Colorado Springs Utilities has scheduled a meeting to discuss the future of beloved waters on Pikes Peak. 

Off the Pikes Peak Highway, North Slope Recreation Area encompasses North and South Catamount and Crystal Creek reservoirs – what Utilities calls “essential to the city’s water supply system.” Protecting these drinking water sources while serving anglers, paddlers, hikers and mountain bikers has been the subject of a review, which Utilities launched with an online survey and meeting earlier this summer. 

Set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the agency’s Conservation and Environmental Center (2855 Mesa Road), the follow-up meeting aims to gather more feedback while presenting concepts for realigned trails. That’s according to a project webpage, which also outlines concerns that prompted the review. 

Atop the list is “infrastructure protections, security and public safety.” At the meeting earlier this summer, Utilities officials spoke on moving trails away from service roads.

Also discussed was a policy regarding commercial guides – what officials say has been missing over the years. Proper recreation management and funding has been another talking point.

City enterprise Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain has overseen management along with all other needs up and down Pikes Peak Highway. Skyler Rorabaugh, the enterprise’s manager, said he foresaw North Slope Recreation Area as “the rec hub of the future that branches out to other areas along the Pikes Peak Highway.” 

But realizing that potential while balancing watershed protection is the question of advocates, including Becky Leinweber. She’s the executive director of Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance. 

“How can we leverage the strengths of one another?” she said. “I’m optimistic, but there are still challenges for sure.” 

Along with the in-person meeting Tuesday, Utilities has scheduled an online meeting for 6 p.m. Oct. 23. For more information and to register for the meetings, go to: tinyurl.com/2rp56rku