Hey Hardscrabble Trails Coalition Crew,
Just wanted to drop a quick note to say a massive THANK YOU for all your awesome support at the town meeting and those stellar emails you sent. Your efforts made a difference!
Great news - as of now, the first two loops of Haymaker are staying open. We believe your emails and showing up at the town meeting really helped swing things in our favor.
We're not totally clear on what's next, but we promise to keep you in the loop. As soon as we figure out the game plan, we'll send out some communication.
In the mean time, help us keep this trail open by Respecting the Wild! Keep your dog leashed on Haymaker, obey all of the trail closures that start on December 1st, and leave the wildlife alone. Showing our town that we care about how we get outside and recreate went a long way to help keep this trail open.
Once again, huge thanks for being awesome advocates for Hardscrabble Trails.
Thanks,
The Hardscrabble Trails Coalition Board of Directors
Update: We continue to have great discussion about this topic and as such we wanted to provide more data/learning information. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife gave a presentation to the Eagle County Board of commissioners on 11.1.2023. You can view that presentation here: Tuesday afternoon 10.31.2023 meeting
The presentation starts around the 40 minute mark. There is some great explanation about management plans as well as management targets and other data.
Here is some context on HTC's decision to push back on closing part or all of what is currently open of Haymaker in the winter:
We are basing our decision on data provided by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). We would urge people to get up to speed on this data so you have context:
Read up on the recommendations from the consulting group that the Town hired. This is from the open house on the 18th - https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:a6943b26-1d5d-32f8-9a98-3b5c105d4306
Be sure that you know the actual numbers for our Elk herd that are collected and posted by the CPW. These numbers are what the CPW uses to manage the herd and determine the number of hunting licenses, when to cull predators, and how to mitigate other herd disturbance such as human recreation and land development.
Our management area is E16 (GMU 44, 444, 45, 57) - You can read the entire management plan by going here: https://cpw.state.co.us/.../pages/herdmanagementplans.aspx
To summarize from that document:
CPW's management current target for herd size: 5500 - 8500
Target for sex ratio: 18 - 30 bulls/100 cows
Have a look at the last herd estimates that come from the 2022 post hunt survey that the CPW conducted. Here is the summary:
Herd size: 8511
Sex ratio: 24 bulls/100 cows
You can see these numbers here: https://cpw.state.co.us/.../2022ElkPopulationEstimates.pdf
You can see historic estimates here: https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Statistics-Elk.aspx
Based on the numbers that the CPW manages to, we talked with our local CPW enforcement officer, and he confirmed our assumption that the CPW would likely raise the number of cow tags issued next year to bring the herd back down to management target limits. Great news for hunters and something we should all be aware of.
Lastly, we want to also address something we’ve heard referenced at public meetings: the calf/cow ratio. As you can see in the E16 management plan, the calf/cow ratio has been going down year over year since 1969 - 2011 (there is not more public information than that as far as we can find). The CPW also does not post these estimates and we've been told they do not manage to this number, so we've had a hard time really finding meaningful data, but from the management plan you can read:
"The post-hunt calf:cow ratio, expressed as calves per 100 cows, is used as an index of herd productivity. This index grossly reflects the combined summer natality and summer-to-early winter survival rate of calves relative to cows. E-16 DAU plan (2013) 20 In E-16, the post-hunt calf:cow ratio has been in a general decline for almost the past 2 decades (Figure 9). In the 1970s and 1980s, the calf ratio was relatively stable, averaging 57 (excluding an outlier observation in 1975) in the 1970s; 56 calves:100 cows in the 1980s; and 54 in the 1990s. However, the observed calf ratio began declining in the late 1990s, and by the 2000s, the average was 40. The current 3-year average (2009-2011) is 35."
The document does not specify what a healthy ratio should be or what, if any target the CPW has, but we asked our CPW officer, and he said 65 is where it should be. We also started looking at current draft management plans that mentioned a healthy number for other areas should be 35 - 45 and our current data says 35. We were told by the CPW officer that he can't comment on draft plans, so we'll leave them out of this discussion. We can't give more meaningful data or insight than that, but we can say the herd has grown year over year for the last 4 seasons that we looked at which you can see from post hunt estimates (2019: 6180, 2020: 6970, 2021: 7597, 2022: 8511) so it would seem that the herd is reasonably productive. We just want to make sure we provide any context we have on this data point as you may have heard it referenced in public meetings. We are not a biologist and we don’t know what a healthy target should be here unless we’re given that data from the CPW, but it's just more data we should all consider.
The next point of contention here is the Haymeadow development.
