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Tag: Strasburg

  • Governor Polis Signs Updated Safer at Home Executive Order to Transition to Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors

    Governor Polis Signs Updated Safer at Home Executive Order to Transition to Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors

    DENVER – Gov. Polis today signed an Executive Order, transitioning from Safer at Home to Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors.

    “Our state has some of the most beautiful natural open spaces in the world and we want Coloradans to enjoy our vast, great outdoors. While we are all still safer at home, we are also able to practice greater social distancing in our great outdoors than in confined indoor spaces,” said Governor Jared Polis. “It may feel like we are getting back to normal, but the virus is still here, and it could surge back the moment we let our guard down. We are still far from normal. Coloradans have to remain diligent, and must continue staying home or in the great outdoors away from others as much as possible, wearing masks when we leave the house, and washing our hands. Over these next few weeks, each and every one of us has a responsibility to protect ourselves and others, especially as we begin venturing out onto our trails and open space.”

    “And for anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, it’s extremely important to not go to work or hang out with others and to get tested. Testing is free, easy, and quick at 47 state-supported, community testing sites across the state including at the Pepsi Center in Denver,” Gov. Polis added. 

    “Colorado has millions of acres of accessible federal land, municipal parks, State parks, State and county open space, and other accessible areas that allow for stronger Social Distancing in our great outdoors. Coloradans should Stay at Home or in the great outdoors away from others as much as possible and continue to limit social interactions, remain at least six feet from others not in their household, and wear non-medical facial coverings in public,” the Executive Order reads. 

    Previously, high-risk Coloradans, those above 65 or with underlying health conditions, were required to stay home unless absolutely necessary. With this Executive Order, those individuals are now encouraged to also enjoy Colorado’s outdoor spaces at a safe social distance, in addition to staying at home as much as possible. This Executive Order also directs the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to issue a corresponding Public Health Order.

    CDPHE is also releasing draft guidance on houses of worship, outdoor recreation, personal recreation, and updates to the child care and personal services guidances. Playgrounds and swimming pools can open at limited capacity and the Governor encourages people to have safe fun outdoors away from others. CDPHE is soliciting input from industry and key stakeholders on the draft guidance, and comments are due by Wednesday, at 12:00pm. Final versions will be released Thursday, June 4, 2020. CDPHE also released guidance for short-term rentals, allowing them to reopen as of June 1, 2020. Guidance issued under Safer at Home is still in effect unless updated by this Executive Order or under CDPHE.

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  • Mental Health and Emergency Medical Experts Encourage Support for Clinicians Health During Pandemic

    Mental Health and Emergency Medical Experts Encourage Support for Clinicians Health During Pandemic

    WASHINGTON, D.C. —In a joint statement, emergency medicine and other leading medical associations, academics and psychiatry experts outline steps to support the mental health of emergency physicians and other health professionals currently risking their lives to treat patients during this pandemic.

    “A physician’s choice to address his or her mental health should be encouraged, not penalized,” said William Jaquis, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). “Efforts to preserve and protect the mental health of emergency care teams should be prioritized now and in the aftermath of this pandemic.” 

    Optimal physical and mental health of physicians and other medical clinicians is conducive to the optimal health and safety of patients, the joint statement reads. Physicians and other health care professionals should feel comfortable seeking treatment for psychiatric symptoms, just as anyone else should. A health professionals’ history of mental illness or substance use disorder (SUD) treatment should not be used as an indicator of their current or future ability to competently practice medicine.

    These leading medical groups believe that credentialing entities should refrain both from discouraging physicians from seeking professional help and from dissuading physicians from joining peer support groups. There should be no reprisals for a physician who engages in such therapeutic endeavors.

    According to the statement, “For most physicians and clinicians, seeking treatment for mental health triggers legitimate fear of resultant loss of licensure, loss of income or other career setbacks. Such fears are known to deter physicians from accessing necessary mental health care. Seeking care should be strongly encouraged, not penalized.”

    “As important as providing personal protective equipment is the need to ensure the mental health of our frontline clinicians is attended to during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said American Psychiatric Association President Jeffrey Geller, MD, MPH. “Each health care professional should seek help if needed without hesitation and should be helped to do so by a colleague if such assistance is necessary.”

