National Public Lands Day 2010

 USDA Forest Service Tim’s Trail Project.

   Welcome to the 16^th annual celebration of National Public Lands Day here in Grand County. This annual event is a great opportunity for all people who recreate on public lands to volunteer their time and “Put back” into the areas which provide so many valuable recreation opportunities. The Sulphur Ranger District takes prides in the fact it has been continuously involved in NPLD since the first event back in 1995. We look forward to continued involvement for many years to come. On behalf of the USDA Forest Service and the Sulphur Ranger District, we would like to welcome and thank you for volunteering your valuable time and energy for this event. We look forward to working with you on this years project.

    This years project consists of the construction of several structures (approximately 600 hundred feet of Turnpike, (2) 15 foot bridges, and 60 feet of buck-n-rail fence), in order to complete approximately 5 miles of new motorized trail (Tim’s Trail) in the Upper Beaver Creek area of the Sulphur Ranger District. This is a continuation of last year’s project which completed approximately 2.5 miles of Tim’s Trail. This year’s project will complete the remaining 2.5 miles of trail and allow public use of the entire 5 miles of the trail. The Turnpike will be constructed to span existing riparian areas and protect water quality and vegetation, while enhancing the quality of the trail riding experience and preventing wheel rutting from motorized vehicles. The new trail utilizes existing logging roads for most of the route. Utilizing the existing routes minimizes the amount of new construction needed to complete the trail as well as preventing further soil compaction in the area. Currently, nothing exists on the ground to prevent 4×4 vehicles from utilizing the logging roads and accessing the new trail. The buck-n-rail fence is being constructed to define trail access points and prevent full size vehicles from driving on the trail, thus reducing user conflicts and enhancing the quality of the trail experience.

Approximately 40 volunteers will be needed for this project.  No previous experience required , anyone with a big smile and a good attitude is welcome. Some heavy lifting and hammering of big spikes and re-bar will be required. If you like building things this project is just what you are looking for. We look forward to seeing you at the project site.

June 16, 2010

Steamboat Springs Colorado

Timberline Trailriders, Inc. was pleased to present to the Motorcycle Trail Crew of the Medicine-Bow Routt National Forest a new enclosed trailer.  The trailer was “wrapped” with the Stay the Trail motif courtesy of the Responsible Recreation Foundation.

The crew, mounted on motorcycles, patrols, maintains and improves the trails open to motorized travel on the Forest throughout the summer.  Clearing the trails of deadfalls is especially important during the bark beetle infestation.

Timberline has funded the trail crew through grants obtained from the OHV Subcommittee of the Colorado State Trails Program.  Funding comes in large part from the proceeds of OHV stickers all off-road users must purchase. This is the tenth year Timberline has worked with Hahn’s Peak District in fielding a motorized trail crew.

Shown in front of the new trailer are, from left to right, Torry Saterstrom, crew, Kent Foster, Routt NF Recreation Program Manager, Cap Kuney, VP of Timberline, Ryan Fanders, crew and Marko Ross-Bryant, crew. 

Not shown: Rob Sticker, President, Timberline; Rene Waters, Responsible Recreation Foundation.

Norwood Ranger District

1150 Forest Street

Norwood, CO 81432

                                                  Contact(s):     Judy Schutza, Norwood District Ranger, 970-327-4261

Access Update: Wilson Peak

 Norwood, CO (June 14, 2010) –  The Norwood Ranger District announced that public access to Wilson Peak, through private lands in Silver Pick Basin, will remain closed until further notice.  Future public access will open pending the reconstruction of the Elk Creek Road (Forest Service Road #645) and the acquisition of a trail easement through private lands in the Basin.   The Elk Creek Road will provide the primary access to the new Rock of Ages Trailhead. Work planned for this road includes the removal of timber, road reconstruction, and trailhead development.  It is expected to begin in June or July.   There is currently no public access through private lands in Silver Pick Basin. The Forest Service is in the final stages of obtaining a trail easement through these private lands. Until the easement is obtained, all public access through private lands in the Basin is closed.  

In the interim, hikers who desire to climb Wilson Peak have several other options available to them.  Suggested routes include the Navajo Trail #635 and the Lizard Head Trail #505.  The Lizard Head Trail can be accessed from either Sunshine Mesa Road #623 (Bilk Creek route) or from the trailhead at Lizard Head Pass on US Highway 145.

