OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE STATE TRAIL GRANT APPLICATION

NAME OF PROJECT Tres Rios OHV Grant Date of Application 11 /25/20 I J (Limit the project name to 5 words or less)

GRANT REQUEST /\mount Requested (round o fT to the nearest $1- amount must match Exhibit B, Budget Form):

Total Project Cost: $ __ .;::.2:..!..1 ~9.~6..:::.6:::...5 ______ Grant Request:$ 89 600

PROJECT SPONSOR INFORMATION Legal Name and Address for entity

legally responsible for project:

PROJECT CONTACT INFORJ\!AT/ON Name & Address of Contact Responsible for Project:

Jeff Christenson. Outdoor Recreation Planner Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office

Tres Rios Field Ol'ficc 292 11 llighway 184 2921l ll ighway 184 Dolores, CO 81323 Dolores. CO 81323

Phone: (970) 882-68 1 I Fax: (970) 882-6841 Phone (970) 882-6808 Fax: (970) 882-6841

E-Mail: jchristenson@blm.gov E-Mail: cclementson@blm.gov *This is 1he person who will be managing the projec1 and be

responsible lor ensuring the contract scope will be fulfilled . DUNS fl.: Please notify us if Project Contacl changes.

(to be completed bv CPW office!

PROJECT CLOSE-OUT CONTACT INFORMA TION Name & Address of Contact Responsible for Project Closeout:

Jeff Christenson, Outdoor Recreation Planner

Bureau of Land Management, Tres Rim; Field Office

292 11 High wt~)J 184, Dolores, CO, 81323

Phone: (970) 882-6811 Fax: (970) 882-6841 E-mail: jchristenson@blm.gov

* Please notif\1 us if Proiect Close-out Contact chanecs

PROJECT LOCATION INFORMATION . Nearest Town or City: Egnar, Nucla, Cortez, Silverton, Durango, Pagosa Spnngs County: San Juan, Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, Archuleta, San Miguel Township/Range/Section:._~--------State Senate District#: 6 State Representative District#: 58,59

LAND OWNERSHIP Name of Land Owner: Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management Trail corridor-land is controlled by:

0 Fee Simple 0 Lease D Easement 0 Land Acquisition-Ownership to be obtained

0 License D Right-of-way ~ Other (Explain):Department of Interior

TRAIL USER INFORMATION ~ Hiking D X-Country Skiing ~ All-Terrain Vehicle

(Check all that apply to this project) ~ Equestrian ~ Mountain Biking ~ Four-Wheeling ~ Motorcycling D Snowshoeing 0 Snowmobiling D Accessible Access

PROJECT INFORMATION (Check all activities that apply to your project.) 0 New Trail construction D Travel Plan Implementation ~Resource Protection & Improvement D Capitol Equipment 0 Programmed Trail Maintenance ~ Signs ~ Education ~ Youth Corps ~ Visitor Contacts & Law Enforcement 0 Re-Routed Trails 0 Restoration/Rehabilitation OLand Acquisition ~ Planning D Other:. _____ _

TRAIL ACTIVITIES SUMMARY: Based on your project description, prov~de the percentage of your budget using the categories listed below.

% of Budget Categories of Activities 0 Program maintenance (e.g., erosion controls, water bars and culverts, trail

clearing and brushing, trail hardening and trail tread repairs, bridge construction and repairs, trailhead improvements and maintenance, crew wages, etc.)

51% Enforcement, Education & Visitor Contacts (e.g., patrols, enforcement, education and visitor contacts, wages, safety contacts, equipment, etc.)

1-------1 Planning &Travel Plan Implementation (e.g., planning, engineering, maps,

21 °/o inventorying, travel management signs & installation, decommission non-system routes, rehabilitation, new construction, wages, monitoring, etc.)

1---------1 Equipment /Materials/ Signs/ Youth Corps/Miscellaneous (e.g., equipment

28% maintenance and repair, personnel training, certification in the use of specialized equipment, program coordination, etc.)

1---------1 100% Totals (Note: Percentages in each column should add to 100 %.)

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION & SUMMARY: SCOPE OF WORK

This grant proposal is being submitted for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lan?s, Tres ~ios Field Office (T~FO). The TRFO, prior to 2012, operated under a Service First Dual Delegation of authonty role wtth the San Juan Natto~al . Forest and as such applied for and received grants as the San Juan Public Lands Center. Si~ce 2012, the TRFO~ whtle sttll co-located with the Dolores Ranger District, operates as a stand-alone BLM field office whtch manages approxtmately 682,000 acres of public lands in the southwest portion of the state. The field office spans from Utah to Pagosa Springs, including areas such as the Dolores River, the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, the Cortez and Durango urban interfaces, and 50,000 acres of the Alpine Loop area around Silverton. TRFO would be responsible for the supervision and training needed to complete the project. Work would be carried out by a combination ofTRFO permanent and seasonal staff, internship students, volunteers, and partners. The project will be initiated October 2014 and would run through the November 2016. The project would specifically serve the counties of Dolores, Montezuma, Archuleta, La Plata, San Miguel, and San Juan and target the Alpine Loop National Backcountry Byway, Dolores River Canyon, and public lands surrounding the communities of Nucla/Naturita/Norwood, Egnar/Dove Creek/Cortez, and Durango/Silverton/ Pagosa Springs.