    The joint statement is signed by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR), American Association for Emergency Psychiatry (AAEP), American Association of Suicidology (AAS), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), American College of Surgeons (ACS), American Epilepsy Society (AES), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), American Geriatric Society (AGS), American Medical Association (AMA), American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), American Society of Hematology (ASH), American Society of Nephrology (ASN), American Thoracic Society (ATS), American Urological Association (AUA), Coalition on Psychiatric Emergencies (CPE), Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (CORD), Council for Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association (EMRA), Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), North American Spine Society (NASS), Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA), Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).

    The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 39,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million Americans they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org.

     

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  • Denver Curfew Extended through Friday  

    Denver Curfew Extended through Friday  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    City and County of Denver Curfew Extended Following Three Nights of Destructive Disturbances  

      DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced today the extension of the citywide curfew. A citywide curfew for Denver will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., overnight, tonight through the morning of Friday, June 5.   

      A total of 284 arrests have been made in conjunction with the disturbances over the past four days, including 170 arrests on Sunday, May 31. Charges vary, but include violation of curfew order, assault, criminal mischief, assault to peace officer, burglary and arson.  

     The City and County of Denver extends its gratitude to the 400+ volunteers who are assisting today with cleanup efforts in Civic Center Park and surrounding areas. Additional assistance with cleanup is anticipated throughout the week. Updates on volunteer opportunities will be posted on Denvergov.org as they become available.

    EMERGENCY CURFEW

    Issued pursuant to DRMC Section 2-98

    I, Michael B. Hancock, Mayor of the City and County of Denver, subject to the authority granted to me pursuant to the State Constitution, the Colorado Revised Statutes, the Charter of the City and County of Denver (“Charter”), and the Denver Revised Municipal Code (“DRMC”), do hereby proclaim the following Emergency Regulation:

    WHEREAS, on May 25, 2020, George Perry Floyd died while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department; and

    WHEREAS, in the aftermath of Mr. Floyd’s death, a civil disturbance has occurred within the downtown and surrounding areas of the City and County of Denver, with resulting significant and extensive damage to people and/or property, including several public and private businesses and buildings that have been damaged, looted, or burned; and

    WHEREAS, in the aftermath of Mr. Floyd’s death and the resulting civil unrest and disorder, law enforcement personnel, residents, and visitors have been and remain at risk of significant injury and death, as well as significant destruction to public and private property and the potential for further civil unrest or disorder is to such an extent that extraordinary measures must be taken to preserve order necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and

    WHEREAS, a majority of the destruction and violence has taken place under the cover of darkness; and

    WHEREAS, as a result, on May 30, 2020, I declared a State of Local Disaster Emergency pursuant to the State Constitution, the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act (C.R.S. § 24-33.5-701, et seq.), the Charter and Ordinances of the City and County of Denver, and Chapter 16 of the Denver Revised Municipal Code; and

    WHEREAS, pursuant to the Charter and Ordinances of the DRMC, the Mayor, as the chief executive officer of the city, is vested with

    WHEREAS, pursuant to the Declaration of Local Disaster Emergency, the Mayor is authorized to exercise some or all of the powers allowed by the State Constitution, the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act, and the Charter and Ordinances of the City and County of Denver during the State of Local Disaster Emergency; and

    WHEREAS, DRMC Section 2-98 vests the Mayor, as an officer of the city, with the express authority to adopt emergency rules if such action is deemed necessary to protect immediately the public health, safety or welfare; and

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael B. Hancock, Mayor of the City and County of Denver, do hereby

    all the executive and administrative powers granted to the

    City and County of Denver by Article XX of the Constitution of the State of Colorado, and all

    executive and administrative powers contained in the Charter of the City and County of Denver, and

    otherwise existing by operation of law, including the power to enforce all laws and ordinances; and

    declare pursuant to this emergency regulation that:

    1. A nighttime curfew is imposed in all public places within the City and County of Denver, including streets and public right-of-ways, during the following times:
      1. a)  From 9:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2020, until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June, 2, 2020; and
      2. b)  From 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, until 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020; and
      3. c)  From 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, until 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2020;

        and

      4. d)  From 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2020, until 5:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020.
    2. During the hours of curfew, all persons are prohibited from using, standing, sitting, traveling or being present on any public street or in any public place, including for the purpose of travel, with the following exceptions:

    a. All law enforcement, fire, paramedics or other medical personnel, Colorado National Guard as well as any other emergency response personnel authorized by the City and County of Denver, and credentialed members of the news media.

    b. Individuals traveling directly to and from work, traveling directly to and from the Denver International Airport, seeking exempt care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, or experiencing homelessness.

    c. Any person to whom permission by authorized City and County of Denver officials is specifically granted.

