Visitors to Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge are set for a safer, more informed hiking experience thanks to new safety features and educational efforts. Jefferson County has unveiled a bridge over Indiana Street and an underpass on CO128, aiming to prevent the risks of crossing a busy road and to connect the refuge seamlessly to neighboring public spaces.
The Rocky Mountain Greenway (RMG) project, which received a Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) grant back in 2016, is finally seeing its components come to life. With the land under question being a former nuclear weapons production facility, it's no surprise that safety assurances from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) were crucial before moving forward, according to Jefferson County. These agencies have given the thumbs up, confirming that RFNWR is indeed safe for hikers and nature lovers alike.
The director of Jefferson County Open Space, Tom Hoby, emphasized the importance of safety and education regarding the site's history. He said, "Our mission is to provide healthy, nature-based experiences. Given this, we needed to be assured that RFNWR was tested, studied and deemed safe for visitors given the history of this site," as per Jefferson County. Constructed trails are a part of this assurance, using off-site materials that reduce soil disturbance and dust. This is a plus for both the visitors and the site's wildlife, as most people tend to stay on these less erosive paths.
Not only does the construction of such trails add a level of protection for visitors, but it also offers educational opportunities. Signage is now in place to fill in hikers on the history, the environmental efforts taken, and the choices available to them in the context of the refuge, Jeffco announced. And let's not breeze past the perks of a bridge over a busy road. This structure is being completed by the Federal Highway Administration and significantly minimizes the danger for refuge visitors, who had previously faced a perilous crossing over Indiana Street, with limited visibility impeding their journey.