Work and progress updates on the status of Wilson Peak access will be posted on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, & Gunnison National Forest website at:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/

The grant also provided the funding for the wrap and upgrades going into our new smaller education trailer, as well as continued outreach and educational efforts statewide.

Many thanks to the folks at Yamaha and Vickery!

Yamaha OHV Access Initiative - http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/ohv_grants/ohv_grants_home.aspx

 Vickery Motorsports- http://www.vickerymotorsports.com/

 The trailer has begun its transformation from standard cargo trailer, to a world-class education trailer.  We had graphics drawn up, and they were applied this month by BigDog Graphics in Castle Rock.  The interior has recieved a little TLC, but there are bigger plans on the way, including a video monitor and some interactive games for the younger folks out on the trails.

 We are very excited to be sending this new trailer out, and hopefully we’ll see everyone at some point this season!

Funding for the trailer and upgrades courtesy of:

• Mile-Hi Jeep Club www.mhjc.org
• Yamaha OHV Access Initiative http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/ohv_grants/ohv_grants_home.aspx

 Other thanks to:

• Classic Trailer Sales www.classictrailersales.com
• BigDog Graphics www.bigdographics.com

Denver, CO – The Responsible Recreation Foundation would like to announce the opening of a seasonal position within the Responsible Recreation Campaign, which includes the flagship Stay The Trail education program.   This position will assist permanent staff with promoting responsible use of off-highway vehicles(OHVs) on public lands within the State of Colorado.  It will also assist with updates of the travel management maps and associated information contained on the Stay The Trail web site.

We are seeking applicants with a background in Natural Resource Management, Land Use, Recreation, or a related field.  The position involves interaction with State and Federal Land Management agencies (Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Colorado State Parks, and Colorado Division of Wildlife, among others) as well as outdoor recreation enthusiast groups of all types.

This position involves a significant amount of travel around the State of Colorado.  Most work weeks will include Saturdays and Sundays.  The term is approximately 14 weeks fromMemorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.

Application Process:

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the email listed below.  In the cover letter, or as an attachment, please include a description about what “Responsible Recreation” means to you, as well as a brief statement of your experience with off-highway vehicles and how your background and aspirations relate to the position.  Applications need to be received no later than close of business on Friday, April 30th to be considered.

Those selected for interviews will be contacted within the first week of May, and interviews following that selection will include a volunteer day in the field.

For more information, or to apply please contact:

Justin Lilly

Stay The Trail Program Coordinator

720-684-9960

justin@staythetrail.org

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Job Description – Stay The Trail Outreach Specialist

Job Summary:

Promote the Responsible Recreation Campaign, including the Stay The Trail program, to the motorized recreation community statewide. Represent the Responsible Recreation campaign directly with the media, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado State Parks, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, cities, counties, and the general public.  Assist with web site updates with emphasis on the maps and associated information related to travel management implementation on federal lands.

This position is a seasonal position, lasting from approximately Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.  Pay is $12.00 per hour.  This position will involve working weekends, including the holiday weekends, and will involve travel around the state to various events.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist in the promotion of the Stay The Trail Program and message by:

• Attending events around the state using either:
  • The large events toy-hauler
  • The small events trailer
  • Educational booth
• Answering questions and addressing concerns from enthusiasts, land managers, and the general public about responsible use of OHVs on public lands, including:
  • Trail use guidelines and ethics
  • Laws and regulations
  • Safe use of off-highway vehicles
  • Where to ride legally
  • Sound testing
• Stay The Trail Website Updates
  • Event descriptions
  • Mapping
    • Companion Maps
    • Trail adoptions
    • Photos, Videos, Descriptions, and other pertinent information
• Assist with vehicle and trailer upkeep and maintenance
• Promote the Colorado State Parks OHV Registration Program
• Other duties as assigned

 Credentials and Experience: 

• Time Management: Self motivated & Task oriented
• Public communications
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently interact with large groups
  • Effectively communicate with land management agencies in multiple mediums
  • Interact with the public in a friendly and non-confrontational manner
  • Effectively communicate with youth
• Computer knowledge
  • Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint and Word
  • Email
  • Laptop / Projector / Audio Visual
  • Database entry & usage
  • GIS and mapping software
• Background and/or experience in Land Use, Resource Management, Recreation or a related field
• Experience with off-highway vehicles, including 4WD, ATV, and dirt bike

When an on-line MVUM is available, the text “(MVUM Layer Available)” appears. Clicking on this link will bring up an MVUM inside of Google Maps that fills almost the entire browser window. On this map, you can zoom in and out; change to street, satellite, terrain, or MVUM views; and generally orientate yourself to the location of the trail. This map also prints great once you’ve found your area of interest. When an MVUM is not available, the link works identically except there’s no MVUM layer.