OHV ROUTE INVENTORY PHASE II- TRFO received a grant in 2013 to initiate Phase I oftravel route inventory. This effort complimented past efforts under Service First, but recognized additional detail and critical •condition' information was necessary. Phase II, as proposed in this grant application will complete the overall inventory needed to initiate the travel management analysis required to be completed within 5 years of the RMP ROD. This inventory work would complete the second and final phase of travel management inventory, covering approximately 76,000 acres of new inventory of public lands surrounding Dove Creek, Cortez, Durango, Silverton, and Pagosa Springs and continue the work under the Phase I grant. Funding would be used to pay wages of seasonal employees or youth corps interns, as well as training, mapping and vehicle costs associated with the inventory work.

VISITOR CONTACTS, SIGNING AND OHV COMPLIANCE- The Alpine Loop Backcountry Scenic Byway is nationally renowned with OHV recreationists. The Alpine Triangle consists of 145,000 acres ofBLM lands. The area is a popular destination for off-highway vehicle users, with a total of 195 miles of routes and primitive roads. The area is one ofthe heaviest visited ATV/OHV areas managed by the BLM in the State of Colorado, with approximately 470,000 visitor use days occurring on the TRFO managed portion of the management area. The TRFO manages approximately 50,000 acres of the Alpine Triangle; the TRFO management area features the majority of the 195 mile road system which draws motorized users to the area. A typical season along the Alpine Loop runs June 1 through September 30 (weather dependent).

This funding would provide an opportunity to continue to provide BLM presence and allow us to interact with and provide information to thousands of visitors. This grant would provide funding for seasonal technicians and 'detail'rangers to provide a consistent on-the-ground presence, providing OHV visitors with valuable information on travel routes while promoting safe OHV operating and riding etiquette. The end goal of these frequent visitor interactions will be to increase awareness of visitors to make their experience more enjoyable while ensuring high visibility of agency personnel across the landscape, which is a critical component of managing the Loop. Under this proposal, a total of 5,000 OHV visitor contacts could be made by seasonal recreation staff and rangers. Visitor services would be provided by handing out brochures and maps, and public assistance would be provided when needed for motorist assists, medical emergencies, or directions. In addition to making contacts with OHV users, BLM employees would also maintain recreation facilities along the Loop to facilitate public access. It would fund informational and directional signing to include sign replacement, installation, and maintenance.

ALPINE LOOP BROCHURE- The design, layout and initial production of this free-of-charge brochure was funded under Phase I (awarded April 20 13) and is slated for usc summer 2014. The brochure provides key information to visitors such as route names and numbers, estimated mileage and travel times, restroom/camping locations, places of interest and information about responsible. This brochure has been, and will continue to be available free-of-charge to the public through numerous sources (electronic, local businesses, visitor centers, BLM staff, etc.). This proposal would fund a refresh printing of the brochure.

Submitted By: Signature:------------------

Accepted by State Parks:

Name Date Printed Name·;...._ ______________ _

Printed Title:----------------

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Budget Form Project Name: Tres Rios OHV Grant

•uiTEMS LISTED IN THE BUDGET BELOW SHOULD BE SPECIFIC AND CORRESPOND TO THE PLANNED ACTIVITIES INDICATED IN TilE PROJECT DESCRIPTION ISCOPF. OF WORKl ON YOUR GRANT APPliCATION ••• .• I

I PROJECT FUNDING SOURCES In-Kind (Non-Cash) Ltst all sources Md amounts of proJect fundong on lhas secuon CASH Contributions TOTAL

OIIV GRANT FlJNDING REQlJEST $ 89,600.00

I BLM FlJNDING $ I 13.165 s 16,900 130.065

$ . $ - $ .

I $ . $ -I $ . $ - $ .

TOTAL PROJECT AMOUNT $ 219,665.00

TOTAL GRANT Al\IOUl\TI S 89,6oo.oo 1

USE OF GRANT FUNDING ListUJCs ofOHV Gtant fundmg (only) below Date to be Completed Grant Amount Totals

I. Personnel Costs Identify as· Sal:uy/wage. benefits. tra>-.:1, training. outlining costs. volunteer support. personal protection equipment, etc.

BLM Detail Ranger. Alpine Loop (3 work months) 9/31/15 $ 31.000.00 Lodging, Meals and Incidental Expenses (3 months) 9/31/15 s 6,000.00 Seasonal Recreation Technician, Alpine Loop (4 work months) 9/31115 $ 14,000.00

Category Total $ 51,000.00

II. Project Materials/Supplies Identify a,~: Signs, rock. lumber. paint. nails. prinitng. maps/guides. education materials. elc.

Alpine Loop Portal and Din.-ctional Signs 12/31/2015 $ 2.000.00 Alpine Loop Brochure Reprint 12/3112015 $ 1.500.00

Category Total $ 3,500.00 Ill. Equipment Identify as· Trail Dozer. ATV. Motorcycle. shovels. vehicle operation costs. equipment repairs. fuel. chainsnws. etc.

Category Total $ -IV. Contracted Services ~:Youth Corps, NEPA. planning. engineering. other subcontractors that are not pan of your entity.

