interpretive signage, a 620‑pack pheromone program for Douglas fir protection, and continued land‑heritage easement work.
Susie St. Anj, chair of the county Open Space Commission, presented the commissionwork plan and highlighted several priority projects for 2026. She said the Galloping Goose Park RFP is out and closes next week and noted local artist involvement on planned installations. The East End Connector Trail will be pursued as a two‑phase effort to link the countyIdarado Legacy Trail with Bridal Veil Trail; Susie said Idarado/Newmont has agreed to split costs 50/50 to accelerate the project.
On Bridal Veil, the commission reported that a steel platform and steps now connect lower and upper segments and county historical staff are preparing interpretive signage to be installed this summer. The commission also described the pheromone pack program (for Douglas fir protection) as a growing county‑run outreach effort: "we bought the most packs we've ever had, 620, and they were all committed before they even arrived," Susie said.
The commission summarized recent conservation closings and new easement prospects, including a 2025 close on a roughly 6,000‑acre Eagle Bluff Ranch conservation easement in Disappointment Valley in partnership with Colorado West Land Trust. Commission members flagged the Down Valley Connector Trail (a 3.4‑mile proposed route on Highway 145) as an expensive but high‑benefit project and said they plan to seek grant funding for two bridges the route requires.
Commissioners thanked the commission volunteers and discussed coordination with towns and federal partners (including NEPA work on perimeter trails). No formal action was taken; commissioners asked staff to return with RFP timelines and funding details as projects proceed.
What happens next: staff will continue design and RFP work for phase‑one trail projects, advance the Bridal Veil signage plan and bring project‑level budget updates to the commissioners.
