1. What are Paragliders and who flies them 2. Public Safety Issue 3. Impact of paragliding on wildlife in the Bodo SWA ! 15-50 pounds, fits in a backpack ! Harness suspended below a fabric wing ! Unpowered, foot launched, and silent ! Slow flight speeds ! Short takeoff and precise landings ! Flight path is controlled by the pilot ! Not a hang glider ! Trained pilots ! Myself ! Pilots are generally not risk-takers ! Flight path under pilot’s control ! Good weather conditions ! Proximity to highway and river ! Distraction to motorists ◦ Historically not an issue at Smelter ◦ Not an issue at similar flying sites ! Based on incomplete and inaccurate information ◦ Durango PD’s letter: ! References hang gliding ! Cathy Metz/ Parks and Rec’s view ! Park permit is not relevant or needed ! No conflicts with dogs or dog park users in many years of flight activity ! Vehicle access is not required. We hike! ◦ State Patrol letter: ! Only concern is distracted drivers ! Solicited by Matt Thorpe (Area Wildlife Manager) ! Commision Policy: Any recreational use may be permitted where it does not conflict with the primary purpose of the area ◦ Deer and elk habitat in the case of the Bodo SWA ! Meeting with Brad Weinmeister (DOW terrestrial Biologist) ! Trail access is approved, even during winter closure ◦ No vehicle access is required! ! Flight path departs the SWA immediately, over steep rocky terrain, and toward the populated area ! Flight is unpowered and silent ! Paragliding can happen safely at Smelter Mtn. ◦ It has, without conflict, for 30+ years in Durango ! Successful relationships and agreements are possible with the local agencies involved ! Paragliding at Smelter does not conflict with the primary purpose of the SWA ! Allow paragliders to launch from the existing site, via current hike-in access when open to the public. ! As an alternative, allow paragliding during summer months only. .