Southwest Conservation Corp Interns (2 I person crew, 26 weeks) 12/3112015 $ 35.100.00

Category Total 1$ 35,100.00

V. Volunteer Support ~ Safety educ:auon. safety gear (glo•·eslgoggles). outlittang, per daern (meals or mileage when travel requued by and adenlilied m project scope of work). ncn-monetary awLUds or recognataon

Category Total IS -VI. Insurance

Category Total 1$ . VII. Grant Administrative Costs* ~: administralive costs: postage • copying services, electricty. phone charges. etc. •up to S% of amounl spent on this fonn.

Category Total IS -

TOTAL GRANT Al\fOlJNTa..l s ____ s9_.6_oo_.o_o_.l

**Colorado Parks & Wildlife Approval

_S_,ign.._a_tu_rc_:_-:---------------......;;D;..;a;;.;.tc;;.;: _______ By: Date: __ _ ••Note: Any changes to the budget must have pre-approval of the OIIV Progrmn.

C-1

FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION and LAND MANAGER APPROVAL

The applicant is responsible for securing all necessary pennits, licenses, cleara11ces, and environmental analysis documentation necessary to comply with local, state, a11d/or federal laws.

Project Name Tres Rios OHV Grant Project Sponsor Jeff Christenson

As the official responsible for management of the land on which the project will be accomplished, I agree to the following:

1. The project as described in this application has my approval. 2. The project is located on federal public lands and is in conformance with the appropriate Forest Management Plan, BLM Resource Area Management Plan or other decision document titled:

San Juan Resource Management Plan (as amended)

Alpine Triangle Recreation Area Management Plan

3. A decision has been issued as part of the NEPA environmental review process.

Date and title of document:

NEP A is not needed for these activities

Date:

1985/1991

2010

If not, please state reason and the estimated date when NEPA will be complete. [No funds will be distributed until any required NEP A documentation is completed.]

For more information contact:

Jeff Christenson, Outdoor Recreation Manager

4. The next planning process that may affect this project is planned for N/ A.

Connie Clementson, Field Office Manager

Print or type Land Manager's Name and Title

Land Manager Signature and Title Date

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PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA (D-1)

Carefully read and provide answers to eac/1 oftltefollowingfour criteria (four page maximum):

1. Need for & Benefit of the Project (25 point:,~:

The first component of the grant would focus on continuing OHV route inventory that was initiated in 2013 through Federal Highways funding acquired by the Tres Rios Field Office (TRFO) and the 2014 Tres Rios OHV grant. Through the implementation of these first two funding sources, the Tres Rios Field Office hopes to have completed route inventory in the western portion of the field office. This 2015 OHV grant funding request is intended to complete the inventory efforts on the eastern portion (Cortez, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Silverton) of the field office so that Comprehensive Travel Management Planning can begin in 2016. This grant would also be used to offset vehicle costs incurred by our volunteer partners. GPS equipment secured through the 2014 Tres Rios OHV Grant would be used for this phase of inventory.

The second component of the grant would focus on contacting OHV users along the Alpine Loop. The Alpine Loop, and the integral nature that the Tres Rios office plays in the management of this nationally recognized area, is described in the Scope of Work section above. Unfortunately, due to current staffing limitations, the TRFO does not have adequate staff to meet the needs and demands of such large scale recreational demand.

By providing a consistent "on the ground" presence, OHV visitors to the area will have the ability to interact on a daily basis with a BLM official who can answer questions as they relate to land management, travel management, or state OHV regulations. The end goal of these frequent visitor interactions will be to increase their awareness to make their experience more enjoyable. Because many of the users on the Alpine Loop come from outside ofthe local area, the benefits of the OHV permit and registration program will be conveyed to OHV enthusiasts to demonstrate the funds are directly returned to the area(s) they ride in to improve their riding experience. Visitor services would be increased by handing out brochures and maps, and public assistance would be provided when needed for motorist assists, medical emergencies, or directions. As a component of public education and visitor services, this project would also fund the replacement, installation, and maintenance of signs along the Loop. Similar to the travel management inventory component of the project described above, this request seeks to build upon the successes achieved thanks to OHV grant funding projects in the past (including 2014).

The third component of the project anticipates the need to reprint the Alpine Loop OHV brochure that is currently being revitalized by the Tres Rios Office and our area partners thanks to a 2014 Tres Rios OHV grant. It is our goal to keep this brochure readily available to the visitors and partners of the Alpine Loop. This grant would allow for a refresh of brochures to replace the stocks anticipated to be diminished during the 2014 season. This brochure was originally funded by an OHV grant and has been a very successful tool and informational piece for the visitor and local alike. These brochures would be made available to the public, free of charge, through numerous sources (electronic, local businesses, visitor centers, BLM staff, etc.) These brochures would provide critical information to users who often times are not familiar with the area; information would consist of route names and numbers, estimated mileage and travel times, information about responsible OHV use, and other critical information pertinent to recreation on the Loop.

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2. Partnerships, Support and Leverage (25 points):

The TRFO recognizes the importance of OHV recreation in the Field Office and within the State of Colorado in sustaining local tourism. This is accomplished through coordination with a broad spectrum of partners and volunteers with the ultimate goal of promoting, encouraging, and sustaining a safe and memorable backcountry OHV experience for visitors to public lands.

