Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks and Boulder County Parks and Open Space are conducting a feasibility study to for a possible multi-use trail between Eldorado Canyon State Park and Walker Ranch Open Space.

The three agencies are seeking public input on the possible trail, and according to a news a release, about 100 people attended an open house at the Boulder Public Library Meadows Branch on Tuesday.

CPW Deputy Regional Manager Windi Padia said many factors are being taken into account including environmental considerations, visitors and what construction of a trail would entail.

“Public safety will be at the forefront of our analysis,” Padia said. “We also have to be sensitive to the wildlife, habitat and residential components in the area.”

Officials see the potential trail connection as a way to improve access to the Walker Ranch Loop Trail, expand the range of trail-based recreation opportunities and “reasonably accommodate cyclists while maintaining the currently allowed activities of hiking, running and horseback riding.”

Public comments will be collected until Sept. 11 and representatives of the three agencies intend to analyze possible trail alignments currently being considered. Another public open house is expected to take place in October to present the findings of the analysis and the agencies’ preferred way forward.

The agencies’ preferred way forward might change based on public feedback, and a final recommendation is expected to be presented to Boulder’s Open Space Board of Trustees and Boulder County commissioners in December.

An initial study identified more than a dozen possible trail connections which has been narrowed down to two. A “do nothing” option that would not complete a connection accommodating biking activities also is included in the analysis.

Comments can be made online at www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/management/eldo-walker-connection.

John Bear: 303-473-1355, bearj@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/johnbearwithme