You can see the site plan here: https://haymeadow.com/site-plan/
As you probably know phase one is already being built and directly adjacent to the first loop of the trail. There is also a paved walking path that will remain open even though the soft surface trail would be closed (you can read more about that in the ERO plan above). This will be exactly how we keep the paved trails open in Eagle Ranch during the winter, but close the bike trails. Think about the snow removal machines that run in Eagle Ranch on those paved paths and the people that use them for recreation. It will be the same in Haymeadow. Next, you can see phase two of the development will be directly adjacent to the second loop of the trail.
It feels very hypocritical to close public land to recreation but allow a large development to run and operate in the same disturbance area.
HTC, VVMTA, and other user groups in Eagle have made many decisions to close trails, not build new trails in sensitive area, and work with land managers to mitigate our impact. You can read about that in the many public trail plans and environmental assessments we've been involved in.
We decided to share this because the HTC board had a lot of questions about this issue during the open house on the 18th and we want everyone to know we are trying to find a reasonable balance between recreation and wildlife protection. Please remember the majority of our trails are closed to protect wintering wildlife, we did not oppose closing loops 3 & 4 of Haymaker and we help support and run eduction campaigns to improve compliance with closures.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email at info@hardscrabbletrailscoalition.com
The battle to keep Haymaker open during the winter continues.
Click here to read the letter HTC sent to the Open Space Recreation Advisory Committee and Town Council.
What Can You Do?
Attend the Town of Eagle Open Space Management Plan Open House on 10/18, all the details here.
Can’t make the meeting - fill out the survey here.
The Management plans are available to review https://eagleco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2027/files
Want to see the Deer and Elk Herd numbers yourself? Here they are.
We heard you Eagle! We know you all like to bike! And we also heard that you want more expert riding options. We also think we need more beginner terrain to get the kids out - and all of us really. Soooo - what’s the perfect solution? A new community BIKE PARK!! Here’s your chance to help us bring this project to life.
We have been supporting the VVMTA for over 3 years on their efforts to advocate, plan, and partner with our community to get to this point. And we are oh, so close!
The Town of Eagle has committed $200,000 to the VVMTA to get the bike park built this year. We need $150,000 more from you, our community to get it built this summer/fall of 2023.
To see all of the amazing features, skills area, jumps and plans CLICK HERE. When you see how huge and fun this will be, we hope you join us and DONATE today.
Eagle Bike Park Design Concept
Save the Date - HTC Season Kickoff Party
When: Saturday, April 15th 4-7pm
Where: Mountain Pedaler, Eagle
Why: Because trails don’t open until 4/16 and we want to kick off trail season right
What: We’ll have some food and drinks, RAFFLES (Enduro entry anyone?), HTC Swag and a whole bunch of info.
Coming this summer
Eagle Bike Park!
BLM review and hopefully approval of EA 1 (that’s code for our summer trails plan)
Full of key reroutes and a bit of fun new stuff
Adam’s Way Connector to BCVROS Update
Trail Crew Leader Training - if you want to learn, we’ll sponsor you
We were able to get a new EA (Environmental Assessment) submitted to the BLM this fall. It’s currently under review (which means NOTHING is approve yet). With any kind of luck we will be able to get started on these projects in the Spring of 2023. You’ll notice this EA focuses on cleaning things up. This is the first step in being able to utilize the additional approved mileage in the BLM’s Special Recreation Management Areas that are approved for mechanized use. Once we get this done we will submit another EA that focuses on new trails and really making some key new connections to improve the trail user experience while minimizing our impact.
Like any project, it takes money. The BLM will require studies prior to approving our plan. We’re hoping to raise $15,000 this year to help fund the archaeological, cultural and biological studies required.
Your donation will help fund trail projects in Eagle
The Town of Eagle is considering changing the date Town of Eagle Open Space Trails close for the winter season. Below is the notice of the Public Hearing that will take place on Tuesday, October 11th at 6pm.
If you value being able to access Town of Eagle Open Space and being able to connect to BLM lands for the permitted non motorized and non mechanized uses during this time please come to the meeting or email openspace@townofeagle.org
Town of Eagle Fall Seasonal Closure Date Change from 12/15 to 12/1
Notice is hereby given that the Town of Eagle Town Council will hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. This notice is given pursuant to Section 6.03.090 of the Town of Eagle Municipal Code. The purpose of the hearings is to take public testimony and take action on the following items:
Ordinance No. 18- 2022 “An Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Eagle, Colorado, Amending Section 6.03.090(A)1 of the Eagle Municipal Code, Regarding Seasonal Use Restrictions in Open Space Areas,” to Amend Seasonal Use Restrictions Dates from December 15 – April 15 To December 1 – April 15.
