Pitkin County is taking public comments on a draft plan for managing the North Star Nature Preserve, east of Aspen. On Monday night, an open house will be held, where people can learn more about the wetlands and meadows.
You drive by the North Star Nature Preserve on your way toward Independence Pass from Aspen. It’s a 285-acre open space parcel with deer, elk, black bears and the one of the highest elevation Great Blue Heron rookeries in the state.
Aspen resident Charlie Hopton has been counting the birds at North Star for years. His records show their numbers have gone down. He blames a growing number of people floating the river near where the birds nest.
"I noticed the major impact when paddle boarding and tubing became popular. Kayakers are essentially very quiet and slow moving. They’re not creating the disturbance. It's from a bunch of people on tubes and paddle boards who are partying."
He’s submitting comments on the latest plan for managing the area. Pitkin County is doing an update. Gary Tennenbaum is with the county’s Open Space Dept. He acknowledges more people are visiting the area.
"It’s the river that’s seen an increase in popularity over the last five years," he says.
But, he adds, blaming the bird’s fluctuating numbers solely on recreation is wrong. He says there are studies showing river users don't affect herons like people on the ground, and under trees with nests. Under the new management plan, people won’t be allowed on the land near the rookery but, river users can continue to float through. The plan enhances the area’s wetlands, which could also impact the bird’s population.
The updated management plan also addresses parking problems due to the area’s growing popularity and lays out some solutions. Monday's open house starts at 5 o’clock at the County’s Plaza One meeting room, or county commissioners’ chambers.