Rules and Regulations

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ADAMS COUNTY

PARKS, OPEN SPACE, AND CULTURAL ARTS (POSCA) AREAS

These Rules and Regulations are adopted pursuant to the authority granted in Colorado Revised Statues (C.R.S.) § 18-9-117 and § 29-7-101(2) and apply to all public recreation areas and facilities owned or operated by Adams County, Colorado.

ARTICLE I. PROHIBITED ACTS, GENERALLY

RULE 1. CAMPING/RECREATION

(a) It is unlawful to camp overnight, or to park any vehicle, trailer, or camper for overnight camping purposes, in any Adams County park, trail, open space area, or facility.

Exceptions to this Rule 1(a) may only be granted for overnight RV parking permits issued by Adams County staff in association with a contracted or official county event at the Riverdale Regional Park. All permits issued for overnight RV parking will be in accordance with established policies and procedures.

(b) Tents, booths, stands, awnings, and similar structures are prohibited unless prior consent has been granted from the Adams County POSCA Department Director.

(c) The use of stakes of any kind is prohibited. Canopies, jumping castles or similar inflatables may be allowed, however, they must be secured with weights. Unsecured tents, jumping castles, or similar inflatables are prohibited.

(d) The use or operation of any device producing sound in such a manner, or at such a time, so as to unreasonably interfere with another person’s use or enjoyment of a public use area, or to disturb the natural soundscape in any Adams County owned public recreation area is prohibited.

RULE 2. FIRES, GRILLS, AND GENERATORS

(a) Open fires, including campfires, are unlawful on all Adams County parks, trails, and open space areas. Exceptions to this Rule may be granted only with permission from the Adams County POSCA Department Director.

(b) Charcoal fires may be built only in designated picnic grills. All residues must be left in the provided grills. Propane grills are permitted. Gas generators are permitted, however, they must be placed on a wooden or similar base to prevent damage to native or other turf.

(c) All charcoal fires must be safely and completely extinguished as soon after grilling as possible.

(d) All visitors must comply with any state or local fire ban or fire restriction.

(e) Any fires built within Adams County parks, trails, or open space areas may not be permitted to burn in a manner which, through carelessness or negligence, places the safety of persons at risk or results in natural resource damage.

RULE 3. USE RESTRICTIONS AND CLOSURES

(a) Hours. Adams County’s parks, trails, and open space areas and facilities are open for daytime use only, between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Contracted and permitted events are excepted. No person shall enter or remain in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area or facility at any other time without authorization.

(b) Closures. The Adams County POSCA Department Director may from time to time determine that closure of Adams County park, trail, or open space areas to the public and/or to certain animals is necessary or appropriate due to wildlife, vegetation, management review, contractual agreement, public safety concerns, and/or other resource protection needs. It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to enter such closed areas.

(c) Trail Use. All trail users must yield to other trail users in the manner defined herein or as otherwise posted at trailheads. The appropriate order for yielding the trail right-of- way is as follows:

• all users yield to equestrians,
• bicyclists yield to pedestrians,
• bicyclists headed downhill yield to bicyclists headed uphill.

Yielding the right-of-way requires slowing down to a safe speed, being prepared to stop, establishing communication, and passing safely.

(d) Adams County may adopt use restrictions on specific parks, trails, or open space areas when such restrictions are necessary for resource protection or safety-related issues. Such restrictions shall be posted at the parks, trailheads, or open space areas. Accessing restricted areas so posted is prohibited.

(e) Adams County parks, trails, or open space areas being managed for agricultural purposes, whether by Adams County or a lessee, are closed to the public unless trails and other related facilities are designated for another purpose by the County. It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to enter such closed areas.

(f) It is unlawful to swim, dive, ice skate, walk on ice, or use any floatation device not designed for fishing, commonly known as a “belly boat” in or on any lake or pond within any Adams County Park, Trail or Open Space area unless the area is specifically posted to allow such activity.

