The West Trail Study Area Process Begins
If you ever ride the swath of Open Space west of
Broadway between Eldorado Springs and North Boulder,
the West Trail Study Area concerns you!
The City of Boulder has just convened a new group of
stakeholders to determine the fate of existing trails, future
trails, and off-trail use – of this very large area. Popular
trails in the block include the Mesa Trail, South Boulder
Creek Trail, Shanahan Ridge, Bear Canyon, Flagstaff,
Chautauqua, Mt Sanitas, Wonderland Lake, and Foothills…
all the Mountain Parks Trails as well as the foothills
trails. The West TSA contains the Crown Jewels of the
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks.
You can learn more about this project by visiting
www.bouldercolorado.gov and following the links to
Open Space and Mountain Parks, West Trail Study Area.
Extensive jockeying took place for a coveted seat at the
West TSA table. The City hired a consultant to “facilitate”
the process who, so far, has only seemed to make to
process more contentious than it needed to be. For
example, he would only allow five recreation stakeholders,
five environmentalists, three neighborhood representatives,
one cultural resources person, and two staff members,
to be on the “community collaborative group.” The
recreation people were prevented from representing their
groups (but the environmentalists got to choose multiple
people from at least one small group). In mid-September
a raucous caucus selected the winners, based on who
showed up at the meeting. There were dozens of mountain
bikers, trail runners, hikers, and rock climbers, each of
whom were deemed “big enough” to get a seat at the
table. As usual, equestrians were underrepresented in
the political process and therefore we didn’t get a
bona fide representative.
We did, however, get the next best thing. Perhaps thanks
to all the advocacy work I’ve been doing on everyone’s
behalf for the last fifteen years, and perhaps because
they felt bad that we were not seated, the group of over
250 recreationists appointed yours truly by acclaim to
be the single alternate for all the recreation groups, and
specifically to be the alternate for the “Multi-Sport Group”
which consists of runners, fisher-people, equestrians and
other hangers-on.
It is estimated that the West TSA process will entail over
20 hours a month for more than a year. If every volunteer
on the committee puts in the same amount of time, that
comes to almost 3,500 hours of time spent on determining
the fate of trails west of Broadway. If staff and the
alternate(s)’ time is counted, you can more than double
that time, to, say, 7,000 hours. Give it a time-value-of-money
of $25 an hour, throw in the consultant’s fees,
and we’ve got a project “worth” around a quarter of a
million bucks.
Will it be worth it? Maybe. If you care about equestrian
issues, please call me, provide me with your input, give me
moral support, and stay in touch.
Suzanne Webel
303-485-2162
suzanne@webel.us
The Feeder Canal Trail Bites the Dust
After more than 30 years of hearing all the pros and cons,
in September 2009 the Board of County Commissioners
finally gave up on a proposed multi-use trail along the
Boulder Creek Feeder Supply Canal.
For some, this trail would have provided a continuous
off-road link between Boulder and Lyons, 13 miles of
picturesque recreational amenity offering sweeping views
of the plains and mountains. Others saw the trail was seen
as an abomination that would deprive its neighbors of
their privacy and bring urban problems of crime, vandalism,
and trespass to a rural area. Some were concerned
that the trail would compromise water quality for the City
of Boulder. Planners statewide saw the Canal as a missing
link in the Front Range Trail, which may extend some day
from New Mexico to Wyoming. Some environmentalists
were worried that the trail would inconvenience wildlife
living near it. For others, the trail posed unacceptable
safety risks that the City and County appeared unwilling
to address. The Canal’s owner was worried that the trail
would inconvenience its maintenance operations.
In the end, the owner of the Canal, Northern Water,
trumped all other parties by rescinding its trail development
guidelines and making it clear that “permission to
use the feeder canal for any part of the trail is unlikely
to be forthcoming.” Probably nobody will ever know all
the politics, back-room wrangling and deal-making that
went into this decision.
BCHA discussed the Feeder Canal Trail at length many,
many times. Years ago, we provided written documentation
that horses don’t even carry the micro-organisms the
water-quality folks were worried that we might introduce,
thereby successfully convincing the planners to include
equestrians in the trail mix. We offered ideas on how to
accommodate horses and other trail users so that safety
issues would be minimized. And, we insisted that, if the
trail was built, it should have designated horse trailer
parking at all trailheads. Finally, we argued that the
Canal trail should not be considered as a replacement for
any other planned north-south trails in Boulder County,
and should connect to them all to form a meaningful
trail system.
We hope that now the Feeder Canal Trail is dead, Boulder
County will redouble its efforts and resources to build
other long-sought trails, especially along old railroad
grades such as the one west of Highway 36, the one from
Boulder to Erie, and the one from Longmont to Lyons.
These alignments will also provide “sweeping views of the
plains and mountains,” will also have minimal environmental
impact, and will make excellent – and safe – off
road trail connections.
Please contact me if you would like to help champion
those trail alignments – or others!
