Spring Showers Cause Delayed Opening

The winter's record snowfall has led to delays in opening up BLM Lands, city parks, and Lake Nighthorse. Spring cleanup began at the start of the month. Make sure you are prepared when it comes by your neighborhood. And vote for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to be included on USA Today's Top 10 Scenic Railways contest. You're watching the Local News Network brought to you by Kroegers Ace Hardware and Happy Pappy's Pizza n Wings. I'm Connor Shreve. Lake Nighthorse will open April 14th. That's a two week delay from the original anticipated opening, pending road conditions. The year's higher than average snowfall has caused extensive damage to the temporary road surface between the entrance station and the boat ramp that needs repaired before people can begin recreating. Make sure to check the Parks and Recreation website for updates on the opening of the lake, as well as updates on upcoming construction at the entrance to Lake Nighthorse. With the snow melting and trails beginning to be uncovered, city officials are asking people to stay off the muddy trails to minimize trail damage this spring. Also, pay attention to signs denoting seasonal closures. Several BLM seasonal closures have been extended to the end of April due to continued snow and water levels. Spring cleanup began April 3rd and will continue through May 5th. City crews will come through neighborhoods collecting furniture, tree trimmings, and branches less than eight feet long and eight inches in diameter, large appliances, bagged or boxed, loose brush and leaves, scrap metal, drywall, fencing, carpeting, tiles and open dried paint cans. Residents should make sure their items for collection are placed out on the street and away from driveways, trash, and recycling bins, and vehicles, and should not be blocking any alleyways or sidewalks. Sign up for cleanup reminders. See what is eligible for collection and see when your neighborhood is scheduled online, through the Durango Recycles website. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been nominated by USA Today as a top 10 scenic railway in North America. And voting for the list has begun. Vote before April 17th to help the train secure a spot on the list as an integral part of the summer tourism draw, the train will begin the summer Silverton excursions May 6th, weather and conditions permitting. Learn more about these stories and others at durangolocal.news. Thanks for watching this edition of the Local News Network. I'm Connor Shreve.