(g) No person shall ride a bicycle, including electric powered bikes or unicycles, within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area except on trails where such use is designated, including day-of-use and directional designations, and at the Riverdale Regional Park. Strollers and wheelchairs are exempted from this regulation and are permitted within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area. Individuals with mobility disabilities may use other power-driven mobility devices (“OPDMDs”) on any trails open for pedestrian use in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14.

RULE 4. RESOURCE PROTECTION

(a) It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to remove, move, modify, destroy, mutilate, collect, or deface any natural or man-made object within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area, including but not limited to trees, downed timber or branches, shrubbery, plants, flowers, rocks, fossils, fences, gates, water-control devices, signs, kiosks, restrooms, tables, benches, cultural resources, trash containers or any other public property.

(b) It is unlawful to plant vegetation of any type or place any other type of landscape material or establish or construct trails or other facilities for public or private use without permission from the Adams County POSCA Department Director.

(c) It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to engage in the motorized or mechanized mining of gold or other ores within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area. Placer mining using panning methods by hand is permitted.

RULE 5. DOMESTIC ANIMALS (PETS) / LIVESTOCK

(a) Any dog or other domestic animal within an Adams County park, trail, or open space area shall be restrained by a maximum of a twelve-foot (12’) leash, cord, rope, or chain and be under the physical control of a person, except as otherwise provided for in this Rule, or as posted with approval from the Adams County POSCA Director. “Physical Control” specifically does NOT mean eye or voice command or electronic devices.

Exceptions to this Rule are permitted for the use of a dog as a service animal so long as such use is in all respects in compliance with the regulations in 28 CFR § 35.136. A service animal must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of its handler’s disability. Provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not qualify as “work” or “tasks” which may be provided by a service animal. Emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship animals are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and may be restricted in Adams County parks, trails, open space areas, and facilities.

(b) Dogs may be prohibited within specific Adams County park, trail, or open space areas at the discretion of the Adams County POSCA Department Director.

(c) It is unlawful for any owner/keeper to allow their domestic animal(s) within an Adams County park, trail, or open space area to engage in aggressive behavior or any activity that interferes with the health, safety, or welfare of users, livestock, other domestic animals, or neighbors in the area; or which creates a nuisance, including unwanted physical contact or threatening behavior with any user, domestic animal, or livestock.

(d) Domestic animals or livestock may be tied by a lead or rope sufficient to restrain the animals, however they shall not be left tied and unattended nor tied in any manner which damages vegetation or structures, or which interferes with or disturbs the public’s use of established trails, picnic areas, or other recreational areas.

(e) It is unlawful to confine any animal in a motor vehicle in such a manner that places the animal in a life or health-threatening situation by exposure to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold.

(f) Any person who brings a dog into an Adams County park, trail, or open space area shall dispose of that dog’s excrement in an appropriate manner.

(g) Horses must be under the physical control of a person at all Adams County park, trail, or open space areas except at the exhibitor and spectator areas at the Riverdale Regional Park.

(h) Horses may not be ridden or handled in a careless or unsafe manner.

(i) All feed provided to livestock while on Adams County parks, trails, trailheads, or open space areas must be free of weeds and weed seeds. Livestock grazing is allowed only by lease or permission from the Adams County POSCA Department Director.

RULE 6. HUNTING, TRAPPING, AND WILDLIFE

(a) No person shall alter, damage, destroy, remove, or in any other way vandalize wildlife habitat features on any Adams County POSCA properties, including, but not limited to, animal dens, burrows, dwellings, nests, or nesting sites.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to molest, disturb, harass, or harm, any wildlife, at any time within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area.

This provision shall not apply to any county, state, or federal government personnel authorized by the County to carry out a wildlife management program pursuant to applicable law or county-approved rules and regulations.

In accordance with Title 33 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), “harass” means to unlawfully endanger, worry, impede, annoy, pursue, disturb, molest, rally, chase, drive, herd, or torment wildlife.

(c) It is unlawful for any person to trap, hunt, pursue, or kill any wildlife, or to allow any domestic animal to do the same, at any time within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area, except where and when such activities are permitted at the discretion of the Adams County POSCA Department Director.