Suzanne Webel
303-485-2162
suzanne@webel.us
Ride a Mile in My Boots
On Sunday, June 14, 2009, members of Boulder County’s
Trail Stewardship teams – equestrians, mountain bikers,
hikers, and trail runners – experienced the trail from a
different perspective. Participants spent part of the morning
riding horses, mountain bikes, walking, or running on
a trail at Joder Arabian Ranch, a 347-acre ranch located in
North Boulder, as part of Boulder County Parks and Open
Spaces Partnership Initiative.
Community leaders from these different recreational user
groups gained first-hand knowledge about what different
groups desire in a trail and why. Representatives from
each group shared their perspectives and concerns,
discussed their differences, and conceptualized possible
solutions. Trail etiquette was reviewed as well.
Background: The Trail Stewardship program consists of seven teams
who have volunteered to maintain some of Boulder County Parks and Open Space trails. Maintenance work
includes light pruning, reshaping and restoring trail sections,
constructing and maintaining water control devices,
rut grading, weed pulling and possible modification to
encourage on-trail use. Trail stewardship teams for the
2009 season include Backpacker Magazine, Boulder Area
Trails Coalition, Boulder County Horse Association,
Boulder Mountainbike Alliance, Boulder Trail Runners,
Oskar Blues and Redstone Cyclery.
The original “Ride a Mile”concept was initiated by a grant
written by Barb Haaland-Michaels and was partially
funded through the 2009 Boulder Office of County
Commissioners Volunteer Program Enrichment Awards,
and coordinated by Karen Imbierowicz, Partnership
Coordinator Boulder County Parks and Open Space.
Summary and Next Steps: From the new appreciation of other recreational groups
idiosyncrasies and particulars on the trail a very positive
outlook on sharing trails was created with all groups
working together to establish what they thought might
be workable solutions. A simplified handout is being
created regarding trail etiquette to be distributed at bike
shops and hopefully at trail heads. Currently there are at
least 3 different handouts from 3 different organizations
and it may be more effective to have one listing the most
important things for users to remember. There was a discussion
about classifying and labeling the difficulty of the
trails. Another positive would be posting trail conditions
on the websites of all recreational groups. The possibility
of requiring trail infractors to participate in a “Ride a
Mile…” type of event got a nod from everyone.
All were in favor of holding an annual “Ride a Mile in
My Boots” event. Greg Joder offered to host next year’s
event. Possible 2010 participants include: bike patrollers,
park hosts, birders, organization spokes people and
journalists.
Proposed Mountain Bike Trail from Eldorado Canyon to
Walker Ranch
Eldorado Canyon State Park in conjunction with Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) is currently exploring the possibility of a mountain bike trail that would connect Eldorado Canyon with the Walker Ranch trail.
Yes, you read that correctly -- a "mountain bike trail" -- not necessarily a shared-use trail, or a multiple-use trail, but possibly a mountain bike ONLY trail. The Action Committee for Eldorado (ACE) is gathering the opinions of Boulder area climbers -- and others -- regarding this possible mountain bike trail. The exact location of the trail has yet to be determined, but will involve both existing and new sections of trail to minimize erosion and potential conflict between different recreational user groups. Two obvious roadblocks to this plan are financing the construction of new trail on steep terrain and negotiating access through Boulder Open Space. Please let ACE know your opinions!
Eldorado Canyon State Park in conjunction with Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) is currently exploring the possibility of a mountain bike trail that would connect Eldorado Canyon with the Walker Ranch trail.
Yes, you read that correctly -- a "mountain bike trail" -- not necessarily a shared-use trail, or a multiple-use trail, but possibly a mountain bike ONLY trail. The Action Committee for Eldorado (ACE) is gathering the opinions of Boulder area climbers -- and others -- regarding this possible mountain bike trail. The exact location of the trail has yet to be determined, but will involve both existing and new sections of trail to minimize erosion and potential conflict between different recreational user groups. Two obvious roadblocks to this plan are financing the construction of new trail on steep terrain and negotiating access through Boulder Open Space. Please let ACE know your opinions!
Inasmuch as there have been indications that BMA's trail proposal might actually exclude equestrians from "our" trail because their design would not be "sustainable" for horses, you are urged to participate NOW in the current ACE survey, and ALSO to contact the State Park directly at 303-441-3950. Tell them you want increased access for equestrians to Eldorado Canyon State Park!
If you check the comments that have already come in, you will notice the effects of a very focused, aggressive promotional campaign on the part of BMA and the mountain bike community. Come on, equestrians! Get involved! BCHA built the original trail in Eldorado Canyon -- now we need YOU to participate in preserving (and possibly enhancing) our access to it.
Vote/Comment by going to this website - then see Votes/Comments. Please scan the "see votes/comments" link for mine. But mine isn't enough -- they need to hear clearly from MANY members of the equestrian community. Please spread the word among other horse people. Each response is a vote, and if we don't get enough votes, you know what may happen.
Caribou Ranch
Reopens Sunday, July 1st, following spring closure.
