Parcels PCA-62-A-1-A-X, PCA-62-A-X, PCA-61-X, PCA-61-E-X, PCA-59-X, PCA-62-G-X, IHPCMC-1-2AM - Administrative Conditional Use Permit - The Applicant Proposes to Construct a New Trail in the Round Valley Open Space. PL-22-05225
(A) Public Input (B) Action
I've submitted a more detailed comment to the Dept email as a representative of the Mule Deer Foundation, but briefly wanted to encourage recreation/community planners to take wildlife use of these open spaces into serious consideration. Heavy recreation use has been shown to have negative impacts on multiple species, including mule deer, elk, moose, songbirds, upland birds and small mammals. In particular, high-density trail systems and chronic disturbance throughout the season often leads to energy (fat reserves) loss, reproductive issues (lower pregnancy rate, nest failure, young abandonment) and/or disuse of valuable habitat, all of which negatively effects individuals and potentially local populations. On the flip side, habituation of large mammals can also occur, inevitably causing increases in wildlife-vehicle collisions, injurious or lethal encounters for people and dogs (esp. from moose), destruction of property and direct cost in community funds and resources to address these problems. While the Big Easy trail is adding mileage to the 50+ miles already present and not likely to be a huge shock to the Round Valley system, we want to encourage collaborative community planning that includes wildlife professionals who can bring those pertinent considerations into the decision-making process. We applaud the efforts to protect open space and promotion of a healthy, sustainable recreational connection with the natural environment that makes Summit County such an attractive place to live. Collaborative planning can help ensure people and wildlife remain good neighbors. Thank you for your time.
Planning Dept. Members,
I've submitted a more detailed comment to the Dept email as a representative of the Mule Deer Foundation, but briefly wanted to encourage recreation/community planners to take wildlife use of these open spaces into serious consideration. Heavy recreation use has been shown to have negative impacts on multiple species, including mule deer, elk, moose, songbirds, upland birds and small mammals. In particular, high-density trail systems and chronic disturbance throughout the season often leads to energy (fat reserves) loss, reproductive issues (lower pregnancy rate, nest failure, young abandonment) and/or disuse of valuable habitat, all of which negatively effects individuals and potentially local populations. On the flip side, habituation of large mammals can also occur, inevitably causing increases in wildlife-vehicle collisions, injurious or lethal encounters for people and dogs (esp. from moose), destruction of property and direct cost in community funds and resources to address these problems. While the Big Easy trail is adding mileage to the 50+ miles already present and not likely to be a huge shock to the Round Valley system, we want to encourage collaborative community planning that includes wildlife professionals who can bring those pertinent considerations into the decision-making process. We applaud the efforts to protect open space and promotion of a healthy, sustainable recreational connection with the natural environment that makes Summit County such an attractive place to live. Collaborative planning can help ensure people and wildlife remain good neighbors. Thank you for your time.