[cobirds] Changes Coming to Chico Basin Ranch in 6 Months (El Paso/Pueblo)

Birders,

Aiken Audubon is close to signing a Chico birding lease with the State Land Board. Prepare for some major changes.

The lease and the restrictions listed below will go into effect on March 1, 2024.  This is earlier than we, the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, and Ranchlands anticipated.

·       Access: Birders will have access only 10 weeks of the year: 5 weeks each during spring and fall migration. The dates will coincide with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies' (BCR) banding operation. A few Aiken members will be able to visit the ranch one day/month during the off-months in order to maintain a year-round bird species count.

·       Hours of access:  7 a.m. to 1 p.m. only

·       Number of birders: Limited to 20 per day

·       Locations open to birders: Banding Station, Headquarters and Rose Pond. Specific parking areas will be designated. Access to other parts of the ranch will not be allowed.

·       Reservations: Birders will be required to register and pay in advance via a registration system to be administered by Aiken. The daily fee has not yet been determined.

·      Time Frame: Aiken will hold a five-year lease, though either party may cancel at any time.

Again, beginning March 1, 2024, access is expected to cease until spring migration (date TBD by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.) We will keep you posted, but urge you to visit the ranch while access is unfettered..

Linda Hodges, Aiken Audubon

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