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County approves weekend closure at Smith solid-waste site after public concerns
Summary
Following reports of weekend overuse, illegal dumping and bear sightings, the solid waste board recommended and the commission approved closing the Smith site from Friday afternoon through Monday morning; residents asked that one walk-through gate remain accessible for small users.
Park County commissioners approved a recommendation from the solid waste board to change hours at the Smith solid-waste site, closing the site from Friday afternoon through Monday morning to reduce weekend overuse and illegal dumping. The solid waste board and Public Works staff said weekend crowds and lack of automated gates had produced increased illegal dumping and maintenance costs.
"Their decision at the end of the day was, close the site, Friday afternoon through Monday morning," Public Works staff (Matt) said, describing the board’s recommendation. Residents who rely on the Smith site urged the commission to preserve access for small users: Lynn Michael said closing weekends would impose a 10-mile round trip and be an "undue hardship" for some rural residents; Andrea Saracen asked that a walk-through gate be left open. Multiple residents also reported bear sightings at the site and suggested hiring dedicated staff or installing bear-resistant containers and electric fencing.
The commission voted to approve the adjusted hours and included a commitment to work with BearAware and the solid waste board to investigate options for maintaining limited access (for example, a walk-through gate or a staffed weekend presence) and for bear-proofing measures. Commissioners acknowledged trade-offs between limiting overuse and providing convenient access for residents who depend on the site.
