Advocating for Recreation and Conservation Through Local Leadership and Partnerships
MedWheel is proud to announce a significant win for the outdoor community! The El Paso County Commissioners have unanimously approved the Jones Park Master Plan, marking the culmination of over a decade of advocacy and collaboration. This updated plan reflects our commitment to sustainable recreation, conservation, and local leadership in trail management.
12+ Years of Collaboration
Jones Park, nestled in the Bear Creek watershed and accessed via North Cheyenne Cañon, has long been a focal point for MedWheel’s advocacy. In 2012, MedWheel and partners presented a letter to the US Forest Service requesting a cooperative approach to protecting the endangered greenback cutthroat trout while maintaining recreational opportunities.
Although we are still awaiting a formal response from the Forest Service, this action initiated over a decade of sustained efforts to protect recreation and conservation in Jones Park. The situation became more complex after a lawsuit by an outside group prompted sweeping changes, including the reroute of the original trail.
In 2015, ownership of Jones Park transferred from Colorado Springs Utilities to El Paso County, including deed restrictions and a conservation easement to protect the trout habitat. This transfer was driven by a desire to maintain local decision-making authority in the face of slow and complex federal processes.
Since 2019, the county has been working on a master plan. Earlier drafts were problematic, showing no future trails or suggesting future trails would be unbuildable due to requirements of formal federal approval. MedWheel volunteers, staff and partners consistently advocated for revisions that balance conservation goals with recreational opportunities.
On December 17, 2024, after extensive negotiations and advocacy, the El Paso County Commissioners approved the plan with key revisions that MedWheel and our partners have championed for years. The updated plan recognizes the federal laws protecting the trout while ensuring that decisions about Jones Park’s future remain firmly rooted in local processes. You can watch video coverage of the meeting here. Gazette article link.
MedWheel and the El Paso County lawyer breaking it down for the county commissioners.
Final Major Update to the Plan
MedWheel and partners secured critical changes to the Jones Park Master Plan. These include:
- Consultation Requirements: Future trail development still requires consultation with the Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service that are required by the Endangered Species Act.
- Local evaluation by Palmer Land Conservancy: Palmer will ensure all future initiatives align with the 2016 conservation easement protecting fish habitat. This creates the possibility of construction of additional trails that do not impact the fish.
These changes provide a clear pathway for trail development that respects public input, safeguards sensitive ecosystems, and maintains local decision-making authority.
A Path Forward for Recreation and Conservation
The updated master plan shows a balanced approach to meeting the needs of trail users while preserving Jones Park’s natural beauty:
- Trail Development: Aspirational trails identified through public input remain in the plan, with a defined requirements for future construction.
- Trail Sustainability: Ongoing reroutes, restoration efforts, and maintenance, including the iconic Captain Jacks trail, are underway.
- Environmental Stewardship: Active monitoring and management of social trails continue to protect sensitive ecosystems.
Collaboration at the Core
This victory is a testament to the power of partnership. MedWheel’s success was achieved alongside longstanding allies, including the Colorado Motorcycle Trail Riders Association (CMTRA) and local equestrian groups including the Pikes Peak Ranger Riders and the Equestrian Skills Park. These collaborations highlight the ability of diverse trail users to rally together around shared goals of equitable access, sustainable recreation, and environmental conservation.
Stay Engaged
As we celebrate this victory, MedWheel’s work continues. Join us in advocating for sustainable trails and public lands by:
- Following updates at medwheel.org.
- Volunteering for trail projects.
- Participating in master plans and other public processes that shape the future of outdoor recreation.
Together, we can ensure that our trails continue to inspire, and protect the natural environment for generations to come.
Advocacy matters. Collaboration ensures conservation and recreation thrive for generations to come.