    1. The office of the Mayor of the City and County of Denver shall designate any additional personnel that are exempt from the curfew pursuant to Paragraph 2 above.
    2. For purposes of this emergency regulation, “travel” includes, without limitation, travel on foot, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit, or any other mode of transporting a person from one location to another.
    3. For purposes of this emergency regulation, “public place” means any place, whether on privately or publicly owned property, accessible to the general public, including but not limited to public streets and roads, alleys, highways, driveways, sidewalks, parks, vacant lots, and unsupervised property. For purposes of this emergency regulation, “public place” does not include the Denver International Airport.
    4. For purposes of this emergency regulation, “exempt care” means necessary medical services for an individual’s self or family member.

    It shall be unlawful to violate the curfew established pursuant to this emergency regulation. A violation of this emergency regulation is a criminal violation of the Denver Revised Municipal Code and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $999.00 or imprisonment for not more than 300 days, pursuant to DRMC, Section 1-13.

    June 1, 2020

    Date

    Michael B. Hancock
    Mayor, City and County of Denver

    Paul D. López
    Denver Clerk and Recorder

    POSTED: June 1, 2020

     

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  • June 4 Telephone Town Hall: Kids and COVID-19

     

    Join us Thursday, June 4 at 7 p.m. for an update about the latest developments in the COVID public health crisis.

    This event will have a special focus on child- and education-related issues families will face through the summer and into the fall, and state and local education officials will be on hand to answer your questions.

    At the time of the event listen in by: 

    Calling 855-436-3656

    Visiting our Facebook page

    Visiting arapahoegov.com/Townhall

    Questions accepted through the phone line or the Townhall web page.

     

     

     

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  • Governor Polis Provides Update on State Response to COVID-19

    Governor Polis Provides Update on State Response to COVID-19

    DENVER – Gov. Polis today provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the importance of staying at home for older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions. 

    “While Colorado is returning to greater normalcy and more Coloradans safely return to work, older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions should continue staying home as much as possible,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We are proud of the progress Coloradans have made over the last months, but everyone needs to continue taking the serious necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our neighbors. We are all in this together, and we will get through this together. This is a difficult time for many people in our state, but we can’t lose sight of what is at stake if we don’t follow social distancing protocols, wash our hands, or wear masks when leaving the house.”

    The Governor was joined via video chat by his 76-year old mother, Susan, who has been staying at home since early March and will continue to do so through June, to help emphasize the importance of older Coloradans and seniors staying at home during this pandemic to protect their health. The pair also discussed ways to communicate with family members and loved ones during this challenging time.

    The Governor announced that the state’s Care Facility Task Force has completed 747 infection control surveys, including 100% of all nursing homes in the state. These surveys are critical for the state to track the spread of the virus, especially in nursing homes that are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks. The state has also received and is in the process of reviewing 1,048 isolation plans from congregate care facilities across the state. These plans are crucial for ensuring that congregate care facilities are taking appropriate steps to protect residents.

    Gov. Polis applauded the announcement to extend the Colorado National Guard’s federal deployment until mid-August. Previously, their federal deployment was set to end after just 89 days — one day short of the 90 day threshold for retirement and education benefits. This would have been deeply unfair to Colorado’s national guardsmen and women who are on hiatus from their day jobs so they can be on the front lines fighting this pandemic, and it would have placed more stress on the state budget.

    Earlier this month the state announced we would be highlighting businesses that are finding creative ways to make ends meet through this pandemic through the “Can-Do Colorado” Campaign. Today, the Governor highlighted Johnny B. Good’s Diner in Steamboat Springs which has helped seniors and worked to preserve a sense of community at a time when we need it the most.

    The Governor today signed Executive Order D 2020 081, amending Executive Order D 2020 070 directing the expenditure of federal funds pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act). The Executive Order changes the fund source for the accounting of certain CARES Act Fund dollars for education and clarifies the permissible uses of CARES Act Fund dollars for units of local government.

    View the news conference on the Governor’s Facebook page. 

     

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  • CBI Virtually Honors Colorado’s Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest Winners

    On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, members of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) virtually recognized three, 5th grade students for their winning entries as part of the National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.

