(CALHAN, Colo.) — El Paso County Parks (County Parks) is looking to preserve the delicate formations of Paint Mines Interpretive Park while also improving the visitor experience.

According to County Parks between 1997 to 2001, the county acquired thirteen parcels of land containing what would become Paint Mines. The park was opened to the public in 2001, in recent years however County Parks said through social media and travel websites traffic at the park has increased dramatically, creating management challenges such as vandalism, vehicle congestion, climbing on the formations, and overall site degradation.

To correct this County Parks plan to create a master plan that will balance desired public access with the preservation of the geologic formations. The Paint Mines Interpretive Park Master Plan will be used as a guide for the future of Paint Mines while developing strengthened public facilities, enhanced recreational opportunities, and expanded cultural services programs.

The project is expected to take 14 months, County Parks said the public will be provided opportunities to provide input through stakeholder interviews, public meetings/open houses, public review of the draft master plan, and attendance at master plan presentations.