OSMP INSTITUTES SEASONAL RAPTOR CLOSURES
On Feb. 1, the Open Space and Mountain Parks Department implemented seasonal raptor closures that will be in place through July 31. The closures protect raptor and grassland bird nest sites.
Designated trails will doesn’t not be closed during this period.
As a result of last year’s closures, six peregrine falcons, nine prairie falcons, three golden eagles Summit, the Third Flatiron,
Flagstaff have Mountain, Skunk Canyon, The Back Porch and The Box, Bear
Creek Spire, Fern Canyon, Shadow Canyon and and two bald eagles were born in 2014. The wildlife closures also help to protect more than 10 species that require grasslands to breed.
Look for closures at: Lefthand Canyon Palisades, Mount Sanitas the Matron, The Sphinx and The Wings and the entire Mickey Mouse wall, as well Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress and Eagle Rock in Boulder Canyon.
Despite
closures being in effect through July 31, some seasonal area closures
may be lifted earlier in July, depending upon conditions. Signs will be posted in closure areas.
— Steven Grossman
FIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS BRING WORLD-CLASS COMPETITION TO VAIL
VALLEY For the next two weeks, Vail and Beaver Creek will host the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. The races will
showcase athletes from more than 70 nations, with events running through
Feb. 15. The majority of the competitions will take place at Beaver
Creek, with 10 of the 11 medal events taking place on Beaver Creek
Mountain. Vail hosted the Opening Ceremony, and will feature the
Nation’s Team Event on Feb. 10, as well the Men’s Giant Slalom and
slalom qualification competitions.
All
race events will be free and open to the public and will take place at
the Red Tail Stadium at Beaver Creek and Golden Peak at Vail. Free buses
are available for access to either venue starting at 5:30 a.m. Beaver
Creek provides a variety of viewing options— accessible through hiking
or skiing from a number of access points on the mountain.
The
championships will also host two free concerts every day with bands
including Michael Franti & Spearhead, O.A.R. and the Barenaked
Ladies, from Feb. 3 to Feb. 14, with shows starting at 3 p.m. and 7
p.m., following the day’s races and medal ceremonies.
In
addition, Sierra Nevada will be hosting the Winter Beer Camp from 4–8
p.m., featuring a selection of rare beer following each day’s
competitions.
Spectators
are encouraged to bring blankets to cover the bleachers, bathe in
sunscreen, keep hydrated and carpool often and early — but more
importantly, bring a cowbell.
— Steven Grossman
