By Rebecca Ferrell
To embrace social distancing as the best means of combating the spread of COVID-19, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will close all public-facing facilities to most public access effective Friday, March 20 until further notice. CPW will maintain phone and online operations to best serve Colorado residents at this time.
Despite restricted public access, most offices will remain staffed and able to serve customers via phone or email, and in very limited personal interactions when necessary. State parks will remain open for all outdoor recreation, and restrooms and public areas will continue being cleaned and maintained.
For customers planning to purchase CPW products, including licenses, park passes or vehicle registrations, or who want to apply for the big game hunting draw, please visit CPWshop.com or call 800.244.5613.
Customers seeking information on the upcoming big game hunting draw can call the CPW call center at 303.297.1192, or if they need assistance applying for the draw they can view our tutorial video, Secrets of the Big Game Draw, or call 800.244.5613 to have a call center agent help.
Facilities affected by these closures include, but are not limited to:
Colorado State Park Visitor Centers
All 41 of Colorado’s state parks remain open at this time, however, to discourage congregation and better protect visitors and staff, visitor centers will be closed to the public. Outdoor areas of all parks currently remain open, although this is subject to change upon the advice of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or local public health departments. Park offices will be restricting public access, but will remain staffed to answer visitor questions via phone or email, with the exception of visitor centers that are also closed to staff based on CDPHE or local health guidelines.
Sylvan Lake State Park Visitor Center: Closed to public and staff 3/17/20 – until further notice
CPW officers will continue to enforce park regulations and provide for public safety, including checking for valid park passes. Visitors are encouraged to purchase their parks passes and other products through drop boxes, credit card pay stations, or online at CPWshop.com.
CPW Headquarters, Region Offices and Area Service Centers
All regional offices, area service centers and headquarters offices will be closed to the public but remain staffed, with the exception of offices that are also closed to staff based on CDPHE or local health guidelines.
Glenwood Springs Service Center: Closed to public and staff 3/17/2020 – until further notice.
These offices have restricted public access, but will remain staffed to answer visitor questions via phone and email.
All CPW Hatcheries will be closed to public visitation until further notice.
Visitors are encouraged to utilize online options, including the CPW Website, CPWshop or social media to make any purchases and find answers to their questions. Telephone options are also available. Purchase products, including licenses, park passes and registrations: 800.244.5613. Receive general advice or plan your hunt: 303.297.1192
CPW, along with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), will continually evaluate the situation and end or extend the closure as circumstances change around the state response to COVID-19.
The agency’s main focus is the health and well-being of all Coloradans while maintaining maximum levels of service for customers.
While encouraging Coloradans to continue recreating outdoors, CPW also reminds park visitors and other recreationists to follow recommendations from Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and CDPHE to help prevent COVID-19 and limit community spread. You can help protect yourself and those you love by by taking everyday precautions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
- Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
For up-to-date information regarding Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit our website at cpw.state.co.us.
Rebecca Ferrell is Public Information and Website Manager with Colorado Parks & Wildlife.