The current trail system, 4.5 miles roundtrip, is open to hikers and equestrians only at varying months of the year. Mountain biking is not permitted due to restrictions specified in the purchase agreement. Also, dogs are not permitted on the open space for wildlife habitat and water quality protection. Please be aware that all park visitors are required to stay on-trail -- no off trail use is permitted. This regulation is in place until hazards are mitigated (e.g. mining test pits, buildings); cultural resources are inventoried, secured and/or restored; and Phase 2 trail construction is completed.
The 2,180-acre property offers visitors a rich tapestry of wetlands, meadows, streams, forests and woodlands. Caribou Ranch is a haven for wildlife where 50 species of mammals could potentially live and/or travel through the open space annually. This represents nearly half of all mammal species found in Boulder County. The most common ungulates are elk and mule deer. A moose group has been observed on portions of the property in the past two years. Also, signs of mountain lion, black bear, bobcat, coyote, red fox, marten, and short-tailed weasel have been found.
This open space also includes the Blue Bird Mine complex. Mining began in the 1870s and operations followed the boom and bust cycles of the industry until the 1960s. In the early 1900s, Blue Bird became a tourist destination on the newly completed Eldora Line of the Switzerland Trail of America. The site was a "whistle stop" during the summer months to a growing demand by city dwellers who wanted to experience the beauty of the mountains. You won't be able to explore the Blue Bird Mine complex beyond the fence at this time because of safety considerations. As July progresses, many of the plains and foothill wildflowers will disappear, but plant life at Caribou Ranch Open Space will just begin to bloom. If you would like to escape the sizzling summer days on the plains, come discover the diverse vegetation at Caribou Ranch Open Space. Caribou Ranch Open Space is located on County Road 126, approximately two miles north of Nederland. For additional information about the property, visit the department's web page at www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace.
Directions: From the Nederland traffic circle, go north 1.9 miles on the Peak to Peak Highway to County Road 126 (just past mile marker 34). Go west on CR126 about 1.2 miles. Parking and trailhead are on the north side of the road.
BCHA ADOPTS THE SWITZERLAND TRAIL AT
CARIBOU RANCH!!!
The saga of Caribou Ranch began almost exactly ten years ago – late fall of 1996, to be exact. At that time we became aware that this extraordinary property was being acquired by Boulder County Parks & Open Space and the City of Boulder. A lot of water has gone under this bridge since then (you can read the fascinating documentation of this arduous process in Vol III of Happy Trails) – but suffice it to say that BCHA offered way back then to adopt the Switzerland Trail as a means of showing our appreciation for equestrian access to this special place.
“Our” trail is officially called the Delonde Trail, named after one of the families that homesteaded the area in the 1800's and whose classic wood house still stands today in a meadow at Caribou, in mute tribute to their hard work making a living from this high mountain valley. Our commitment the last two years, during which time we need to put in a minimum of four trail days. We agree to remove trash along the trail, monitor weeds and erosion, note missing or vandalized signs, benches, and picnic tables, and look out for other hazards and problems. In addition, BCHA has earmarked funds for future trail construction at Caribou Ranch, and has a firm relationship with the Roundup Riders of the Rockies' Heritage and Trails Foundation which has agreed to provide additional funding should Boulder County request it.
We need volunteers to be our official “trail adopters”! This is a fun and satisfying way to show Boulder County that we are willing to be good stewards of the public lands we all enjoy. Please call Suzanne to sign up now!
Suzanne Webel
BCHA External VP, Trails and Public Lands Chair
303-485-2162
CARIBOU RANCH Annual Spring Closure
April 1st through June 30
The annual closure at Caribou Ranch Open Space is in place to protect spring migratory birds, over winter elk survival, and elk calving and rearing activities at Caribou Ranch Open Space. The closure is for the entire property; no visitors are permitted.
Approximately 50 species of mammals could potentially live and/or travel through the open space annually. This represents about 50 percent of all mammal species found in Boulder County. Please respect wildlife needs for solitude.
Resident caretaker, park rangers, and county sheriff deputies who patrol the open space property can fine violators up to $300.
Please help our department get the word out to residents by passing this message along to family and friends.
Colorado State Parks' Equestrian Trails
Equestrians throughout the state have many diverse choices for trail riding in Colorado State Parks and several parks have public corrals for those camping with horses. Scroll down for a listing of State parks with horse-friendly trails or select this link: State Parks
Trail Rider's Checklist -- Day Ride
Suggested activities for making your day trip a success have been compiled by Steve Deitemeyer, CF, Wildland Resources and BCHA. Checklist topics include Pre-trip Planning, Preparing Stock, Saddles and Tack, Saddle Equipment and Accessories, and Personal Gear. Detailed checklist can be found here.
Happy Trails
Happy Trails is a compilation of trail logs in and around the Boulder
County area. This publication includes about 140 pages of trail
descriptions with maps and comes in an attractive binder. It also includes
information on map reading, trail etiquette, safety, trailering
and public land management. |
new Comprehensive Trail 