    CBI Director John Camper and others presented the first-place award to 5th grade student Alicia Cardenas, from Cheraw Elementary in Cheraw Colorado, who won Colorado’s poster contest in recognition of National Missing Children’s Day on May 25. (Cheraw is located approximately 10 miles north of La Junta.)

     

    “Although Alicia’s entry was not selected as the recipient of the national contest her entry captured the spirit of the theme ‘Bring Our Missing Children Home in vivid colors and endless creativity,” said Director Camper. “While this year’s ceremony looked much different from previous events, it was a wonderful opportunity to virtually meet the students and their families.”

     

    The second and third place winners  Kianah Miller from Lincoln Elementary in Delta and Angelica Aguilar from St. John the Baptist School in Longmont were also recognized during the ceremony.

     

    Tens of thousands of children are reported missing in the United States each year. Law enforcement, citizens, and even children have been instrumental in keeping children safe and returning them home to their families, communities and schools.

     

    Colorado law enforcement received more than 8,000 reports of missing children in 2019.  The reports were primarily for runaways, and were resolved within a few days or weeks. However, as of May 1, 2020, there were over 600 cases of long-term missing (those missing a year or more) juvenile cases still active in Colorado.

     

    Attached, please find the winning poster for Alicia Cardenas featuring several beautifully drawn framed photos of families with the missing children represented as shadows, as well as an image from the virtual event.

     

    Each year, missing children are honored during National Missing Children’s Day on May 25th.

     

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  • 12 Coloradans Die Each Summer in Teen Crashes

    12 Coloradans Die Each Summer in Teen Crashes

    DENVER  (May 28, 2020) – Over the past ten years, more than 120 people were killed on Colorado roadways in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That’s the takeaway from a new AAA study that found that, nationwide, more than 8,300 people died in teen-related summertime crashes from 2008 to 2018. That’s more than seven people a day each summer. 

    “The last decade of data show that teens, simply put, crash more than adults – and that summertime marks an increase in fatal teen crashes,” said Skyler McKinley, director of public affairs for AAA Colorado. “Per our analysis, for every mile driven, new drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash than adults.” 

    According to the AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72 percent of teen drivers between 16 and 18 admitted to having engaged in at least one of the following risky behaviors in the past 30 days:  • Driving 10mph over the speed limit on a residential street (47%)

    • Driving 15mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40%)
    • Texting while driving (35%)
    • Red-light running (32%)
    • Aggressive driving (31%)
    • Drowsy driving (25%)
    • Driving without a seatbelt (17%) “Fundamentally, parents are the best line of defense to keep everyone safe behind the wheel,” McKinley said. “It’s important to educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and the impairing effects of alcohol and marijuana. But that’s not enough: Parents need to refrain from engaging in risky driving behaviors to demonstrate just how serious these issues are.”

    Summer 2020 has the potential to prove particularly deadly for teens, with schools closed, activities curtailed, summer jobs canceled, and COVID-19 restrictions gradually lifting. To keep roads safer this summer, AAA encourages parents to:  • Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, including speeding, impairment, and distracted driving.

    • Teach by example, and minimize risky behavior when driving. 
    • Establish a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers.
    • Conduct at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice with their teen.  To support parents in conducting practice driving sessions during COVID-19 and beyond, AAA is providing a free four-page guide to help parents coach their teens on how to drive safely. “Coaching Your New Driver – An In-Car Guide for Parents” offers behind-the-wheel lesson plans, including a variety of “DOs and DON’Ts” to make the learning experience as helpful as possible.  For parents, the guide can be beneficial as they coach their teens on a variety of routes, building on their formal behind-the-wheel training. 

    TeenDriving.AAA.com has a variety of tools to help prepare parents and teens for the dangerous summer driving season. The online AAA StartSmart Parent Session also offers excellent resources for parents on how to become effective in-car coaches as well as advice on how to manage their teen’s overall driving privileges. Teens preparing for the responsibility of driving should enroll in a driver education program that teaches how to avoid driver distraction and other safety skills. Parents can find a driving school they can trust at AAA.com/DrivingSchool.

    About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
    Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a not-for-profit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

     

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  • FSA and CSU Team up to Conduct CFAP Webinar

    FSA and CSU Team up to Conduct CFAP Webinar

    Navigating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and other COVID-19 Agricultural Issues

    USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) on April 17, 2020. CFAP will use funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and other USDA existing authorities. This $16 billion immediate relief program includes direct support to agricultural producers. CSU Extension and the USDA Farm Service Agency have teamed up to conduct a CFAP webinar.