This provision shall not apply to any county, state, or federal government personnel authorized by the County to carry out a wildlife management program pursuant to applicable law or county-approved rules and regulations.

In accordance with Title 33, C.R.S., “hunt” means to pursue, attract, stalk, lie in wait for, or attempt to shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect wildlife. “Hunt” does not include stalking, attracting, searching, or lying-in wait for wildlife by an unarmed person solely for the purpose of watching or taking photographs of wildlife.

(d) No person shall intentionally feed, or attempt to feed, any wildlife within any Adams County park, trail, or open space without permission from the County.

This provision shall not apply to any county, state, or federal government personnel authorized by the County to carry out a wildlife management program pursuant to applicable law or county-approved rules and regulations.

(e) It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to relocate or release any wildlife or domesticated animals within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area, unless permission is specifically granted by the POSCA Director.

RULE 7. FISHING

Fishing is permitted in accordance with the Colorado Wildlife Commission’s land and water regulations, except in open space areas designated and posted with special Adams County park, trail, or open space regulations. Ice fishing is prohibited on all Adams County park, trail, and open space areas. It is unlawful to violate special fishing regulations posted within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area.

Rules and Regulations, fees, and special permit requirements shall be determined by the Adams County POSCA Department Director and posted at affected Adams County park, trail, or open space areas. The Adams County POSCA Department Director may modify these regulations or create new ones when deemed necessary for repairs, wildlife, vegetation, and/or public safety concerns

(a) All persons sixteen years and older shall procure and hold a proper and valid fishing license before fishing as required by C.R.S., Title 33.

In accordance with C.R.S., Title 33, “Fishing” means any effort made to take any fish, amphibian, crustacean, or mollusk, including by hook and line, handline, trot-line, jug, seine, net, underwater spearfishing, archery, snagging, or gigging.

(b) No person shall fish with more than one (1) rod and line without an additional extra rod stamp as required by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) or fish with more than two (2) rods.

(c) No person shall have in their possession over the legal bag or possession limit of fish species as determined by CPW regulations.

In accordance with Title 33, C.R.S., “Bag Limit” is defined as the maximum amount, expressed in numbers, of fish that may be lawfully taken, caught, killed, or possessed by a person during one day. Fish released immediately are not part of the limit; and “Possession Limit” is defined as the maximum number of fish allowed at any time, including in the field, transporting, or at home in storage.

(d) No person shall have in their possession a fish that does not meet the length requirements as determined by CPW law or special Adams County Park regulations.

In accordance with CPW guidelines, a fish’s length is measured from the tip of the jaw to the tip of the tail placing the measuring device behind the fish, not following the curvature of the fish.

(e) No person shall fish with an unattended rod.

(f) It is unlawful to use bow & arrow, seines, cast nets, and/or live traps on any body of water for the purpose of fishing within Adams County parks, trails, or open space areas.

(g) No person engaged in fishing shall violate special fishing regulations posted within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area to include limits to possession by length and mandatory catch and release requirement as posted.

In accordance with CPW, to “catch and release” means to release upon catching any fish alive and into the same body of water from which it was taken.

(h) Ice fishing is prohibited on all Adams County parks, trails, and open space areas.

RULE 8. BOATING

Rules and Regulations, fees, and special permit requirements shall be determined by the Adams County POSCA Department Director and posted at affected Adams County park, trail, and open space areas. The Adams County POSCA Department Director may modify these regulations or create new ones when deemed necessary for repairs, wildlife, vegetation, and/or public safety concerns.

Belly-boating for fishing is allowed in designated water bodies; other boating is only allowed as posted.

(a) No person within Adams County parks, trails, or open space areas shall boat in a non-designated water body.

(b) Any person operating or having given permission to operate, a vessel less than sixteen feet in length must have on board one Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for each person on board. As used herein, PFD means a United Stated Coast Guard Approved Type I life preserver, Type II buoyant vest, Type III special purpose water safety buoyant device, or Type V special use water safety buoyant device.

