The conversation around the relocation of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Fort Collins has just gotten an extension. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to keep the floor open for public comments on the revised draft Environmental Assessment a little longer, scoring some points for public participation, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Comments will now be accepted until the eve of November 5, a little respite for those who need more time to consider the implications of the move. The document itself is up for grabs on the USFWS website for those who want to dive into the details.
It looks like Colorado Parks and Wildlife is all set for a change of scenery, with plans to uproot their Fort Collins office to a new location at the southeast corner of I-25 and Mountain Vista Drive. But this isn't just about a change of address. The draft Environmental Assessment put together by CPW and USFWS asserts that this move wouldn't just jazz up the adjoining roads; it would also step lightly around matters of wetlands, floodplains, or the local threatened or endangered species, so they claim.
The motivation behind the move is rooted firmly in practicality. The current digs at 317 W Prospect Rd are showing their age at over six decades and are buckling under the pressures of a bulging staff complement. The urban sprawl entangling the office has made coming and going, especially with boat-laden trailers, ATVs, and campers in tow, something of a logistical nightmare. And, with agency growth on a steady climb, their storage situation is getting a bit too cozy for comfort.
