A review of recreational activity in the North Slope Recreation Area with a specific look at impacts to the watershed and our reservoirs is underway. The impacts of all recreational activities are being considered in the review, which will consider:
- Existing public access and recreation, infrastructure protections, security and public safety.
- Suitable alternatives and best management practices that mitigate the impact of recreational activity and protect the community’s water supply and quality.
- Appropriate staff and resources to manage and monitor Springs Utilities’ watershed lands and reservoirs.
- Recommendations on public policy governing commercially guided activities* and permitting.
- Costs associated with managing recreation in the area.
At the conclusion of the planning and stakeholder process, recommended operational changes will be reviewed by Springs Utilities leadership. A plan that includes policy recommendations will be presented to the Utilities Board and City Council for consideration and approval.
Review timeline
• An interagency stakeholder process will take place Q2-Q3 of 2025.
• A public stakeholder process will begin during Q2 of 2025.
• Conclusions and recommendations for consideration will be presented to the Utilities Board in late 2025/early 2026.
If you have questions about the NSRA review process, email engage@csu.org or call (719) 668-7765.
* A smaller study completed in 2023 identified commercial guided recreation models and best practices for their management to protect resources. The final discussion for this topic will be reviewed with other resulting policy questions that will be brought to Colorado Springs Utilities Board/City Council for consideration.