(c) No person shall operate, or give permission to operate, a vessel unless the required PFDs are readily accessible, legibly marked with the appropriate USCG number, and are of the appropriate size for the person(s) wearing them or for whom they are intended.

(d) No person shall allow any child under the age of thirteen (13) to be onboard any vessel unless wearing a Type I, Type II, or Type III Personal Floatation Device, unless in an enclosed cabin.

(e) No person shall operate, or give permission to operate, a vessel without an efficient whistle or other mechanical sound producing device.

(f) No person shall operate, or give permission to operate, a vessel that does not require registration without having the owner’s name and address written on the vessel in a clearly visible and permanent fashion. This rule 8(e) pertains to vessels such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, and similar nonmotorized vessels.

(g) No person shall operate, or give permission to operate, or offer for rent, a vessel which is overloaded in persons or weight beyond the manufacturers prescribed limits.

(h) It is unlawful to use any floatation device not designed for fishing, in or on any lake, pond, or stream within any Adams County Park, Trail or Open Space area, unless the area is specifically posted to allow such activity.

As such, no person shall use, or allow use of, on waters outside designated areas, any air mattress, inner tube, air inflated devices, rubber rafts or similar inflatables, with less than two (2) separate air chambers.

RULE 9. PROJECTILES, WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES, FIREWORKS

(a) It is unlawful to discharge on or into any Adams County park, trail, or open space area, projectiles, weapons, firearms, and explosives of any kind (including fireworks), except as expressly mandated by Article 12 of Title 18 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended. See also C.R.S. § 30-15-302 (1).

As such, no person shall discharge on or into any Adams County park, trail, or open space area, any firearm, as defined in CRS 18-1-901(3)(h).

Peace officers on official duty and engaged in official operations are excepted from this Rule 9.

Nothing in this Rule shall be construed to restrict or otherwise affect the constitutional right to bear arms or to defend ones’ person, family, or property.

(b) It is unlawful to use, or allow the use of, or discharge weapons, including, but not limited to, B.B. guns, pellet guns, paintball markers, long bow, cross bows, or other weapons as defined in C.R.S. § 18-1- 901 (3)(e) on or into any Adams County park, trail, or open space area.

(c) No person shall discharge any type of firework, pyrotechnic, or explosive device on or into any Adams County park, trail, or open space area.

Exceptions to this Rule may be granted only upon the express authorization of Adams County.

RULE 10. SANITATION (a)

It is unlawful to deposit or dispose of trash, garbage, rubbish, litter, debris, or other objects within any park, trail, or open space area, except that which is generated by legal activities conducted within the Adams County park, trail, or open space area. Trash and debris legally generated within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area must be removed or deposited in a designated trash receptacle. As such, no person shall use trash containers provided for public use to dump household or commercial refuse brought from outside of the areas to which these regulations apply.

(b) No person shall urinate in public or leave human excrement on or in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area lands or waters.

(c) It is unlawful to clean vehicles/livestock trailers in such a manner as to cause the contents to drain, enter, or remain on Adams County parks, trails, or open space areas, including Riverdale Regional Park.

(d) It is unlawful to deposit any hazardous material within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area.

(e) No person shall leave, or cause to be left, any fish, fish entrails, wastewater, cans, bottles, plastic or paper cartons, or other litter of any type on any land or in any waters of any Adams County park, trail, or open space area.

RULE 11. ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted within Adams County parks, trails, and open space areas in compliance with Park Rules & Regulations and Colorado State Law.

(a) No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall possess or consume an alcoholic beverage or marijuana or marijuana by-product in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area.

(b) No persons shall consume marijuana in a public place in any Adams County park, trail, or open space areas.

RULE 12. PROHIBITED CONDUCT ON PUBLIC PROPERTY

(a) It is unlawful for any person to engage in any conduct or activity within an Adams County park, trail, waters, or open space area, or facility which a person knows, or reasonably should know, will substantially interfere with the use and enjoyment of such places by others, the health, safety, and welfare of users or neighbors nearby, or which may constitute a general nuisance.