The TRFO participates in an annual OHV coordination meeting with counties, user groups, adjacent land management agencies, business owners, and other interested citizens regarding the Alpine Loop Recreation Area. During the meeting, partners discuss goals, priorities, and strategies for future management of the area. BLM Rangers provide end of season reports to this group, alongside Alpine Rangers who are hired on behalf ofthe local counties to provide additional on-the-ground presence along the Alpine Loop. The presence of additional BLM Rangers detailed into the area with past OHV grants during the months of heavy summer visitation is both recognized and appreciated by our partners. This grant seeks to carry forward this BLM detail Ranger presence, and add an additional recreation technician seasonal employee to assist with sign installation, restroom and recreation site maintenance, and information dissemination.

This grant seeks to continue partnerships with local user groups in an effort to continue refining our road and trail database in preparation of Comprehensive Travel Management Planning. Our goal is to accomplish this effort by combining the resources of BLM staff with youth corps interns and volunteers to conduct route inventory of approximately 76,000 acres of land located from the Dolores River Canyon to Pagosa Springs.

In addition to this partnership, this project proposal contains letters of support from a variety of organizations including Southwest Youth Corps, Trails 2000, Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen/Backcountry Horsemen of Colorado, the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners, and the Dolores County Board of County Commissioners.

Leverage utilized in this grant includes some congressionally allocated dollars for personnel, equipment, and training to help implement this OHV project. A detailed breakdown of the in-kind match that the Tres Rios Field Office can contribute is located above (after the Scope of Work). In total, the BLM is committed to contributing a value of$113,165 (+ $16,900 ofin-kind match from Southwest Youth Conservation Corps). This match would include:

• Use of camper trailer for personnel to use as temporary housing in Silverton • Labor funding for salaried BLM staff who will oversee and implement this project, serve as a

liaison with partner organizations, and supplement the work to be accomplished under this project. This includes Recreation, GIS, Visitor Information, and Law Enforcement staff.

• Use of government vehicles (trucks, UTV's, trailers) and fuel for interns and permanent employees

• Government provided housing for youth corps interns

This grant proposal is requesting $89,600 to complete the following (details above, located after the Scope of Work)

• Youth Corps 6 month stipend for a crew of 2 to work on route inventory on the eastern portion of the field office area

• Detail Rangers and a Recreation Technician to continue visitor contact and maintenance efforts in the Alpine Loop area

• Lodging/per diem for detailed Rangers • Sign installation and replacement along the Alpine Loop

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• Anticipated need for re-print of the newly renovated Alpine Loop OHV Brochure

The Tres Rios Field Office is estimating a total of value of $130,065 will be contributed towards by the BLM and Southwest Youth Conservation Corps toward this project. The Tres Rios Field Office is requesting $89,600 of grant funding to help complete the project. The total projected cost of implementing this grant-funded project is $219.665.

3. Resource Protection, Enhancement and Restoration relative to eligible OHV grant activities (25 points):

The commitment to begin route by route inventory with the TRFO is the beginning of a long-term commitment to provide the best recreational opportunities for recreationalists while identifying sustainable route locations. As a result of inventory a full analysis of route needs, restoration needs and enhancement opportunities can be identified and pursued through future project and grant submissions.

In addition, this project proposal will aid in protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources that make the Alpine Loop so spectacular. The overall success ofthis project will improve long term sustainability of the road system with the overarching goal of preventing loss of riding opportunities. This project will utilize BLM staff that will monitor OHV use and utilize a wide variety of tools to educate users, such as public contacts, providing free access to maps and brochures, and effective signing. The success of broad-based educational outreach will steer recreational impacts away from sensitive resources and will make responsible OHV use the norm along the Alpine Loop.

This monitoring and maintenance will be done in a manner that is consistent with current land management objectives outlined in the Alpine Loop Recreation Area Management Plan. The project will feature a sign management component which will provide users with clearly identified routes to reduce impacts to the resources. BLM staff will closely monitor use and will play an integral part in ensuring data collected is used to make sound decisions that accurately reflect what is occurring on the ground.

4. Travel Management Plan Implementation, Education and Enforcement (25 points):

TRAVEL MANAGEMENT- The key to successful travel management is to include interested citizens early in the process. The TRFO is motivated to begin the inventory and route assessment properly by including the people that will use and enjoy these routes in the process NOW. The process of inventory wilJ eventually lead to a comprehensive travel plan that can be implemented responsibly and will allow for an informed analysis at the earliest phases. We believe this is the way it should be done.

A large component of this project involves route inventory work in approximately 76,000 acres of public land in the TRFO. This project would identify existing routes and serve as the second phase for the upcoming Tres Rios Travel Management Plan. This work would be accomplished through a partnership with Youth Corp interns.

In addition, BLM personnel wilJ be provided with supplies needed to implement and maintain travel management directives found in the Alpine Loop Recreation Management Area plan. BLM personnel wilJ be provided necessary equipment and supplies for the installation and maintenance of signs in key locations, with the ultimate goal of encouraging responsible motorized use and mitigating impacts to sensitive resources. If unauthorized off road travel is detected, staff will take the necessary steps to rehabilitate the damaged area to prevent further unauthorized use.

