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OPINION
Celebration time, after missing more self imposed deadlines than ever imagined, Willow Springs Ponds will be open to fishing Saturday morning, April 28 at 5 am... No big hoopla or tournaments until the Grand Re-opening on June 2,, but the “No Fishing” signs have been replaced with informational signs. The objective is to give anglers access to the ponds as soon as possible even while improvements are being planned and constructed. The Department of Wildlife (DOW) is approving what type of fish habitat structures will be placed in the ponds (bird houses are installed in the parks and now fish condos), and what the two fishing docks will look like. Once that is decided, Schalge Lock will get them ordered and installed. The aerators will be replaced with something a little more decorative and there will be work starting soon on the north side of Hwy. 16 to clean the water before it gets to the pond and hopefully eliminate the need for the aerators, but we know we can keep the water safe for fish consumption using the aerators. The DOW has committed to some fish stocking this year even though we were not on their schedule. They know from experience this was one of the most popular fishing sites in El Paso County and they will do their best to give us something to catch other than the 3 foot carp and 6 pound catfish that have flourished in the 9½ years the ponds have been closed. The current low water level in the small pond is due to a blockage in either the valve or pipe that connects the two ponds, but that should be fixed this week or next. The Parks Department is looking at ways to eliminate that infamous summer algae bloom that occurs in the small pond. The algae is not dangerous but it takes oxygen out of the water that fish need and looks less than appealing. My thanks to the staff in the county’s Legal, Environmental Services, and Parks departments for their hard work and commitment to finding solutions to problems and keeping this project moving forward the past 2½ years, as well as the support of my fellow county commissioners. No agreement is reached without both sides being willing to negotiate, Schlage’s legal and environmental team being willing to keep the communication flowing while looking for solutions was also essential. There is every reason to believe the improvements and cash required of Schlage by this settlement and DOW’s commitment will allow our ponds and park to return to the glory days of old. Final open house for information on the Willow Springs Ponds is Thursday April 26, 6:30 PM at Fountain Middle School (with fishing to commence 34½ hours later) CONTACT THE WRITER • HISEY4CD4@MSN.COM |