As used herein, “general nuisance” means an unreasonable or unlawful use of the area, including but not limited to any noise, action or odor that could substantially interfere with any other person’s lawful use or enjoyment of the area. The use of amplified sound shall constitute a general nuisance under this Rule unless it is made for leased events at the Riverdale Regional Park or consent has been obtained from the Adams County POSCA Department.

RULE 13. ELUDING/INTERFERENCE

(a) No person shall elude or attempt to elude a uniformed Adams County Park Ranger after having received a visual or audible signal to stop.

(b) It is unlawful to interfere or attempt to interfere, with any Adams County Park Ranger, or other Adams County employee, who is acting in the performance of their duties; or to give false or misleading information with the intent to mislead said person in the performance of their duties.

RULE 14. VEHICLES AND OPDMD’S

(a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle, including a car, truck, motorcycle, minibike, snowmobile, four-wheel drive, or other recreational vehicle, within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area, unless the area is specifically designated and posted to permit the operation of such vehicle. Adams County and emergency vehicles on official business may be operated on parks, trails, or open space areas for maintenance, inspection, regulatory, and law enforcement purposes and are excepted from this rule. For exceptions related to disabled access, refer to Rule 14(b)

(b) Individuals with mobility disabilities are permitted to use wheelchairs and/or manually- powered mobility aids on any trail open to pedestrian use so long as they are used in a safe manner. Individuals with mobility disabilities may use other power-driven mobility devices (“OPDMDs”) on all trails open for pedestrian use unless a trail has been designated as being unsafe for use by OPDMDs based upon the assessment factors found in 28 CFR § 35.137(b)(2). A current list of trails that have been designated as being unsafe for use of OPDMDs shall be kept on the POSCA website.

Use of OPDMDs within any park, trail, or open space area must be in a safe manner and is at the risk of the user. OPDMDs may not be used off trail in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area.

County personnel who have been granted authority to enforce these Rules and Regulations shall have the discretion to temporarily designate additional trail segments or other facilities on Adams County areas as unsafe and as inappropriate for use of certain classes of OPDMDs. This may be based upon current conditions, such as weather, trail conditions, pedestrian traffic volume, and potential harm to the immediate environment or natural resources. OPDMD’s shall not be wider than ½ the width of the designated path.

(c) No person shall operate a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, or any other form of non-motorized form of transportation in areas to which these regulations apply in an unsafe or careless manner.

RULE 15. PARKING

NOTE: The enforcement of this Rule 15 may only be done under a separate County Ordinance.

(a) Vehicles shall not be parked anywhere other than on established roads and parking areas in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area or parking lot.

(b) Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area or parking lot.

(c) Vehicles must be parked in compliance with all posted parking signs in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area or parking lot.

(d) Vehicles may not be parked in a manner that impedes the safe flow of traffic in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area or parking lot.

(e) Only persons with a disability may park in spaces designated for persons with disabilities in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area or parking lot.

(f) Vehicles may not be parked, attended or unattended, at an Adams County park, trail, or open space area that is closed, except with permission from the Adams County POSCA Department Director.

(g) Any motor vehicle parked in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area or parking lot that is closed, or not a designated as a parking area, or in an area designated as a “No Parking” area may be towed at the owner’s expense in accordance with C.R.S. § 42-4-1801, et. seq., and/or any applicable County Ordinance.

RULE 16. POSTING OF SIGNS / ADVERTISEMENTS / FLYERS

(a) Posting of signs, advertisements and flyers or placement of brochures in Adams County park, trail, or open space areas or on the vehicles or property of others within those areas are prohibited except for community bulletin boards located within the parks and at trailheads.

RULE 17. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY

(a) It is unlawful for any person, acting individually or on behalf of a business or organization, to charge a fee for any commercial activity or concession, or to provide any service, product, or activity for which a fee is charged in any Adams County park, trail, or open space area or facility, unless a valid Adams County Vendor Permit has been issued for that purpose by the Adams County POSCA Department.

