ROCKY FLATS, Colo. (Reuters) – Less than two miles (3 km) from where triggers for thermonuclear weapons were once manufactured and against the backdrop of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, a bull elk bugles as he defends his harem of cows from rival males.
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The unique prairie ecosystem, is home to 239 wildlife species, ranging from elk and mule deer to black bears, cougars, numerous bird species, and monarch butterflies, Lucas said.
It’s unclear how long the refuge will remain open.
Five environmental and community activist groups have sued the government, arguing the Rocky Flats refuge should be closed until more testing is done. A judge last month rejected their request to delay the opening while the lawsuit is heard.
The suit is pending in Denver federal court.
The Rocky Flats plutonium plant had a history of fires, and radioactive spills during its 37 years in operation before shutting down permanently in 1989 during a criminal investigation into environmental violations.
Now that it’s a refuge, its 10.2 miles (16.4 km) of trails are open to naturalists, hikers, cyclists and equestrians. About 1,300 acres (526 hectares) immediately surrounding the old production facility is permanently closed off to the public.
Because the weapons production was a classified defense operation, no development was allowed on the site so the area has been untouched by human encroachment, leaving it in pristine condition, Lucas said.
The Rocky Flats plutonium plant had a history of fires, and radioactive spills during its 37 years in operation before shutting down permanently in 1989 during a criminal investigation into environmental violations.
Now that it’s a refuge, its 10.2 miles (16.4 km) of trails are open to naturalists, hikers, cyclists and equestrians. About 1,300 acres (526 hectares) immediately surrounding the old production facility is permanently closed off to the public.
Because the weapons production was a classified defense operation, no development was allowed on the site so the area has been untouched by human encroachment, leaving it in pristine condition, Lucas said.
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