When considered together, youth corps stipend, signs, and travel management planning account for 49% of the workload proposed through this grant.

EDUCATION- The key to effective and integrated management is having a broad based approach to educating public land users. One of the most effective methods of interacting and educating the public is

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through meeting the public out on the trail system. By providing a consistent "on the ground" presence, the TRFO will provide OHV visitors the opportunity to interact on a daily basis with a BLM official who can

provide real-time visitor services. The end goal of these frequent visitor interactions will be to increase their level of awareness to make their experience more enjoyable.

Out of an average of 3,927 OHV user contacts/year documented by law enforcement within the Alpine Loop, only 3% resulted in a warning or citation. As a result, 97% of contacts made by law enforcement on the Alpine Loop are educational and informative in nature, with the emphasis placed on providing services to public land users, such as providing directions, handing out information brochures and maps, and answering questions. Because many of the users on the Alpine Loop come from outside ofthe local area, the benefits of the OHV permit and registration program will be conveyed to OHV enthusiasts to demonstrate the funds are directly returned to the area(s) they ride in to improve their riding experience. Visitor services would be increased by handing out brochures and maps, and public assistance would be provided when needed for motorist assists, medical emergencies, or directions. This goal of this project would be to reach over 5,000 OHV users along the Alpine Loop, beginning June I and ending September 30. The Tres Rios Field Office would keep track of contacts made along the Alpine Loop through the use of a patrol log, which will capture a more accurate and complete picture of visitor use patterns and needs.

An integral part of this project would also fund a refresh of the 2014 Alpine Loop brochure and map. The brochure encourages and promotes responsible use in-line principles of the Stay the Trail Colorado program, Tread Lightly, Share the Trail, and Leave No Trace. It also contains information on the Colorado OHV registration program, federal land management regulations, and other important visitor information.

COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT- The Tres Rios Field Office also uses BLM officers to help make public contacts in the field. These officers are the "on-the-ground" representatives of the BLM and interact with the public in a variety of positive ways. According to the Alpine Loop Management Plan, two-thirds of all visitors to the Alpine Loop are from out of the state. As a result, the majority of OHV contacts on the Loop are with non-residents who are unfamiliar with the area and have many questions.

As mentioned previously, a very small percentage (approximately 3%) of contacts result in some type of enforcement action. Based on data collected through the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Trails/Law Enforcement Pilot Program during the 2011-2013 periods, BLM Rangers along the Alpine Loop contacted an average of 3,927 OHV users per year. During this same reporting period, only 327 law enforcement actions were taken, with a warning-to-ticket ratio of 3: 1.

The majority of enforcement actions involve violations of Title 33 OHV registration and permit requirements. Over the last three years, compliance with the requirement for non-residents to purchase a Colorado OHV permit has increased dramatically due to the TRFO making OHV registration compliance the number one priority. This effort has led to an increase in the number of Colorado OHV permits and registrations being purchased by visitors to the Alpine Loop. The increased compliance ensures more funding is available for improving OHV experiences on public lands throughout the state.

An estimated 51% of funding requested under this proposal will be used for education, compliance, and law enforcement.

TOTAL POINTS 100

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E-1 VICINITY MAP

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Project Support (G)

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1\"ovember 21, 2013

To whom it mny concern:

We arc writing in s upport of the Tres Rios Ficici Office's (TRfo'O) grant application to the State of Colorado"s Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) program.

The project would encompass a large landscape within the Tres Rios fo'ield Office. The TRFO manages approximately 682,000 acres of public land, occupying nn area nationally lmown as the Four Corners Region Wld involving 7 counties. This grant would specifically serve the counties of 1-a Pinta, Dolores, Montezuma, ArchuleLB, San ~iguel , and San Juan and target the Alpine Loop 1\"ational Backcountry Byway, Dolores River Cnnyon, und public lands surrounding the communities of Cortez, Durango, and Pagosa Sprin gs.

This grant will provide our recreating public the following benefits: 1) Phase II lnvcnlory: TRFO will be conducting travel management analysis over a

4-year period with the recent completion of the Resource Management Plan. fn an effon to provide the public the most accurate information, inventory of existing routes needs to be completed in the next two years. Some of the inventory hal'\ been completed, but additional in - fill of inventory, validution of existing informntion and new inventory needs to be completed. This inventory work would complete the second and final phase of travel management inventory, covering approximately 76,000 acres of public lands surrounding Durango, Silverton, Corte~. und Pagosa Springs.

2) Visitor information, education and p resence on high use OHV rou tes, such as the Alpine Loop, and nearby high elevation OIIV routes. Th e grant would provide an opportunity to interact with a nd provide information to thousands of visitors within the Trcs Rios field office, provide fund ing for seasonal a nd detailed recreation / rangers to JJrovidc u consiste nt Mon the ground" presence, and allow OHV visitor!'\ the opportunity to interact on a daily basis with a BLM official who can answer quest10ns as they relate to land and travel management, all while conveying responsible OHV riding and etique llc. The end goal of these visilor interactions will be to incr ease visitor awareness to make their experience more enjoyable.

Many of our communities in southwest Colorado benefit from public lands that arc adjacent to our towns. Community members recreate o n these lands on a daily basis and arc continuing to look for more opportunities for motorized recreation al opportunities. This funding would not only fund important work in SW Colorado but promote BLM partnership s with organizations such as ours.

