Volunteers from Wild Connections and staff from the USFS South Park Ranger District and the Platte Canyon Fire Department set 124 posts at three locations on LaSalle Pass on September 12. A big shout out to these fine folks!

If you've ever set posts, you know it is hard work, and everyone was really glad that the Forest Service had augured the holes earlier in the week. Volunteers placed the posts, mixed concrete, and checked to be sure they were vertical.

After the concrete cures cable will be strung to complete the barriers at these three illegal routes. Access to several designated dispersed camp sites is provided (example at right) and the route over the pass leads to nearby motorized routes to the east in the Badger Flats area.

This project continues Wild Connections work to protect roadless areas and wildlife habitat in the Farnum Peak area of South Park. These closures will benefit animals typical of shrublands, aspen and pine forests of the area, and in particular the Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles and Americaan Pregrine Falcons that frequent the cliffs near the Pass. This population is declining, and have likely been adversely affected by human presence and noise from motorized traffic.