As Pitkin County Open Space and Trails staff works to design a trail up the Crystal River Valley, a local conservation organization wants to make sure wildlife is protected.
Wilderness Workshop has hired biologist Rick Thompson to study potential impacts to wildlife, especially as planners work on trail alignment through sensitive habitat.
“It really comes down to getting the science right,” said Will Roush, conservation director for Wilderness Workshop.
Pitkin County and the U.S. Forest Service are also conducting studies, which will consider cost, engineering and safety, in addition to wildlife impacts.
Thompson will present his findings at public meetings next week.