August 17, 2020

August 17, 2020

Good Evening Folks!

Lots of updates to share with you.  Douglas County has implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, for unincorporated Douglas County. Also, flows on the South Platte have been raised again! Current flows through Decker’s, are 532cfs. I wanted to also share a few thoughts about what’s been going on around here. The fact of the matter is Folks, the areas has become extremely busy these last few weeks and it’s resulted in a number of accidents, fires, and probably the worst trash/littering I’ve seen!  I can’t for the life of me understand how so many people can blatantly throw or leave there trash behind. Let me tell you my friends, I’m not talking about a straw wrapper here and there, I’m talking about garbage bags of trash being left on the sides of the road, dirty diapers left on the boardwalk, in Decker’s! I’ve seen people open their car doors while parked, and proceed to empty their nasty-ass ashtray, right on the parking lot ground. The day-use area restrooms are also being heavily used and are continuously becoming trash dumps.
Look folks, there’s nothing we can do about the growth of Colorado and the amount of people that are discovering Decker’s. However, it’s the responsibility of everyone to make sure that when you visit the area, that you’ve prepared accordingly, have a plan for your garbage, know the fire conditions, and learn to leave less of a footprint. Please my friends, if we don’t start informing and educating those that are contributing to these issues, we’re going to destroy the wildlife and turn this beautiful healing place into a garbage dump. Then, it’s gone forever. 😢

Chris

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August 4, 2020-Decker’s Update


Hello Friends,

Hard to believe it’s August, but here we are!  As we are all going through these unprecedented times, its more important than ever to keep everyone updated on the scene in Decker’s and the South Platte River Valley.  As the “Stay at Home” mandate came down, followed with the “Stay Closer to Home” orders, the Decker’s area saw a huge increase of visitors, as the confinement of home finally got the best of many.  Undeniably, getting outdoors is one of the best things that one can do to help combat depression, anxiety, mental stress, and just about any other mental anguish one may be going through. However, the sheer number of people that headed to the foothills, combined with the closure of most day-use area restrooms, caused quite a mess for those that have to maintain the facilities. Bags of human waste, along with baby diapers and such, were repeatedly left along the river and by the closed restrooms. I’m not here to judge, I’m just here to point it out and let others know that this is what happens when people don’t think! Ok, here’s the latest on what’s happening.

Camping

Rocky Mountain Recreation has done an incredible job of getting the day-use and campground areas ready for use this year. Many hours were spent cleaning, sanitizing, and making the community areas of the campground as safe as possible. Most campgrounds are open for the season, some with restrictions and limitations. Here’s a link to all the Campgrounds in the Pike National Forest, managed by Rocky Mountain Recreation. https://rockymountainrec.com/pikesanisabelforest/

Fishing

Wow! Where to begin. Since Covid arrived, Decker’s has been like the 4th of July, most weekends since April! Once again, not judging, just letting you know how much pressure this area has seen since the beginning of this Pandemic. Etiquette has gone out the window and the parking situation has been horrific! Please obey all Private Property signs and respect wildlife! Combined with the large amounts of people that just needed to get out, along with the Anglers, the trail head parking lots have been full.The pull-outs packed, and once again the garbage situation continues to be a problem. I’m in the process of planning a river clean up day, sometime before the end of September. Flows have been raised on the South Platte, from 87cfs to 287cfs. This is a significant change from last week.  For the complete fishing report, check out the Fishing reports tab. https://discoverdeckers.com/fishing-reports/

Tubing/Floating/Kayaking

You’re in luck folks! After weeks of low flows through the area, the flows on the South Platte through Decker’s have increased. This increase greatly improves the whole experience! Please take all necessary precautions and other safety measures to keep you safe on the river. Check out our page dedicated to Tubing and floating. https://discoverdeckers.com/tubing-paddle-boarding-kayaking/

Well, that’s all for now my friends. Please keep in mind that we have a long way to go with this Pandemic, so please do your part to help stop the spread of this very deadly disease. Hope to see you out there soon.

Chris

 

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May 30, 2020- Decker’s Reopening!