Resolution 77, Series 2022 "A Resolution by The Town Council of The Town of Eagle, Colorado, Amending Seasonal Use Restrictions Dates from December 15 – April 15 To December 1 – April 15 for Trails and Open Space Properties In Accordance with Seasonal Use Restriction Changes on Lands Managed By the Bureau of Land Management."
Public hearings are held at the Eagle Town Hall, 200 Broadway, Eagle, Colorado 81631. All members of the public are invited to attend the public hearings, whether virtually or in person, and give testimony on the application. Written comments may be submitted by mail to the Eagle Town Offices, P.O. Box 609, Eagle, CO 81631, or by e-mail to openspace@townofeagle.org. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Eagle Town Offices at 200 Broadway, Eagle, CO 81631, or by telephone at 970-328-6542.
Starting in 2022, seasonal use restriction dates on lands managed by the BLM in the West Eagle/Hardscrabble area will change from January 16 – April 15 to December 1 – April 15. This area will no longer have a late-season hunt, and in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the BLM elected to make the change for the 2022/23 winter season. The Town of Eagle is considering changing the seasonal closure dates for trails and open space properties in the Town limits to match the new dates on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Thanks to everyone that came out for our first kick-off meeting of the season. In case you missed it, here are the key highlights from the meeting including a great way to get involved and other exciting announcements.
Trail Crew Lead Training with VVMTA and HTC
Location: Singletree Community Center (Edwards)
Schedule: Saturday - 8am-4pm & Sunday - 8am-12pm
Curriculum: Classroom and out on the trail (Berry Creek, Mesquite, or West Avon Preserve)
Both VVMTA and HTC are planning regular work nights throughout the season on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. We will also have special projects come up over the summer and need trained trail crew leaders to help make these work sessions possible.
If you are interested, and are willing to commit to trail building this summer, we would like to provide you with a $100 scholarship to attend this training. All we ask in return is that you help us lead our great volunteers on various projects.
If you are interested, please fill out this Google Form. We have limited spots available, so first come, first serve.
Public Meeting Highlights in Case you Missed It
Save the dates for our Public Meetings at 6:00 pm 6/7, 8/2, 10/4. Locations TBD.
HTC Regular Trail work nights on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday May - September starting May 18th.
Be sure to check out VVMTA work nights every Wednesday if you want to spend time on trails up valley as well.
VVMTA/HTC have a new membership program where 100% of your membership goes to support local trails along with great rewards for your volunteer time. More details to come!
All trails in Eagle are open. Remember that a muddy trail is a closed trail so keep an eye out on storms and be prepared to turn around.
Extra Credit is special - if you see the elk, turn around, let's give them some space. They like it there.
Be sure to check out other volunteer opportunities with HTC and VVMTA
Wildlife Trail Ambassador
Adopt-a-Trail
Custom Trail Work Days for your team
Other opportunities to share your opinion on local trails
Town of Eagle Open Space & Recreation Advisory Committee
Public input on the new Base Camp project with Town Council
New Trails in planning
East Eagle climbing trail from Road Gulch
West Eagle connector from Riddle to Brush Creek Valley Ranch and Open Space
HTC will be closing the lower two dispersed camping sites on Bellyache to better protect the trails and land
As always, thanks for all you do to support HTC and VVMTA. All of this rain is going to bring great riding and beautiful flowers. Eagle always dries out pretty quickly but a muddy trail is always closed so be prepared to turn around if you are leaving feet, bike, dog, moto, or horse tracks.
Thanks to the generosity of 64 individuals, businesses, and the Town of Eagle, in only 22 days we’ve raised all the money required to fund the major updates to Will’s Thrill in East Eagle! Thanks to all of you, Eagle now has a progressive downhill only trail only a short ride from town!
What’s next?
So, what are the next steps then? We need to keep the trail closed for a few more weeks to hopefully get some moisture on the features. During that time we will be installing signage at the top, bottom, at all junctions for go-arounds, and at various large features to let people know what they are approaching. This is going to take us some time and we may schedule a trail work day to speed the process. Keep on the lookout.
Once the trail is ready to go, we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor Will and his friends and family.
Shout out to all our donors
Thanks to the entire Town Council for your support and approving our request for $5k to close the gap on our fund raising. We’re all lucky to live in a town where open space and trail development is valued as a vital part of our community, both from a public health and economic impact point of view. Your trust in us as an organisation is something we take seriously and we look forward to working with you on many projects to come.