1060 L. 2 :-<H /\\"1 .• • Du rango, CO 8130 1

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Miles of OHV opportunities are nearby to communities in these counties that need to be inventoried. Funding from this grant would support partnerships with local motorized groups who could complete this work in coordination with counties and the BLM.

Although the BLM's Tres Rios Field Office may be a new name to your program it is not new to the OHV business. The newly named office oversees the same land that past OHV grants submitted by the San Juan Public Lands offices in Durango, Dolores and Bayfield, CO focused on.

The TRFO proposal not only ensures the ongoing success of OHV experiences like the Alpine Loop but is also an important frrst step towards a comprehensive motorized transportation system for public lands in southwest Colorado. Because of this initiative, our organization supports the Tres Rios Field Office's proposal and looks forward to an ongoing collaboration on motorized trail use.

Thank you for your consideration.

OM~lSSlONERS

~·~-Gwen Lachelt Commissioner

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11/21/2813 11:16 8772695202 RODRIGL.EZ PAGE 01/82

To whom it may concern:

I am writing you in support of the Tres Rios Field Office's (TRFO) grant application to the State of Colorado's Off Highway Vehicle fOHV) program.

The project would encompass a large landscape within the Trea Rios Field Office. The TRFO manages approximately 682,000 acres of public land, occupying an area nationally lmown as the Four Comers Region and involving 7 countica. This grant would specifically serve the counties or Dolores, Montezuma, Archuleta, San Miguel, and San Juan and target the Alpine Loop National Bacla:ountry Byway. Dolores River Canyon, and public lands 8\l.JTounding the communities of Cortez, Durango, and Pagosa Springs.

This grant wiD provide our recreating public the following benefits: 1) Phase n Inventory: TRFO wiD be conducting travel management analy$8 over a

4-year period with the recent completion of the Resource Manqemcnt Plan. In an effort to provide the public the most accurate information, inventory of existing routes needs to be completed in the next two years. Some of the inventory has been completed, but additional in-fill of inventory. validation of existing information and new inventory needs to be completed. This inventory work would complete the second and final phase of travel management inventory, covering approximately 76,000 acres of public lands surrounding Durango, Silverton, Cortez, and Pagosa Springs.

2) Visitor infonnation, education and preacnce on high use OHV routes such as the Alpine Loop and nearby high elevation OHV routes. The grant would provide an opportunity to interact with and provide information to thousands of visitors within the Trea Rios field office, provide funding for seasonal and detailed recreation /rangers to provide a consistent •on the ground• presence, allowing OHV visitors the opportunity to interact on a daily basis with a BLM official who can answer questions as they relate to land management, travel management, all whfte conveying responsible OHV riding and etiquette. The end goal of these visitor interactions will be to increase awareness of visitors to make their experience more enjoyable.

Many of our coDllnunitiea in southwest Colorado benefit from pubHc lands that are adjacent to our towns. Communit;y members recreate on these lands on a daily basis and are continuing to look for more opportunities for motorized and nonmotorir.ed recreational opportunities. This funding would not only fund important work in SW Colorado but promote BLM partnerships with organizations such as ours.

Although the BLM's Tres Rios Field Office may be a new name to your program it is not new to the OHV busincae. The newly named office oversees the same land that past OHV grants submitted by the San Juan Public Lands offices in Durango, Dolores and Bayfield, CO focused on.

'lbe TRFO proposal not only ensures the ongoing success of OHV experiences like the Alpine Loop but is alao an important first atep towards a comprehensive motorized transportation system for public lands in southwest Colorado. Policing of motorized

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11/21/2013 11:16 8772095202 RODRIGLEZ PllGE 02/02

users needs to be done to effectively manage the public lands in our area. We want to be sure that cnu natural resources are protected, while still providing all users the benefits of enjoying our public lands.

I support the Tres Rios Field Ofiice's proposal because not only do motorlzed users benefit fro111 this opportUnity, but qUiet users do aa well. We often end up on the same trallsyatem and it's a pleasure to see such a diverse activities happening on our public lands.

I look forward to an ongoing collaboration on motorized trail use.

\in~y·~, 0 \ ~~~a. \~o~\A\"<.f:). -

Latifia Rod ~ (_- ) Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen Back Country Hoi'SCIDen of Colorado Secretary National Mustang Association, Colorado Chapter, Executive Director Disappointment Wild Bunch Partner Representative 34872 Highway 184 Mancos, CO 81328 970-882~3477

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November 19. 2013

TomMetsa OHV Program Manager Colorado State Parks 13787 S. Highway 85 Littleton. CO 80125

Dear Grant Re\iew Conuuinee Members:

Southwest Consen·ation Corps is writing ill support of the Tres Rios Field Office's (TRFO) grant application to the State of Colorado's Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) program.

The project would encompass a large landscape \\itbill the Tres Rios Field Office. The TRFO manages approximately 682.000 acres of public land. occupying an area nationally knov.n as the Four Corners Region and invohing 7 cotmties. This ~t would specifically serve the cotmties of Dolores. Monteztuna. Archuleta. San :Miguel. and San Juan and target the Alpine Loop National Backcotmtry Byway. Dolores Rinr Canyon. and public lands surrotmdillg the comnnmities of Cortez. Durango. and Pagosa Springs.

