Rangers see more people with masks after posting signs on trails

Complaints are down and mask use is up on trails and Open Space properties, according to Boulder County Ranger Erin Hartnett.

"We were getting a lot of calls from the public, like people from at-risk populations, maybe older people, people with underlying health conditions, who really wanted to be out on the trails and weren't comfortable with the lack of masks being worn," Hartnett said.

That led to some "unfriendly behavior," according to Boulder County Public Health spokesperson, Chana Goussetis. Boulder Parks and Open Space wanted to put a stop to that and make the trails a safe and welcoming place for all people. That's why dozens of signs saying that face coverings are required have popped up on trailheads and other highly visible places on county property.

Ranger Hartnett said the message is getting through. "The phone calls have decreased. The rangers have noticed better compliance. More people are wearing masks now that we've put up a lot of signs."

The signs clarify that a face covering is necessary at the trailhead when passing others on the trail, or encountering anyone not from your household. "So that means everyone needs to have their mask available and ready to pull up when they're passing someone," Hartnett said.

She said that some people thought it was alright to skip the mask as long as they stayed six feet away from others, "We've had to correct that." The social distancing approach also caused people to move to the side of the trail, which Hartnett said has damaged vegetation.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued an order requiring masks on July 16, when Covid-19 cases began to spike. Wearing a face covering reduces the spread of the novel coronavirus by up to 65%, as cited in the statewide mask order.

The order requires face coverings be worn indoors, but it doesn't specifically state that masks must be worn outdoors or in what circumstances, other than when waiting for public transportation. Boulder County clarified that on its Covid-19 webpage about masks, "A face covering must be worn whenever you cannot maintain six feet of distance from others you do not live with, including outdoors."

It's still possible for the novel coronavirus to be transmitted outdoors. It can linger in the air when an infected person exhales, talks, coughs or sneezes. But there is typically more air movement outdoors which can disperse and dilute aerosol particles.

Risks remain, but risks are reduced further when everyone wears a face covering. "The goal is just being conscientious and a good member of the community and to help protect others by wearing your mask," said Hartnett. "People of all ages and health conditions want to come out and hike and ride their bike. We want to be welcoming and inclusive of everyone."