Image courtesy of Envision and Common Ground
Community-Driven Process Invites Public’s Participation
A message from the Envision groups announced on Friday that the Chaffee County Trails System and Conservation Plan (TSCP) is well underway after meeting several major milestones this year. As of 2023, a coalition of outdoor recreation leaders secured grant funds and hired a team of expert trail planners.
They began working to identify top priorities to improve trails and conserve natural resources across all lands in Chaffee County. The continuing process has been coordinated with federal land management agencies and local governments to inform their decision-making processes.
“We’re proud of the progress our leadership team has made this year toward a comprehensive trails plan,” said Salida Mountain Trails (SMT) Executive Director Jon Terbush. “We’re confident this process will meaningfully improve trails and provide more opportunities for outdoor recreation, while also protecting the lands, waters, and wildlife that make Chaffee County such a special place to live.”
Public input is expected to be a major driver of the plan. Several public meetings will be held during the 18-month planning period, with the first to be scheduled in spring, 2024.
In the meantime, people can review the planning project webpage (https://envisionchaffeecounty.org/trails-system-conservation-plan/) and sign up to stay informed.
Recreation entities already involved in the coalition include:
Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition (BVSC)
Chaffee County
National Forest Foundation (NFF)
Envision Chaffee County
Chuck Cichowitz, a representative for outfitters and guides
Salida Mountain Trails
A working group of key stakeholders will advise the leadership team throughout the process. This group will convene in January 2024.
The coalition is reaching out to others who represent a relevant organization who would like to join the working group. If interested, direct a note of interest to info@envisionchaffeecounty.org to get connected.
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