This ~t \\ill pro\ ide our recreating public the follo\\illg benefits: 1) Phase n Jn\·entory: TRFO \\ill be conducting tra\"el management analysis over a 4-year

period \\ith the recent completion of the Resource Management Plan. In an effort to pro\ ide the public the most accurate infonnation. ill\'entory of existing routes needs to be completed ill the next two years. Some of the ill\·entory has been completed. but additional in-fill of ill\·entory. ,·alidation of existing infonnation and new inventory needs to be completed. This inventory work would complete the second and final phase of travel managen1ent inventory. co,·ering approximately 76.000 acres of public lands smToundillg Durango. Sih·erton. Cortez. and Pagosa Springs.

2) Visitor infonnation. education and presence on high use OHV routes such as the Alpine Loop and nearby high elevation OHV routes. The grant would prO\ide an opportunity to interact \\ith and pro\ide information to thousands of \isitors \\itbill the Tres Rios field office. pro\ ide funding for seasonal and detailed recreation /rangers to pro\ide a consistent .. on the grotmd" presence. allo\\ing OHV \isitors the opportunity to interact on a daily basis \\ith a BLM official who can answer questiollS as they relate to land management. tra\·el management. all while conveying responsible OHV riding and etiquene. The end goal of these \isitor interactions \\ill be to increase awareness of \isitors to make their experience more enjoyable.

Alamosa '* Dm'ftngo * Tucson 120 Rock Point Dr. 't'Dit B, Darauao, CO 81301

Phone: 970-259-8607 Fax: 970-259-9424 l'\"W\\',KCOI'pS.Ofl

11

Many of our conununities in southwest Colorado benefit from public lands that are adjacent to our towns. Conuntmity members recreate on these lands on a daily basis and are continuing to look for more oppornmities for motorized recreational oppornmities. This ftmding would not only fund important work in SW Colorado but promote BLM partnerships \\ith organizations such as ours.

Miles of OHV opporttmities are nearby to conununities in these counties that need to be inventoried. Funding from this grant would support partnerships \\ith local motorized groups who could complete this work in coordination \\ith counties and the BLM.

Although the BLM's Tres Rios Field Office may be a new name to your program it is not new to the OHV business. The newly named office oversees the sante land that past OHV grants submitted by the San Juan Public Lands offices in Duran~. Dolores and Bayfield. CO focused on.

SCC wholly supports the Tres Rios Field Office's proposal and looks forward to an ongoing collaboration on motorized trail use.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Sincerely.

!L I.L./ Ron Hassel Executive Director Southwest Consen11tion Co1ps

Alamosa * Durango * Turson 120 ~k Point Dr. t:Dit B, Durango, CO 81301

Phont: 970-259-8607 Fu: 970-259-9424 WWW.KCOIJl'-Ofl

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DU RANGO

TRAILS 2000

To whom it may concern:

We are writing you in ~upport of the Tre~ Rio~ Field O ffice' s (TRFO) grant application to the

Sta te of Colorado'~ Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) p rogram.

Trail ~ 2000 i:. a local 501 (c) (3) non·profit based in Durango, CO. For the pa~t 24 year~, we have partnered with the BLM, FS, County, City and private landowne r~ to build and maintain

multi-use non-motorized trails; educate trail users and encourage connectivity on road, path and trail.

The project the BLM seeks ~upport for would encompass a large landscape within the Tres

Rios Field Office . The TRFO manages approximately 682,000 acres of public land, occupying an area nationally known a~ the Four Corners Region and invo lving 7 countie~ .

This grant would specifically serve the counties of Dolores, Montezuma, Archuleta, San

Miguel, and San Juan and targe t the Alpine Loop Nationa l Backcountry Byway, Dolores River Canyon, a nd public lands surrou nding the communities of Cortez, Durango, and

Pagosa Springs.

Thi~ grant will provide our recreating public the following benefits: 1) Phase II Inventory: TRFO will be conducting travel management analysis over a 4-

year period with the recent completion of the Resource Management Plan . In a n effort to provide the public the most accurate information, inventory of exi~ting route~

needs to be completed in the next two yean. Some of the inventory has been completed, but additional in·fill of inventory, validation of existing information and new inventory need:. to be completed. This inventory work would complete the

second and fina l phase of travel management inventory, covering approximately 7 6,000 acres of public lands surrounding Durango, Silverton, Cortez, and Pagosa

Springs.

2) Visitor information, education and presence on high use OHV routes such as the Alpine loop and nearby high elevation OHV routes. The grant would provide an

19

opportunity to interad with and provide information to thousands of visitors within the Tres Rios field office, provide funding for seasonal and detailed recreation /rangers to provide a consistent ,. on the ground" presence, allowing OHV visitors the opportunity to interad on a daily basis with a BLM official who can answer questions as they relate to land management, travel management, all while conveying responsible OHV riding and etiqueHe. The end goal of these visitor interadions will be to increase awareness of visitors to make their experience more enjoyable.

Many of our communities in southwest Colorado benefit from public lands that are adjacent to our towns. Community members recreate on these lands on a daily basis and are continuing to look for more opportunities for motorized recreational opportunities. This funding would not only fund important work in SW Colorado but promote BLM partnerships with organizations such as oun.

