Chico Basin Ranch Access - El Paso/Pueblo Counties

[linda hodges]

Birder friends,

As questions regarding Chico Basin Ranch access are beginning to roll in, I'd like to clarify the new regulations per Aiken Audubon's birding lease with the CO State Land Board:

• ·       The last day to visit Chico under the current policy is Feb 29^th. The ranch will then close to birders until April 29, when banding begins. It will close on June 2^nd and reopen again from September 2 through Oct 6^th. The ranch will be closed to birders the remainder of the year.
  
• ·       Birders will need to register and pay ahead of time, likely up to 7 days in advance, through a system to be set up by Aiken Audubon.
• ·       Visitation will be capped at 20 birders/day, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and access will be limited to the banding station, HQ and Rose Pond. The fee will be $15/person.
• ·       Groups will be able to register farther in advance, possibly 30 days prior to visiting, though that’s not yet been worked out.
• ·       Consider signing up for Aiken’s emails (monthly) to receive regular updates at: AikenAudubon.com, under “About”.

To recap, access for birders: 

Now through Feb 29th

April 29 - June 2

Sept 2 - Oct 6

This first year will likely be bumpy as we work to comply with the requirements, so we ask for your patience. Any questions may be sent to me directly. 

Please spread the word to your  organizations and/or fellow birders.

Hope to see you on the ranch.

Linda Hodges

Aiken Audubon