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Forest Service may limit use of 2 popular trails

Posted at 10:25 AM, May 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-05 12:25:23-04

The U.S. Forest Service is considering a new management plan for the Snowmass-Maroon Bells Wilderness to limit use of the heavily traveled area.

The Aspen Daily News reports that District Ranger Karen Schroyer says the popular Conundrum Hot Springs is the "biggest problem" and changes could be made there as soon as summer 2017.

Officials are considering requiring visitors to get permits before accessing the wilderness. Schroyer says they also plan to set capacity limits at different sites, including Conundrum Hot Springs and the Four-Pass Loop.

Schroyer says a proposed action plan will be released within the next month. The public will have a chance to comment on the proposal before any changes are made.

Forest Service officials say high use of the wilderness is degrading the area's resources.