Concern raised over development of popular Colorado open space

An online petition has already garnered more than 1,500 signatures following the release of a proposed ' Master and Management Plan' for the popular Blodgett Open Space in Colorado Springs.

The plan , published in March, is filled with a number of tactics aimed at enhancing and managing the open space, which is found on the northwest side of the city in the area of the namesake Blodgett Peak. Among objectives include trail improvements, habitat protection, and even the possible construction of paragliding launching and landing sites.

In days following the announcement of the proposed plan, a petition titled 'Make Blodgett Open Space a Nature Preserve!' popped up online , started by a change.org user under the name of Dorothy Macnak.

The petition expresses concern that the proposed master plan is a step away from initial intentions of preservation that were key to prior management plans, stating that many of the aspects of the new plan would be detrimental to wildlife. A crux of the petition seems to be concern over the resident bighorn sheep population.

"With it's unique and fragile ecosystem and presence of a rare, non-migrating herd of bighorn sheep, [Blodgett Open Space] is ideal for a nature preserve. There are many places in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas for recreation. There are few places for the bighorn," reads the petition.

Find the full management plan here and find the petition here .

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)