June 1st Meeting Summary

June 1st Public Meeting Summary

Board Attendees

Laura Turitz, Treasurer

Nicky Asselin, Secretary

Charlie Brown, Vice President

Robert Tadlock, President

Public Attendees

Chris Kehoe, Jamie O’Hern, Amy Hawf, Chad Milam, Ernest Saeger, Sam Reichstein, Tim McCabe, Miles Henson

Status of Past Action Items

  • Buckhorn Fence  Broken - we have made the BLM and they have it on their schedule to fix it. They are understaffed but are currently interviewing for a local office to replace the person we lost last year. This is very good news.

  • 2020 Master Plan is under development as we look at signage, new trails and East Eagle development.

  • Trail Work Days are a go under the new COVID guidelines. Watch HTC or VVMTA for local opportunities.

  • We are soliciting community input for a new signage update. If you wish to know more or have input reach out to us on Facebook or email.

Next Meeting is August 3, 2020

  • We hope to have this meeting in person if the county health restrictions allow for it. Watch email and HTC for details.

Dead Cow Fence Issue

  • There was an electric fence that came over part of the trail and we contacted BLM and the ranchers and it has been adjusted for the safety of everyone.

  • Thanks to a small crew, the barb wire fence at the end of Dead Cow has been flagged to make it more visible in low light conditions. We have suggested that a cattle guard be put in its place instead.

Redneck Ridge Extension is officially named Hillbilly

  • Many thanks to all who joined in the conversation, took the time to generate great names, and voted for their favorites. Stay involved for future opportunities to partake in trail building and naming projects in the future.

Trail Work Days

  • Hailee Rustad is heading up a women’s only trail work nights. The first one was Thursday on Extra Credit and a great success. Look for more nights to come on HTC and VVMTA.

  • Saturday was a work day to fix the troublesome berm on LOV Connector. Charlie and Sam Brown headed up this one and many thanks for the improvements.

  • Will’s Thrill is open and dusty. We are currently looking at getting approval from the BLM to add some downhill features. More to come on this in July or August.

  • Regular trail work days to start up again soon. If you see something on the trails or have suggestions, drop and update to VVMTA Trail Conditions on Facebook or drop us an email.

Camping Issues on Bellyache

  • A number of concerns have been communicated to the town about fire violations, new sites being built and trash left behind. The BLM has sent a ranger in to help enforce the rules. We are also working with VVMTA, The Town of Eagle and BLM to better partner to educate visitors on camping etiquette and fire restrictions. Currently there should be no camp sites below 3 miles up on Bellyache Road. Charlie will be organizing a work day to rock off sites that shouldn’t be used. Here is a link for current fire restrictions here in Eagle County. http://www.ecemergency.org/2020/04/eagle-county-fire-restriction-info.html

BLM public comment deadline for EBikes

  • Currently BLM is taking comments on ebikes. A federal order last year allows local BLM officers to permit class 1, 2 & 3 on non-motorized trails. VVMTA is currently drafting an opinion. The comment period closes soon. Details and comments can be submitted here until June 9: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=BLM-2020-0001&fbclid=IwAR2wmVs11ZyTMrmjg7LtnGBtEk-2rP6GPHLuI-PXw9leigwBW-zlHRhc1go

  • Proposed rule changes - https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/04/10/2020-07099/increasing-recreational-opportunities-through-the-use-of-electric-bikes

    • If you're not familiar with how to submit comments for this process, they generally throw out random/non-specific comments.  When/if sharing this out and asking for comment make sure to state:

      • Please make your comments on the proposed rule as specific as possible, confine them to issues pertinent to the proposed rule, and explain the reason for any changes you recommend. Where possible, your comments should reference the specific section or paragraph of the proposal that you are addressing. The comments and recommendations that will be most useful and likely to influence agency decisions are:

      • 1. Those supported by quantitative information or studies; and

      • 2. Those that include citations to, and analyses of, the applicable laws and regulations.

Town of Eagle Update

  • The temporary directional signs for social distancing have been removed. The trails return to their multi-direction, multi-user status. 

  • Extra Credit re-opened on Friday after and extended closure for Elk and ditch work.

Miscellaneous Items & Questions

  • LG Tri Tour De Eagle is looking for volunteers. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090844a4af22abff2-lgtri2020

  • Can we put signage at the bottom of P&I for no foot traffic - no multi-directional, multi-user. 

  • Is there a sign at the top/bottom of Lov Child (Will’s Thrill) - not yet but will be when directional status is finalized and part of signage plan. 

  • Is there a chance we could add another board member or two- yes, what do you want to do? We need help fundraising, leading trail crews and starting Adopt-a-Trail and Wildlife Ambassador programs here in eagle.

  • Are there plans to develop more trails in the area of Mikes/Deadcow and/or Sawmill? Yes, what are your ideas? Wolverton reopen?

    • Mike our previous USFS rep said they’d consider Wolverton whenever the logging is done.

Nicole Asselin