PRESS RELEASE
Public Input Requested for Marolt Open Space Draft Management Plan
Contact: John Spiess, Open Space and Natural Resources Manager, City of Aspen, 970-618-6935 or john.spiess@cityofaspen.com
Aspen, CO – March 2, 2021 – The City of Aspen Parks and Open Space Department is seeking public input on the Marolt Open Space Draft Management Plan. The public can learn more about recommended management policies and actions and offer narrative opinions at www.aspencommunityvoice.com.
The Marolt Open Space Management Plan is updated every decade. The ongoing goals are to protect, restore, and preserve the qualities of the Marolt Open Space in the spirit of the acquisition of the property, and in reflection of the values and needs of the natural and human communities that depend upon this space.
In 2019 the Draft Management Plan was developed based on past plans and via public comments, open house feedback, online engagement, existing conditions, input from Parks and Open Space staff and Open Space and Trails Board, and stakeholder comments.
“We look forward to hearing from the public on how the draft aligns with the values Aspen has expressed as a community in the past and through the input in 2019,” said John Spiess, Open Space and Natural Resource Manager for the Parks and Open Space Department. “The next steps after this public engagement will be to review comments received and revise the Draft Management Plan and present a final version to the Open Space and Trails Board.”
Recommended management actions in the draft are divided into seven sections which include: maintenance, natural resources, historical resources, recreation and trails, interpretation and education, agriculture, Aspen Community Garden, and special events.
The Aspen Community Voice page offers links to recommended management actions for all seven categories along with the entire Draft Management Plan and a variety of photos.
Aspen Community Voice will be open for input on these projects through March. Community input will be integrated into the final plan, which will be presented to the Open Space Board for adoption during their regularly scheduled June 2021 meeting.
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