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Hello Friends!

Seems like the camping bug has got the best of many! Just spent the last couple of days fishing and working on clearing some property in Trumbull, but got to see first hand the amount of people that are flocking to the Decker’s area. Here’s the latest from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the US Forest Service, Pike and Isabel National Forest.

COVID-19 Update – 5/29/20 11:15 a.m.

Update 5/29/2020: Colorado Parks and Wildlife campgrounds – including cabins, yurts and group camping for groups of 10 or fewer – and SWAs are now open to camping. There are exceptions in counties with remaining health orders or areas remaining closed by county request. For commonly asked questions, including details on available SWA camping, please review our Camping FAQ.

We ask visitors to state parks to remain flexible in their travel plans as we work with counties and local public health orders to keep parks and amenities open safely and cooperatively.

As camping becomes available, playgrounds, picnic areas, group areas and designated swim areas at Colorado’s state parks remain closed until further notice.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor centers, service centers and all CPW offices are continuing to restrict access to the public. Restrictions and closures remain subject to change.

Updated 5/28/2020: OHV Registrations – CPW has extended the expiration date of all OHV registrations for a period of 30 days per Executive Order D 2020 015. Off-highway vehicle registrations and permits expiring March 31, 2020 are now valid until June 22, 2020.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds anglers, hunters, and all other outdoor recreationists that it is your responsibility to research and understand the specific guidance, ordinances and restrictions in place for any planned local recreation – know before you go.

We know you have questions regarding the rapidly evolving scenario that surrounds COVID-19, and how Colorado Parks and Wildlife is responding to keep your family healthy during your visits to our parks and offices.

PSICC To Implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

On June 1, the Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands will begin re-opening some recreational facilities in a phased approach, allowing the agency to remain responsive to local conditions. For a full list of open areas and up-to-date information on re-openings, visit the forests and grasslands website.

The agency is committed to maximizing public access to the national forests and grasslands while ensuring physical, emotional and psychological safety and well-being of its employees.

“While we understand there may be some excitement to return to these recreation areas, there may be limited services or spaces available” says Diana M. Trujillo, forest and grassland supervisor. “We ask that visitors please continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines on staying safe and practice good hygiene and social distancing wherever they choose to visit.”

Visitors are asked to stay as local as possible when choosing a site to visit and to pack out everything they bring, especially trash. Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance. For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will remain until replaced or rescinded to enhance public and firefighter safety, protect natural and cultural resources and help minimize human-caused wildfires. It is important to check with the local county you plan to visit as many also have fire and recreational shooting restrictions in place.

Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, forest visitors may not:

  • Build or maintain a fire or use charcoal, coal or wood stoves, except in permanent fire pits or fire grates within a developed recreation site (e.g., campgrounds where fees are charged).
  • Smoke, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials.
  • Use any internal or external combustion engine (including chainsaws) without a spark arresting device properly working and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher and a round point shovel.
  • Weld or operate acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
  • Use explosives, including fireworks.

Responsible recreation will help expand access to facilities, services and other opportunities. Our offices are closed, but we are providing virtual services via email or phone.

Contact information for the Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands is available online.

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IMay 20, 2020

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​COVID-19 Update – 5/12/20

​COVID-19 Update – 5/12/20 2:00 p.m.

Provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Update May 12, 2020: Colorado Parks and Wildlife campgrounds began opening at Colorado’s state parks on Tuesday, May 12. There will be a phased approach to reopening our campgrounds. Agency staff are finalizing reopening plans with local partners for some parks, and ask visitors to state parks to remain flexible in their travel plans as we work with counties and local public health orders to open safely and cooperatively. For the schedule of planned openings, please see our May 12 press release.

Understand County Health Orders: Colorado counties, municipalities, and land management agencies continue to update their COVID-19 guidance including travel restrictions, road closures, and access limitations on a regular basis. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds anglers, hunters, and all other outdoor recreationists that it is your responsibility to research and understand the specific guidance, ordinances and restrictions in place for any planned local recreation – know before you go.

