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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