(b) Individuals engaging in still camera photography, nonprofit tax-exempt entities, and anyone acting pursuant to the terms of an agreement with Adams County are exempt from this Rule.

RULE 18. RESEARCH PROJECTS

(a) All research projects to be conducted within any Adams County park, trail, or open space area must be reviewed and approved by the Adams County POSCA Department Director before they are commenced.

RULE 19. SPECIAL USE PERMITS

(a) Special use permits are required for any group of 25 or more at any Adams County park, trail, or open space area. Requests must include the dates and time of use, trails, or areas to be used, and other details of the use. If, in the opinion of the Adams County POSCA Department Director, the activity will cause significant impact to the natural environment or will require significant departmental resources, the county may impose a fee that includes the costs expected to be incurred by the department or deny permission for the activity.

RULE 20. DRONES/SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs the use of public and civilian Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations. Operating a UAS (drone or small model plane) on Adams County Property is only permitted in accordance with these Rules and Regulations.

At all times, operators must abide by all State and Federal regulations regarding operating UAS as well as strictly adhering to all procedural requirements for areas managed by the Adams County Parks, Open Space and Cultural Arts Department. It is the responsibility of the user to inform themselves of all requirements and regulations prior to operating an UAS at any Adams County location.

(a) It is unlawful to take-off or land any unmanned aircraft system (drone) on an Adams County Park, trail or open space area unless permitted by the Adams County POSCA Department Director.

(b) Drop-In Operation. A location has been designated for drop-in operation on properties managed by Adams County Parks, Open Space and Cultural Arts Department at Riverdale Regional Park on the gravel parking area located directly north of the Adams County Museum on the west side of Park Blvd.

i. This area will be available for drop in use during park hours unless otherwise designated. A permit will not be required to take off or land a UAS in this designated area.

ii. This area will not be available for use for UAS operation when it is being utilized for permitted special events, county sponsored events, and/or the Adams County Fair. During these events, the area will be posted with appropriate notices, and notifications will be posted on the county website

(c) Permitted Photographic Operation. Operation of a unmanned aircraft system on Adams County property for the purpose of filming, photography, marketing, or research is authorized only through a permitting process.. Permits can be obtained through the Parks Administration Office for POSCA Director approval.

i. Applicants must submit the proper forms and request all appropriate permits.

ii. Operating times and locations for each permitted use will be reviewed as part of the application process. Applications may be denied, or a request may be made to amend times and locations due to resource, wildlife, or public safety concerns.

(d) No person shall control an unmanned aircraft system in a manner which may endanger, harass, harm, or injure any person, companion animal, livestock, or wildlife on Adams County park, trail, or open space area.

RULE 21. OTHER PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

(a) Except for emergency landings, it is unlawful to take off, operate, or land with any motorized or nonmotorized aircraft within Adams County park, trail, or open space area. “Aircraft” includes but is not limited to; airplanes, helicopters, ultralights, gliders/sailplanes, and hot-air balloons except as permitted by an agreement with Adams County.

(b) Special regulations may apply to buildings open to the public on Adams County park, trail, or open space areas. These regulations shall be approved by the County. Such regulations will be posted on site.

(c) It is unlawful to golf, or to use remote-controlled land, water, airborne, or similar devices at any Adams County park, trail, or open space area unless the activity is permitted by an agreement with Adams County or authorized by the Director of POSCA and so posted in a conspicuous manner.

ARTICLE II. EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS

Exceptions to these Rules and Regulations as amended, re-enacted, or re-adopted, may be granted by the Adams County POSCA Department Director for activities that involve the management of Adams County parks, trails, or open space areas, provided the activities are undertaken or overseen by department staff, or as provided in the terms of a lease or other agreement.