As camping becomes available, playgrounds, picnic areas, group areas, and yurts and cabins at Colorado’s state parks remain closed until further notice.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor centers, service centers and offices are also continuing to restrict access to the public. Restrictions and closures remain subject to change.

We know you have questions regarding the rapidly evolving scenario that surrounds COVID-19, and how Colorado Parks and Wildlife is responding to keep your family healthy during your visits to our parks and offices.

  • Customer, volunteer and employee safety is our top priority, and we take your health and well-being seriously.
  • We are committed to providing our regular services at the highest level possible while also ensuring that everyone is safe.

 

Park Pass Replacements and Exchanges

  • Temporary, Iron Ranger, and Backup Passes: If a customer needs to exchange their Temporary Pass, Iron Ranger Receipt, green Backup Pass, or Dog Off-Leash Pass, the customer will need to download and complete this green pass exchange form and mail it with any required documentation to the following address:Pass Exchange
    6060 Broadway
    Denver, CO 80216

    Passes will then be printed and mailed to the mailing address on the customer’s exchange form.

  • Replacement Passes: If a customer needs to get a replacement for their annual pass, they will need to download and complete this blue replacement pass form and mail it with any required documentation and check/money order (for the appropriate amount) to the following address:Pass Replacement
    6060 Broadway
    Denver, CO 80216
  • Replacements will then be sent to the mailing address they provide on the replacement request form. Temporary Passes, Annual Passes, and Pass Vouchers are NOT replaceable.
  • Pass Voucher Redemption: For voucher redemption, customers can use this google form, as no physical documentation is required to be mailed to us.
  • 30-Day Extensions for Annual Park Passes: CPW will extend the expiration date for State Park annual passes, annual family passes, Aspen Leaf annual passes and Columbine annual passes with an original printed expiration date of the end of March 2020 or the end of April 2020 by 30 days per Executive Order D 2020 015.  For example, passes that were to expire in April 2020 are now valid through May 31, 2020. This 30-day extension is limited to passes with an original printed expiration date of March 2020 or April 2020.

State Park Camping and Visitor Center Updates

Are parks and campgrounds closed?

Update May 12, 2020: Colorado Parks and Wildlife campgrounds began opening at Colorado’s state parks on Tuesday, May 12. There will be a phased approach to reopening our campgrounds. Agency staff are finalizing reopening plans with local partners for some parks, and ask visitors to state parks to remain flexible in their travel plans as we work with counties and local public health orders to open safely and cooperatively. For the schedule of planned openings, please see our May 12 press release.

As camping becomes available, playgrounds, picnic areas, group areas, and yurts and cabins at Colorado’s state parks remain closed until further notice.

State park visitor centers also continue restricting access to the public until further notice.

  • CPW staff will continue to work at visitor centers during this time, but doors will remain locked during business hours.
  • Restrooms and public areas will continue being cleaned and maintained.
  • Contact information will be provided on all doors.
  • Customers are encouraged to purchase passes on CPWshop.com, by phone at 800.244.5613, or at sales kiosks located at most parks.

How are camping reservations affected?

Update May 12, 2020: Colorado Parks and Wildlife campgrounds began opening at Colorado’s state parks on Tuesday, May 12. There will be a phased approach to reopening our campgrounds. Agency staff are finalizing reopening plans with local partners for some parks, and ask visitors to state parks to remain flexible in their travel plans as we work with counties and local public health orders to open safely and cooperatively. For the schedule of planned openings, please see our May 12 press release.

All customers with reservations that are affected by COVID-19 travel or state or county health orders are being offered the opportunity to change their reservation at no additional cost through December 31, 2020. Cancellation fees are being waived through the end of May. To change your reservation, please visit cpwshop.com, log into your account, confirm your information, then click on “My Reservations.” From there you will be able to change your reservation to another date. You can also call 1-800-244-5613 to change your reservation (please note that call wait times can exceed one hour due to volume).

Due to the volume of camping changes and cancellations, while most refunds will take significantly less time, some refunds may take up to 90 days to process.

Office and Visitor Center Closures and Continued Service

Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor centers, service centers and offices continue restricting access to the public until further notice.
 
