Vehicles crossing the railroad tracks could present safety issues. Our recommendation: Restrict vehicles from crossing the tracks to access the Oxbow property to reduce safety issues for both the public and the train company.

Neighboring homeowners are making calls to the authorities in the middle of the night due to noise disturbances. Our recommendation is a comprehensive management plan that includes limited access hours.

Protection of wildlife: Currently, the city is maintaining natural surface trails in the area. This is inviting and provides a nature walk that respects the environment. Our recommendation: Establish a boundary to separate the recreational area from the preserve to protect the habitat and wildlife. This will still allow room for improved nature trails and a path for hand-carried rafts, paddle boards and tubes to access the beach area. Maintain this trail through the preserve as it currently exists for nature walks only, including management of that area as set forth and recommended by the Natural Wild Life Committee.

Construction of facilities in the flood plain, wetlands and riparian vegetation areas will have a direct impact on safety, protection of habitat and wildlife, and the natural topography and beauty of the area. Additionally, these areas have been flooded in the past, and we fear that the river is at risk of being contaminated by the content of toilets and other contaminants.

Our recommendation: Permit no buildings east of the railroad tracks and restrict construction of parking, recreational area and facilities to the Sherman parcel west of the tracks.

It is our hope that this constructive input and recommendations is carefully considered by the decision makers.

Dennis and Maria Simmons

Durango