Miles of OHV opportunities are nearby to communities in these counties that need to be inventoried. Funding from this grant would support partnerships with local motorized groups who could complete this work in coordination with counties and the BLM.

Although the BLM's Tres Rios field Office may be a new name to your program it is not new to the OHV businen. The newly named office oversees the same land that past OHV grants submiHed by the San Juan Public Lands offices in Durango, Dolores and Bayfield, CO focused on.

The TRFO proposal not only ensures the ongoing success of OHV experiences like the Alpine Loop but is also an important first step towards a comprehensive motorized transportation system for public lands in southwest Colorado. Because of this initiative, our organization supports the Tres Rios Field Office's proposal and looks forward to an ongoing collaboration on motorized trail use.

Best,

. ,f/,;,'1

Mary Monroe Brown Director Trails 2000 Durango, CO

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f\ovcmbcr 25. 2013

To whom it may concern:

Board of County Commissioners

P.O. Bo\ 608 Ooq~ <.:reck. CO N LU4 Phone: (970) 677-2~ :~ Fa~ . (970) (IT'

tl cdoluln l ~ 11 lum·. lll'l

We a rc: writmgyo u in support of the Trcs Rios Field Office's (TRFO) grant applicallon to the SWtt' of Colorado'!> Off IIIRhwny Vchrclc (OllV) pr ogr<~m

The project wou ld e ncom pa '>:. ca l aq~l' landl>capc withrn thl' Trcs Rws Fi(•ld Office. The TRF() ma nagcl> approXJmatd y 682,000 acres of pubhc land, occupymg an a rea nationally knO\\ n as the Fou r Comers Region ilnd im oh in~ 7 coun tws. This grant would Sp<'Crlicall\' sc n·c- the counties of Dolores. Mon tezuma, Archuleta , Snn f\ l rgucl . and San J u a n and target the Alpine' Loop !\a tiona I Aarkc-ountry 8} way . Onion·~ Ri\'t'r Cnnyon. and pu hlic lands surrounding tht: communrtics of Corte~. Durango. a nd Pagosa S prrngs.

This gront \VIII provide our recreating public t he following benefi ts: I) Phase II Inven tory· TI~FO w11l be: conducting tn l\'cl mnnagcmc-tH analysll> O\'t:r a 4-

)ea r period with the recent completion of the Re!.ource Management Plan. In an <'ffort to p ro\'ldC the public tlw most dl'( u r.t tt.· mformntion. tn\·erHory of cxi ~> tmg routes needs to be completed in the n r xt two yea r~ . Some of the inventory has he-en com plctc:cl. but addrtwnalm fi ll of im ~:n tory. vulidnl ion of cxistin~ rnformntron dnd new mvem ory needs to b<' completed . Thts uwcntol} \\ Ork would complete the second 1tnci final phdsc of trJ\cl man,Jgt'mcnt 111\t.'n tory, covcn ng appro"rmatcl~ 76,000 ot:rcs of publw lands s u rroundmg Durango, Stl\'erton . Cortez. nne! Pagosa Springs

2) \'is it or information. education a nd presence on high usc OIIV rou tes such as the Alpine Loup and ncurby h igh eb·ation OH\' rou tl'!> Th~· grant would providt: illl opport u nity to interAct '' i th a nd pro\'ide mforrnation to thou c;ands ofvisitnrs w1thin the Trc:. Rros field office, provrcle funding ior st..l~onal <1nd dctatlcd rccrt:ation / rangers to pro\1de a con 1 tent "on tht: ground· presence. aiiO\\i ng OH \' ,·isitors the opp<Jr t u ni t~· to i n ll~rac t un 11 da ily basis with n BLM officral who cun unswer questions as they relate to land ma n:rr,t>mPnt, tmvel management. all \\'hi I(' c-orwe) mg rcsponl>rblc UIIV ridrng <Jncl c tiqut:lll' Th{' end goal of thc~c vil>ltor tnteractrons will b<' to increase nwarencl>s of\•rsllorl> to make therr experience more cnjoyabk.

Ma nv of our comrnunnics m sou thwest Colorado btnrli t fro m pubhc lands t l1<ll are adJacent to ou r towns Communny members n.:crealc on thc:.c land~ o n a druJy basts and a re continu ing to look for more opporluniticR for motorized rec rcntronl'l l opportumucs. Tim. fundmg would not <.mly fu nd important work in SW Colorudo bu t promote BLM partner sh ips with orga ni7.ations such as ou rs

21

Miles of OHV opportunities arc nearby to communities in these counties that need to be inventoried. Funding from this grant would support partnerships \\ilh local motorized groups who could complete this work in coordination with counties and the BLM.

Although the BLM's Tres Rios Field Office may be a new name to your program it is not new to the OHV business. The newly named office O\'ersees the same land that past OHV grants submitted by the San Juan Public Lands offices in Durango, Dolores and Bayfield. CO focused on.

The TRFO proposal not only ensures the ongoing success of OHV experiences like the Alpine Loop but is also an important first step towards a comprehensive motorized transportation system for public lands in southwest Colorado. Because ofthis initiative, our organization supports the Tres Rios Field Office's proposal and looks forward to an ongoing collaboration on motorized trail use.

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