Thanks to Alpine Collision for your support! It’s really great to see our local businesses step up and it’s even more incredible during times like this. Thanks a lot from the entire HTC crew. Everyone stop in and support a great local business if you can.
Thanks RAMBO- Rifle Area Mountain Bike Organization! It’s great to have support from other local organizations around the way. We’re all in this together and we really appreciate the gesture. Let’s get together and ride some time. :)
For the rest of you, get out and check out all the work RAMBO is doing in Rifle.
Once again Bonfire continues to be a friend to HTC and support the growth of Eagle’s thriving outdoor community and open space. On top of providing volunteers beer, maintaining one of the busiest trails in Eagle, letting HTC host meetings at their place, Bonfire stepped up to help bring this new, exciting trail to Town. You know where they are, get in there and have a beer and tell them thanks from all of us.
You know Mountain Bike Eagle from the guides and maps you find around town. One of the co-founders, Laura, is also on our board and was key to getting this project off the ground. Thanks a lot for the donation.
Thanks Parnters Environmental for your generous donation and for offering your services in the future!
Thanks for your generous matching program Tech Soft 3D!
Thanks to all the individuals!!
Bill Caynoski
Alex Coleman
Jesse Horton
John Lettice
Todd Wyscarver
Jamie O'Hern
Rewdy Race
Mark Young and Beth Ann Bovino
Ian Mcnaughton
Pumpkin
Brian Weiskittel
Ingoldsby Family
Gatekeeper
Patti Liermann
O'Kelly's
Robert Tadlock
Bill Cotton
Cody Wyse
Ernest Saeger
Hailee Rustad
Keith Klesner
Jeris Romeo
Michelle Resnick
Turmel Family
Joe and Cecile McSwiggan
Adam Bailey
Vit Blanar
John Chilton
Scott Schlosser
Jason Dupus
WestCade
Karen S
Josh Swanke
Alethea
Daxton, Jill, and Taylor Ryan
Lachie Thomas
Adam Palmer
Michael Wheeler
Matt Lewis
Brent Wambach
Weathers Family
Trueblood Family
Chris Moran
Kevin Simons
Bob Monaghan
Ryan Fowler
Team Rubber Chicken
Casey Wyse
Brian & Barb Olson
Kraige Kinney
Bonnie McDonald
Kevin,Cindy Lagace
Bo and Erica Pihl
Mike Eastabrooks
Melissa Lally
Board Attendees
Laura Turitz, Treasurer
Nicky Asselin, Secretary
Robert Tadlock, President
Public Attendees
Ernest Saeger, Tim McCabe, Trent, Todd Moyer, John Bailey, Adam Palmer, Matt Jones
Call to Order
Zoom meeting, 8/3, 6:30pm
Agenda
Will’s Thrill - fundraising goal met. We now have a down-hill progressive trail here in Eagle. It’s a really good trail. It’s funded, it’s built but it’s really soft because it needs rain. Needs a signage audit. Working to create a ribbon open ceremony. Will’s birthday is August 26th, can we coordinate? Is it too early? What about artificial moisture? We had to remove the connector road at the request of the BLM so we have to go with moisture back-packs. Could Halsey use the ATV and the vibrating plate compactor to create the moisture? When there is rain, we could have a volunteer night.
Dead Cow - fence repaired, cattle guard is offered by the BLM we just need to pick up and install
John State has left the open space position, they have approved a full-time position so if you know anyone interested, please let us know.
Brush Creek Valley Ranch and Open Space - there is a new trail, flagged it, then they rerouted it, and the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps and another local youth corps and essentially the trail is built except on BLM. Will connect into road gulch and connect into the trail hub. It will also cross the brush creek and connect into Riddle. The county is building a new bridge over.
Sending a survey to the community as to what the next trail project should be.
Treasurer Report
Will’s Thrill Go Fund Me
$11,110 (Goal $10,000)
Fees - $136.61
$12,000.97 Balance after initial $10,000 payment to Momentum Trail Concepts
$5,000.00 Due from Town of Eagle
Notes/Questions
What about trails on Hardscrabble? Looking to legalize Wolverton.
What about a climbing trail in East Eagle? Climbing trail in place of road gulch?
Interesting that there’s a timeline on Wolverton because of logging. We are talking with Forest Service on what we could do up there. Extending Sawmill, legalize Firebox, legalize Wolverton…
BLM hired new recreation manager and he starts August 31st. Don’t try to propose any new trails until then.
Action Items
Walk the rim trail, flag it and build it.