Discussions on preliminary designs for the replacement of the Fish Creek Falls bridge will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the Routt County Community Room at 135 6th Street in Steamboat Springs.

The popular footbridge, located east of Steamboat Springs in the Routt National Forest, receives heavy visitation year-round and sits at the base of a nearly 300-foot-tall waterfall. Due to structural integrity concerns which have spanned the last couple years, the Forest Service determined it was time to replace the bridge. 

While the Forest Service has funded the bridge engineering design, construction of a new bridge will require additional funding. The federal agency is working with an engineering firm to design a permanent replacement. 

Hosted by Routt National Forest staff, the public meeting is intended for providing information on the preliminary designs and answering questions. Public feedback on Forest plans for a solution would also be appreciated. 

“We cannot overstate the importance of consistent, safe public access to Fish Creek Falls for viewing and enjoyment,” said Michael Woodbridge, district ranger for the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears District, in a news release.

“Our goal with this public meeting is to share with the community our plans for reliable viewing of and access to the falls. We’d like to hear from the community if there is anything we might have missed or should be considering with our plans at this early design stage,” he added.