News about RMNP via rmnpforums.com http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:02:48 +0000 30 http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23402-park-staff-seeking-input-on-lily-lake-dam-project/
The Lily Lake Dam is situated at the headwaters of Fish Creek, which flows into Lake Estes in Estes Park. Fish Creek is about 5 miles in length and the elevation difference between Lily Lake and Lake Estes is about 1,500 feet. If the dam were to fail, the ensuing floodwaters could result in the loss of life and property along Fish Creek. Repairs are needed to the dam to reduce the hazard, or the dam could be removed and the area restored to natural conditions.

Lily Lake, located along Highway 7, has become a popular recreational area in Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake sits in a beautiful mountain setting, surrounded by an accessible trail. The lake is a popular fishing spot and is stocked with greenback cutthroat trout, a federally listed threatened species.

Park staff are seeking the public's input on two long term alternatives. Both repairing and removing the dam would involve several steps. The estimated cost of repairing the dam is approximately $1.4 million, with additional annual costs to maintain and monitor the dam. The estimated cost of removing the dam would be approximately $150,000. If the dam is removed, the resulting lake would be about 14 acres in surface area and would contain about 39 acre feet of water. If the dam remains in place, the lake would be about 17 acres in surface area and contain about 75 acre feet of water.

To learn more about Lily Lake, the dam and possible consequences for both actions, please go to: www.nps.gov/romo/parkmgmt/lily_lake_dam.htm

If you have Internet access, the preferred method for submitting comments is to use the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/romo. From this site, select the Lily Lake Dam Project. Your comments can be submitted online.

You can also submit your comments in the following ways:

• By email: romo_superintendent@nps.gov
  
• By Mail: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
  
• By Fax: (970) 586 -1397
  
• By Express Delivery: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
  
• Hand Delivery: Rocky Mountain National Park Headquarters, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado or to Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park, 16018 Highway 34, Grand Lake, Colorado

Some possible questions to consider when conveying your comments:
1. Which alternative do you favor? Repair the dam or remove it?
2. Why did you choose the alternative that you favor?
3. What are the reasons why you did not choose the other alternative?
4. Do you have any concerns about the alternative you favor?
5. Have we overlooked something important that we should be aware of?
6. Are there any other ideas or observations you would like to share about
this project?

If you do not have internet access and would like a copy of the detailed information that is posted on the park's website, please call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206. Please note that comments should be received in writing by close of business on February 29, 2012.


View the full article]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:02:48 +0000 http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23402-park-staff-seeking-input-on-lily-lake-dam-project/ http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23328-rocky-mountain-national-park-has-third-busiest-season-on-record/
Gathering park visitation statistics is not an exact science.  Counters and formulas are used to collect data at a variety of locations on the east and west sides of the park to assist in estimating park visitation. Longs Peak and Wild Basin area traffic counts were corrected in 2011, which has helped with the increase in visitation.

July is the most visited month in Rocky Mountain National Park, followed by August, September and June. October and May can also see many visitors but are very weather- dependent.

During 2012, Rocky Mountain National Park staff are conducting a person per vehicle study, and changing some sites where visitor estimates are calculated to improve data collection.

To find more specific information about park visitation please access the Rocky Mountain National Park visitor use reports on the National Park Service website, http://www.nature.nps.gov/stats/park.cfm Please choose 'Rocky Mountain NP,' then 'ROMO YTD Summary Report' and then the 'View Report' button. The total number of visitors is on the bottom line.

View the full article]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:27:19 +0000 http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23328-rocky-mountain-national-park-has-third-busiest-season-on-record/ http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23292-winter-trails-day-in-bear-lake-shuttle-parking-lot/ http://www.estesparkcvb.com/events.cfm?mode=cat_overview&listing_cat_id=1578]]> Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:31:53 +0000 http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23292-winter-trails-day-in-bear-lake-shuttle-parking-lot/ http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23197-scenic-drive-to-estes-park-hwy-36-could-get-giant-steel-power-lines/
http://www.9news.com/rss/article/235755/75/Scenic-drive-to-Estes-Park-could-get-giant-steel-power-lines-?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

--Aaron ]]> Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:23:00 +0000 http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23197-scenic-drive-to-estes-park-hwy-36-could-get-giant-steel-power-lines/ http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23118-sprague-lake-area-will-continue-to-be-closed-in-rocky-mountain-national-park-until-further-notice/
Extremely high winds this past weekend blew down numerous trees in Rocky Mountain National Park. Winds were estimated to be between 70 to 90 miles per hour. Many of the trees that blew down were not beetle killed trees, but were old, large ponderosa pines.

Park visitors should be mindful that falling trees are an ever-present hazard. When traveling or camping in the forest, trees can fall without warning. Be particularly watchful when it's windy, or following a snowstorm when branches are heavy with snow.

Visitors are encouraged to stop at a park visitor center, call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206 or access the park's website www.nps.gov/romo to get the current status of these closures.

View the full article]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:30:50 +0000 http://www.rmnpforums.com/forums/topic/23118-sprague-lake-area-will-continue-to-be-closed-in-rocky-mountain-national-park-until-further-notice/