Two of
Denver’s most significant native areas have been officially designated as Conservation Natural Areas this fall.
A restoration Management Plan has been completed for each of these areas, making them ready for designation. The new areas are Hentzell Park and areas of Parkfield Park. For information, call Susan Baird at 720-913-0617.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board held a Public Hearing September 13, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Harvard Gulch Recreation Center, 550 East Iliff Avenue, to present the proposal for community discussion. Following discussion, the advisory board unanimously approved both areas.
A Conservation Natural Area can be the park in its entirety or section of a park. Prior to this designation, Heron Pond, Camp Rollandet, and sections of Inspiration Point had been officially designated by the Parks and Recreation Manager. By ordinance, these areas can have special rules and regulations to protect them, such as closing off areas during nesting season or prohibiting active recreation. Each of these four sites contains rare native plants and functions as wildlife habitat. A “Wild About Denver” naturalist program was held in each of these sites in June and July to introduce the neighborhood to these remnant pieces of nature close to home.
Conservation Management Plans