  • CPW staff will continue to work at offices during this time, but doors will remain locked during business hours.
  • CPW is diligently working to keep state parks open so the public can enjoy the health benefits associated with being outside. However, park visitors must enjoy parks responsibly during the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s important for everyone to follow the recommendations from CDPHE for easy, everyday actions to protect yourself and those around you.

Update 4/10/2020: Availability of Alternate Service of Process is available while CPW offices are closed and many staff work remotely. Please review this Alternate Service of Process guidance provided by the Department of Natural Resources for these needs during current office closures.

How will I know if events and classes have been canceled?

All classes and events of 10 or more people have been canceled or postponed at this time. Please see the current list of specific closures and cancellations below.

  • We will utilize the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website, emails to registered attendees, and our social media accounts to update the public of closures and cancellations.

Cancellations

Purchase Licenses, Park Passes, and Vehicle Registrations Online

OHV Registrations: CPW has extended the expiration date of all OHV registrations for a period of 30 days per Executive Order D 2020 015. Off-highway vehicle registrations and permits expiring March 31, 2020 are now valid until May 31, 2020. 
While our offices are closed, please renew OHV registrations online at www.cpwshop.com. If you are having trouble registering your OHV online, please visit https://cpw.state.co.us/registrations for detailed renewal instructions.

For customers planning to purchase CPW products, including licenses, park passes or vehicle registrations, please visit CPWshop.com or call 800.244.5613.

  • Pick-Up at Agent: The option for customers to select pick-up at agent for parks passes has been turned off for online and phone sales, as customers will have limited access to replace those passes if they fade.
  • Hang Tags: Customers who need hang tags will need to wait until CPW locations open to get one. In the meantime, they can place their pass on their dashboard easily visible from the outside. This wording has been added to the appropriate pass sales flows online. Any passes issued from our office which require a hang tag will be sent with one.
  • Original Annuals & Multiples: Customers can still get annual passes online, by phone, and through external agents. Multiples can be obtained at external agents.

I haven’t received my license or permit by mail – what do I do?

Our license vendor is experiencing significant delays in the fulfillment of CPW products due to “shelter in place” orders related to COVID-19 and are currently backlogged in printing and mailing CPW products.

CPW is allowing customers to use a TAN (Temporary Authorization Number) for proof of privilege for most of our products at this time. This includes small game, combination small game and fishing, waterfowl stamps, fishing, habitat stamps, annual passes and OHV permits.

We have also temporarily extended the timeframe for which a TAN is valid from 14 days to 45 days.

Additionally, for the 2020 spring season only, a TAN will also be allowed for proof of privilege for OTC spring turkey licenses and April mountain lion licenses.

As carcass tags may not be present for mountain lion and OTC spring turkey licenses purchased after March 23, (as these customer licenses may be covered by a TAN), a printed copy of the receipt/confirmation email will be used as the carcass tag in these situations. Customers must print the receipt, carry it with them while hunting and attach it to the carcass after harvest and during transport. After harvesting, the hunter must write the sex and date of harvest, as well as sign the receipt, similar to the voiding carcass tag procedures.

Am I still allowed to fish and/or hunt?

Update April 9, 2020: Colorado counties, municipalities, and land management agencies continue to update their COVID-19 guidance including travel restrictions, road closures, and access limitations on a regular basis. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds anglers, hunters, and all other outdoor recreationists that it is your responsibility to research and understand the specific guidance, ordinances and restrictions in place for any planned local recreation – know before you go. 
CPW, along with the Governor’s office, CDPHE and the CDC encourages people to take the local and state stay-at-home orders seriously, and limit travel wherever possible, even for approved recreation activities.
All hunters and anglers must have a valid license, and a valid park pass if recreating in state parks. Hunters and anglers should also check with their local municipal land managers, National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, or US Fish and Wildlife Service office for specific closures and allowed recreation activities. Please respect any posted closures.

Turkey Hunting Information

Spring Turkey seasons run through May 31st. 