ARTICLE III. ENFORCEMENT

1. Pursuant to §§ 29-7-101(2) and (3), C.R.S. et seq., as amended, it is the duty of the Adams County Sheriff, undersheriff, and deputies, as well as any county enforcement personnel authorized and appointed pursuant to those sections, to enforce the rules and regulations adopted herein; and the county courts of Adams County, Colorado, have jurisdiction in the prosecution of any violation of a rule or regulation adopted herein.

2. Pursuant to §§ 29-7-101 (2) and (3), the Board hereby vests specific enforcement authority in personnel designated as Adams County Park Rangers and those individuals so vested shall have the authority and responsibility to enforce the Rules and Regulations adopted herein for Adams County park, trail, and open space areas by issuance of penalty assessments, citations or summons and complaints.

3. Any person who violates any of these Rules and Regulations may be ejected from Adams County parks, trails, and open space areas.

4. These Rules and Regulations are in addition to, and not in place of, all other existing laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. Nothing in these Rules and Regulations shall be construed to limit the authority of any law enforcement officer to charge an individual for violating the provisions of C.R.S. § 18-9-117 (or any successor statute) related to unlawful conduct on public property. Law enforcement officers retain their authority to enforce local, state, and federal laws within Adam County park, trail, and open space areas.

ARTICLE IV. PENALTIES

1. (a) Violations of Rule 15 (Parking) of the Rule and Regulation adopted herein shall be charged and punishable pursuant to a separate County Ordinance.

(b) Violation of any other Rule or Regulation adopted herein shall be a Civil Infraction as provided for in C.R.S. § 29-7-101(2), as amended, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per violation (as required by C.R.S. § 16-2.3-102(1)(a)), plus any applicable fees and surcharges, or as otherwise provided by law.

2. The procedures, penalties, fines, and surcharges authorized in C.R.S. 16-2.3-101 et. seq., as amended, titled “Civil Infractions” apply to violations of any Rule or Regulation adopted herein.

3. The Penalty Assessment Notice and procedure provided in C.R.S. § 16-2.3-102 may be used by any arresting law enforcement officer or Adams County Park Ranger for any violation of any Rule or Regulation adopted herein.

4. Any person having the authority and responsibility to enforce these Rules and Regulations and having knowledge of any violation of the Rules and Regulations stated herein may issue a citation or summons and complaint to the violator stating the nature of the violation with sufficient particularity to give notice of said charge to the violator.

5. All fines, penalties, surcharges, and any applicable docket fees and court costs shall be paid to the Clerk of the Adams County Court in accordance with the procedures established in C.R.S. 16-2.3-101, et. seq. “Civil Infractions”. Pursuant to C.R.S. 29-7-101, the Clerk of the Adams County Court shall transmit all fines for the violation of any Rule or Regulation adopted herein into the treasury of Adams County.

6. In addition to any penalty prescribed by law, any violation of any of the Rules and Regulations herein by any person may subject that person to immediate ejection from the Adams County parks, trails, and open space areas and facilities.

ARTICLE V. COPY OF RULES AND REGULATIONS

The POSCA Department shall make available for inspection to the public a current copy of the existing rules and regulations relating to Adams County parks, trails, and open space areas.

ARTICLE VI. INTERPRETATION OF RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. It is hereby declared to be the legislative intent of the Board of County Commissioners of Adams County, Colorado, that the provisions of these Rules and Regulations shall be severable, in accordance with the provisions set forth as follows: If any provision of these Rules and Regulations are ruled to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction,

(a) The effect of such judgment shall be limited to that specific provision or provisions which are expressly stated in the judgment to be invalid; and,

(b) Such judgment shall not affect, impair, or nullify the validity of application of the remainder of these Rules and Regulations as a whole or any other part thereof, and the rest of these Rules and Regulations shall continue in full force and effect.

2. The enactment of these Rules and Regulations shall not be construed as abating any action now pending under or by virtue of prior provisions, or discontinuing, abating, modifying, or altering any penalty accruing or about to accrue, or as affecting the liability of any person, or as waiving any right of the county under any provision existing prior to the adoption of these Rules and Regulations, or as vacating or annulling any rights obtained by any person by lawful action of the county except as is expressly provided for herein.