BACKPACK THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL SUMMER 2010

Two female Gore Range CMC members are looking for experienced female backpackers to join them August 17th for about 4 weeks on the John Muir Trail, starting at Red’s Meadow to Kennedy Meadows. Contact: anngstevens@gmail.com

Estes Park Road Closure

Highway Closure: US 34, 1 mile east of Estes Park, (Milemarker 66-66). The second full closure of US 34 east of Estes Park is scheduled to take place Tuesday, March 2nd through Friday, March 12th, weather permitting. Road closure will begin March 2nd, 2010 at 12:01am.

Colorado State Parks Seeks Public Comment to Help Guide Strategic Plan Update

Have Say in How You’ll Play:

Colorado State Parks Seeks Public Comment to Help Guide Strategic Plan Update

DENVER – Colorado State Parks invites the public to “Have a Say in How You’ll Play” by attending one of five public meetings scheduled in the state’s major metropolitan regions during the month of March. Public input is needed to help guide development of the state parks’ 2010-2014 Strategic Plan, which will outline the agency’s top priorities and objectives for the next five years.

In developing the strategic plan, Colorado State Parks will also use the public comments to clarify constituent needs and improve services and programs. The strategic plan will be finalized in late summer 2010. Scheduled meeting locations include:

• Fort Collins/Loveland: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Harmony Library, 4616 South Shields, Fort Collins.

• Metro Denver Area: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden.

• Pueblo: Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Marriott, 110 West 1st St.

• Colorado Springs: Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Clarion, 314 West Bijou St.

• Grand Junction: Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott, 765 Horizon Drive.

All meetings are free and open to the public—there is no need to RSVP. For more information, visit our website at www.colorado.gov/parks and click the heading “Have Say in How You’ll Play.” Or, call Scott Babcock, Colorado State Parks’ Planning Manager, at (303) 866-3203, ext. 4306.

Attracting nearly 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,531 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Park is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,000 campsites, and 57 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.colorado.gov/parks.