Gina Writz never considered herself a prairie dog advocate, but when she heard two colonies could be exterminated near her home because of land development deals, she took action.
“It disgusted me,” Writz said. “I can’t drive by this land knowing that (the prairie dogs) are being killed.”
The land Writz is referring to is located at South Wadsworth Boulevard and Coal Mine Avenue, where lots on both the northwest and northeast corner will soon see development — construction on a new boutique hospital could start by end of the month.
Thanks to Writz and some other advocates, the prairie dog colonies on both lots will be saved and relocated to open space owned by the Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association between West Bowles and Ken Caryl avenues on the west side of C-470.
Volunteers are trapping and moving the prairie dogs and taking them to their new homes.
“I want to get every last one,” said Sandy Nervig, a prairie ecosystems consultant and owner of Growing Ideas.
Nervig has experience trapping prairie dogs and is working as a volunteer on this project.
Foothills Park and Recreation executive director Ron Hopp said the district’s biggest issue was not having enough money to help pay for the relocation.
The developer on the northwest parcel, Emerus Development Co., provided $10,000, which will be given to the Ken-Caryl Master Association to help with relocation costs.
Deb Jones, a prairie dog advocate and the president of the nonprofit Prairie Dog Action, said she said it’s rare for prairie dog colonies to move between different jurisdictions.
The relocation had to be approved by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
“These people were thinking outside the box and seeing opportunity to benefit them by working with us,” Jones said.
“We were excited to set up a relationship with them.”
