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By R. Scott Rappold, The Gazette
Osama bin Laden has been dead for nearly two weeks, but heightened security at the Air Force Academy is creating limited access for visitors.
The day after Navy SEALS shot the wanted terrorist in Pakistan, military installations across the United States increased security in case of reprisals against the U.S. military. At most bases this means it takes longer getting through security.
But unlike most bases, the Academy gets 800,000 visitors a year. People come daily to hike, cycle or run miles of trails or tour famous buildings like the Cadets Chapel. Others come to attend graduation or sporting events.
Visitors always must show photo ID to enter the academy grounds. Now, visitors without military identification or someone on base to sponsor them must use the north gate, and security has stepped up random searches of vehicles.
You can take Academy Drive to the visitors center, but the road beyond is blocked. Other roads normally open to the public also are blocked to vehicles and bicycles.
Trails remain open, including the New Santa Fe Regional Trail parallel to Interstate 25, the popular mountain bike loop Falcon Trail, and the climb up Eagle Peak. But not all trailheads are open and you must stay on established trails.
“If you’re on the trail, you’re good to go. If you decide at any point to leave the trail and somebody sees you, that is no longer good,” said academy spokesman Christopher Dewitt.
“Right now isn’t the time to be trying to get the scenic shot and getting off the trail to get that photo of that rare unique bird you just saw.”
Dewitt said the restrictions will remain in place until the Department of Defense drops the nationwide security alert.
The rules may seem unusual for outdoors enthusiasts used to unfettered access to the academy grounds, but they are not as stringent as those put in place after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks: From late 2001 to 2006, the public was not allowed on academy trails.
TRAIL RULES
The public is welcome on Air Force Academy trails, but some rules apply:
• Access is allowed only during visiting hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with no overnight parking.
• Be prepared to show a photo ID and have your vehicle’s trunk checked.
• Helmets are required for cyclists.
• Camping is not allowed.
• Dogs must be on leashes.
• The fenced cadet area, the housing areas and the northern part of the academy are off-limits.
PHOTO: A mountain biker races down the Falcon Trail at the Air Force Academy. The trail remains open to bikers, hikers and runners, but be prepared for tighter security checks - and don't stray from the trail. Christian Murdock, The Gazette
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