Fundraiser planned to help restore Rainbow Falls
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- Created on Friday, 04 February 2011 21:22
- Written by Nathan
Photo by member Michael Roberts
L'Aura Montgomery with Manitou Environmental Citizen Action made a presentation before the El Paso County Commissioners and invited the board to a fundraiser planned for Friday, Feb. 25, to raise money for continued efforts to restore Rainbow Falls to its natural beauty. The Craftwood Inn has donated the location and all of the food for the event.
Here's a photo gallery from Rainbow Falls
The El Paso Board of County Commissioners obtained ownership of the 4.9 acre Rainbow Falls property, complete with beautiful waterfalls along Fountain Creek, last April through a donation and a $10 transfer fee. In the late 1800's, it was a popular picnic stop for travelers along the historic wagon trail through Ute Pass. In recent years, the property has been plagued with graffiti in addition to erosion and environmental issues.
Since the county received ownership of the property, clean-up and restoration has taken place through the collaborative efforts of many volunteers and agencies. Organizations and agencies involved in the cleanup include; El Paso County Parks and Environmental Services Departments, Manitou Environmental Citizen Action (MECA), trails and open space groups, the City of Manitou Springs and the Colorado Department of Transportation, among others.
“It’s not just about the graffiti,” Montgomery said. “When the graffiti vandals come to the area they also leave their trash. Additionally, it's unfortunate that they leave empty spray cans and broken beer bottles in the water that need to be cleaned up as well.”
Montgomery received the Volunteer of the Year Award from El Paso County Parks Board recently as a champion for the Rainbow Falls project.
Rainbow Falls is west of Manitou Springs and is accessible by Serpentine Dr., just south of Highway 24 west.
“We’re not there yet with the proposed master planning process and cleanup of Rainbow Falls,” said commissioner Sallie Clark whose district 3 encompasses the area. “Fortunately, we've come a long way and wouldn’t have come this far without a group of passionate citizens and a vision for the Falls. It's important to recognize the countless volunteers who are continuing to work on cleanup and improvement efforts.”
What: Restore Rainbow Falls Gala
When: Friday, February 25th 6-8:30pm
Where: Craftwood Inn
Tickets: $30/person or $50/couple
To RSVP: http://www.MECAcolorado.org
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