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Open space conference coming to Steamboat

Steamboat Springs — Today through Wednesday, the Colorado Open Space Alliance will hold its eighth annual conference at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort. Local government land managers will gather to exchange information, receive training and hear keynote speeches by National Park Service Superintendent Brian O'Neill and Jordan Fisher Smith, a former ranger and author. The alliance was formed to provide networking and education opportunities for land managers from Colorado's local government open space programs.

According to the alliance, national park visits have decreased by 7 million in the past 11 years in the Intermountain Region, which includes Colorado. Conversely, state, county and city park visits are on the rise.

"We're not entirely sure why this is happening," said Smith, "but Americans are busy people, and we're increasingly seeking shorter experiences closer to home - a mountain bike ride after work, fishing with the kids on a Sunday afternoon, instead of a week-long backpack trip." To learn more, visit www.coloradoopenspace.org.

Meeting will discuss Nordic skiing at Howelsen

The Parks, Open Space and Recreational Services Department is holding a public meeting tonight to discuss the future of cross-country skiing around Howelsen Hill. The meeting is at 7 p.m. in the fireplace room of the Howelsen Hill Lodge, 845 Howelsen Parkway.

Consulting firm Nordic Group International is conducting a feasibility study to evaluate the potential for a major cross-country ski area and multi-season recreation and environmental center in Steamboat Springs. They will share the results of their study so far and seek thoughts and ideas from the public.

The study is being driven by a group of local Nordic skiing enthusiasts who hope to create the Howelsen Emerald Mountain Park.

For more information, call 879-4300 or visit www.steamboatsprings.net