§ 16-63. Public access to public lands; generally.

(a)

The director shall have authority to designate public lands open to the public, subject to the conservation and protection standards delineated in each public land management plan as approved by the board of county commissioners.

(1)

Public access to public lands, or portions thereof, is restricted unless the public lands are designated as open to the public by the director.

(2)

Public lands designated by the director as open to the public shall be open to the public for access on foot, except where otherwise restricted or provided herein.

(3)

Public access to public lands shall be only at entry points designated by authorized signs.

(4)

Public access to public lands may be limited by the director to certain hours of the day, days of the week or months of the year.

(b)

Public lands, or portions thereof, shall be closed to the public at the sole discretion of the director:

(1)

When such action is necessary to protect the water, natural or cultural resources of the lands;

(2)

During emergency conditions such as, but not limited to, floods, severe weather, wildfires, or other events or conditions that may present a danger to the public;

(3)

In areas undergoing construction, prescribed burning, restoration, or other land management activities where necessary to protect the site or where these activities may present a danger to the public;

(4)

During certain hours or for certain periods of time, when such closure is necessary to implement the land management requirements for such lands;

(5)

When necessary to conduct research, studies, or data collection;

(6)

When sufficient funding is not available to keep the public lands open to the public; or

(7)

Pursuant to any approved agreements or special use permits.

(c)

The division shall provide notice by posting appropriate signage when the public lands, or portions thereof, are closed to public access and use.

(Ord. No. 2011-24, § 2, 5-17-11)