    The webinar will be held Monday, June 1st from 6:00pm to 8:30pm MST. Topics to be addressed are: • The mechanics of CFAP including signup procedures and required documents

    • Economic Injury Disaster Loan for farmers and ranchers
    • Maintaining supply chains during a pandemic
    • Commodity outlook post COVID-19. Register in advance for this meeting:

    https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtcOGoqzsiE9R41Or-NUWVbW5D-E1Q4Dq7

    After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

    The webinar is free but limited to the first 500 that register. The session will be recorded and made available to anyone who can’t attend the live webinar.

    For more information, contact Brent Young at 970-580-2204 or email at.

    Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting should contact Brandon Terrazas at 720-544-2885 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

     

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  • Mayor Hancock to Host Regional Town Hall 

    Mayor Hancock to Host Regional Town Hall 

    Denver. CO – Mayor Michael B. Hancock will host a regional town hall with local officials from metro area municipalities and entities to discuss coordinated responses to COVID-19. 

     

    What: Join regional elected officials to learn about local responses to COVID-19. Attendees will include Mayor Hancock, Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet, Adams County Commissioner Emma Pinter, RTD Board of Directors Chair Angie Rivera-Malpiede, Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova and Colorado Municipal League Executive Director Kevin Bommer.  

     

    When: Thursday, May 28, 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. 

     

    Where: The Regional Town Hall will be accessible via video conference at https://bit.ly/2Tw91TZ or through call-in at 408.418.9388 (access code 965 406 133). Call-in numbers are also available in Spanish (720.865.2133) and Vietnamese (720.865.2688).  

     

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  • Dinosaur National Monument Increases Recreational Access to Include Camping and River Use

    Dinosaur National Monument Increases Recreational Access to Include Camping and River Use

    Dinosaur, CO and Jensen, UT – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Dinosaur National Monument is increasing recreational access to camping and river use. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

    Beginning Sunday, June 7, 2020, Dinosaur will reopen access to campgrounds, backcountry, and river use:  

    • River Trips including permitted daily trips through Split Mountain Canyon and multi day trips on the Green and Yampa rivers will resume. Most launch dates have already been assigned for the 2020 season. Any remaining river permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through Recreation.gov.

    • Developed campgrounds at Split Mountain, Green River, Echo Park, Deerlodge Park, and Gates of Lodore will be open for camping and have drinking water and restrooms available. Rainbow Park Campground will also reopen, with vault toilets and no drinking water. Camping fees will be charged.

    • Backcountry camping will resume, free permits are required and will be issued starting June 7. Campers need to be familiar with the monument’s backcountry regulations and know where they will enter, exit, and camp prior to requesting a permit. All backcountry permits will be issued by phone (435) 781-7700 x0 from 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Permits will then be emailed to requester.  

    • All monument roads and trails are open. 

    • Restrooms are available in all developed campgrounds; along the Harpers Corner Road at most scenic overlooks, and at the Canyon Visitor Center front patio in Colorado; and along the Cub Creek Road at Josie’s Cabin, Split Mountain Boat Ramp, and at the top of the Fossil Discovery Trail near the Quarry Exhibit Hall parking lot in Utah.  

    • Drinking water is available in all developed campgrounds except Rainbow Park; at the Canyon Visitor Center front patio in Colorado; and at the Quarry Visitor Center back patio and top of the Fossil Discovery Trail near the Quarry Exhibit Hall parking lot in Utah.

    With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

    • All monument visitor centers, and the Quarry Exhibit Hall remain closed.

    • All ranger-guided programs including night sky programs are suspended until further notice.

    “The camping and river recreation at Dinosaur are outstanding – I and the employees of the monument are excited that access to these spectacular places will resume,” said monument superintendent Paul Scolari. “We commend our local communities and visitors for their continuing patience as we increase access to the park in phases and thank local public health and elected officials for their support as we have navigated management of the monument through the COVID response.”

    The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Dinosaur National Monument, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. While many areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited.    

    The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders: Best practice precautions include the practice of social distancing, avoiding crowds, wearing face coverings if appropriate, and avoiding high-risk outdoor activities.  

    We will notify the public of changing conditions, access, and activities by providing updates on our website www.nps.gov/dino and social media channels @DinosaurNPS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    Updates about overall NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.  

    www.nps.gov

    About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

     

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