Breaking new ground in outdoor recreation, Governor Jared Polis, along with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), has entered into discussions with local and federal partners for the possible creation of a Pikes Peak Recreation Area. This initiative, stemming from the Regional Partnerships Initiative signed in 2020, opened up the conversation for CPW to potentially manage and enhance the recreation facilities around the iconic Pikes Peak, famously known as America's Mountain. "We deserve an amazing statewide vision of world-class outdoor recreation while preserving Colorado’s wildlife, habitat and quality of life," Governor Polis said, as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife, emphasizing the alignment of the project with the state's vision.
CPW's potential role in this grand scheme is to better the outdoor amenities currently available, and to weigh in the creation of new ones, with an eye towards sustainable land and wildlife management. An ambitious outline by Governor Polis includes enhancing camping, fishing, hiking, and other recreational activities on Pikes Peak over a multi-year timeline. CPW Director Jeff Davis shared his optimism, asserting, "CPW is excited to begin serious talks with local and federal partners about managing outdoor recreation on Pikes Peak," as obtained by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The Letter of Intent (LOI) that catapulted this collaboration into motion was signed by an array of stakeholders including the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the cities of Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs, and entities representing federal forests and grasslands. These partners have voiced a commitment to working together to improve current recreation opportunities and to deliberate on sustainable land management practices. The collective determination of these agencies is to support initiatives like the completion of the "Ring the Peak Trail," a project of primary interest that has seen continuous planning since 2021.
Integral to this partnership is the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA), led by Executive Director Becky Leinweber. The alliance has been a catalyst, striving for over three years to unify the region's parties in advancing outdoor priorities. "Our collaboration has been instrumental in advancing outdoor priorities," Leinweber said, as noted by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, acknowledging the collective efforts to tackle complex challenges, such as the improved management of Pikes Peak's recreation facilities.