Temporary Authorization Numbers & Carcass Tags

As of Monday March 23, our Licensing vendor is experiencing significant delays in fulfillment of CPW products due to “shelter in place” orders related to COVID-19. This means they are currently backlogged in printing and mailing licenses, passes or other CPW products.

  • In response to these delays, we will be allowing customers to use a TAN (Temporary Authorization Number) for proof of privilege for most of our products at this time. This includes over-the-counter spring turkey licenses (for the 2020 spring season only). We have also temporarily extended the timeframe for which a TAN is valid from 14 days to 45 days.
  • As carcass tags may not be present for over-the-counter spring turkey licenses purchased after March 23, (as these customer licenses may be covered by a TAN), a printed copy of the receipt/confirmation email will be used as the carcass tag in these situations. Customers must print the receipt, carry it with them while hunting and attach it to the carcass after harvest and during transport. After harvesting, the hunter must write the sex and date of harvest, as well as sign the receipt, similar to the voiding carcass tag procedures.

Big Game Hunting Information

At this time, there are no planned changes to the big game applications or draw processes, but because there may be unanticipated disruptions, please check back frequently for updates.

Is boating allowed in State Parks during the Safer at Home order?

Yes. Boating is allowed in State Parks during the Safer at Home order.

  • Please go boating in your local area and do not travel to go boating.
  • Boaters need to comply with all CDPHE requirements to stop the spread of COVID-19 and CPW’s Aquatic Nuisance Species regulations to stop the spread of zebra or quagga mussels and other invasive species.

Are Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Stations open and staffed during the Safer at Home order?

Yes, Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Stations to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species in State Parks are open and staffed during the Safer at Home order.

  • Other jurisdictions may or may not be open to boating at this time.
  • See the statewide reservoir opening dates and hours of operations.
  • Be sure to call ahead and verify this information before going boating.

How are you minimizing customer risk of exposure?

Our goal is to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on your recreation experiences in Colorado.

  • We are working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), local health departments, and the office of Governor Polis and will follow their advice and protocols on any future measures.
  • All CPW offices are regularly disinfecting common workspaces, phones and door handles according to CDC and CDPHE guidelines.
  • Staff are washing their hands frequently and are being asked to stay home, or go home, if sick.
  • All CPW educational programs and classes that are not considered essential are being canceled.
  • We are also asking visitors to utilize kiosks for self-check ins where possible to keep traffic lower in visitor centers at this time.

How often do you clean facilities like restrooms, yurts and cabins?

Restrooms are cleaned according to CDC and CDPHE guidelines daily or more often, and we closely monitor the level of park use in case we need to increase our cleaning schedule.

Cabins and yurts are closed, effective March 26 until further notice.

A Note from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources

In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Department of Natural Resources is doing its part through social distancing in the workplace.

Beginning on March 17, many of DNR’s employees will work from home. 

However, the DNR and its agencies will remain open for business to serve the people of Colorado, and are available through phone and email.

Please be patient and flexible as we adjust to this unprecedented circumstance, and know that we will respond to customers as soon as possible. See current COVID-19 updates.

What can I do to help minimize COVID-19 exposure or risk?

Remember that public places are only as clean as the last person who used them, and it’s all of our responsibility to keep them clean. 

  • Follow the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommendations. It’s important for everyone to follow the recommendations from CDPHE for easy, everyday actions to protect yourself and those around you.
  • Stay home if you feel sick. If you are scheduled for an activity with CPW, but feel sick or are at risk of getting sick, please cancel or reschedule your plans until you are well. Your community and the places you love are relying on your help by staying home if you are unwell.
  • Play it safe and be respectful outside. While using this opportunity to spend time outdoors, please do so safely and responsibly. Our first responders and search and rescue teams are all facing these challenges along with us. Please Avoid high-risk or remote activities, as accidents stemming from these types of activities may require extensive resources. Colorado Search and Rescue teams are prepared and ready to respond but could become overloaded if the number of calls increases and the number of available responders decreases.

You can also stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information by regularly visiting the CDPHE and CDC websites for the latest on what you can do to ensure we all do our part to help keep our communities safer.

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