Also shown in the above image is a new feature identifying what the coordinate shown on the map represents. When we put together the map, we tried to make every map “push pin” represent a trailhead. In a few areas, we couldn’t decide what an ideal trailhead was so we stuck the push pin in the middle of a city or near the trails. We’ll begin changing these from unspecified to what they actually are in the next week or two.

We’re in the process of adding MVUM download links to the Trail Maps box. When the link is present, it will always be the first item listed in the box. If an MVUM is not available in this box yet, you can always click on the link to the Forest Service MVUM page in the Trail Information box at the top of the page or visit our MVUM page.

Currently these features are only enabled for the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest and the Pawnee National Grassland. It takes about an hour or two per ranger district to format the data correctly. Expect more forests to become available in the coming week or two. Note that MVUMs are only available for Forest Service roads and trails so the new MVUM displays and links won’t work for the State Forest, BLM roads and trails, or private courses.

If your business, association, or club would be interested in participating in this event, please contact Justin@staythetrail.org or 720-684-9960.  We will also be looking for vendors to donate prizes for the car show, so if your business would like to participate, please let us know!

OHVs will be tested using the SAE J-1287 stationary 20” pipe test.  These tests are for educational purposes so that you know if you will be legal or if you will need a quieter pipe or repacking when new sound laws take effect.  We will need to know your vehicle year and model.  Testing cannot be conducted if it is raining or snowing or if the wind speed is above 20 mph.

·         Saturday, April 3, 2010 we will be testing at the Boulder Ranger District (BRD) office parking lot from 9:00am to 12:00 noon.  BRD office is in North Boulder at 2140 Yarmouth Ave (Southeast corner of Hwy 36 and Yarmouth Ave).  Bring your motorcycles and ATVs to be tested.  (This is also a good time to put on your new OHV registration decals!)

·         Saturday, May 1, 2010 we will be testing at the Lefthand Canyon OHV Area from 9:00am to 12:00 noon.  For this event, be sure that your OHV is legal to ride on Forest Service lands which require an approved spark arrester and State OHV registration or valid license plate.  The OHV area is at mile 3.6 of Lefthand Canyon Drive (County Road 94).  We will be testing about 100 yards up Forest Road 286 from Lefthand Canyon Drive.

 New sound laws for the State of Colorado will be going into effect July 1, 2010.

·         To operate an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) in Colorado, the following sound limits must be met:

o   99 dB(A) if manufactured before 1/1/1998

o   96 dB(A) if manufactured after 1/1/1998

 Note: Current Forest Service Special Order prohibit operating any vehicle on a Forest Development Trail that emits a noise level in excess of 99 dB(A). 

For any questions please contact Brian Rasmussen, 303-541-2525.

 Ticket deals include a donation that will go towards this year’s National Get Outdoors Day, held June 12th in Denver City Park!

For more information on National Get Outdoors Day —> http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/ or http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/go-day/

Similar to last year, our booth was set up near the Division of Wildlife Kids Fair at the south end of the expo hall.  The obvious centerpiece to our presence, the Stay The Trail trailer was placed in the middle of our space with the HCP4x4 LJ off to the left near the entrance door, and Bombshell Betty off to the right.  A Honda dirt bike on loan from our very own George Vonesh, and the Yamaha Grizzly 700 outfitted with some extra hunter-specific gear thanks to Vickery Motorsports were parked in front of the educational trailer, and a special display for the new OHV Opportunities Map sat alongside.  Having the extra presence of OHV’s off all shapes, colors, and sizes was a definite draw and allowed us the opportunity to speak with a couple thousand people.

The maps themselves were a hit.  Steve Sherwood from the Regional Forest Service office even came by and was given a quick “tutorial” on what have produced by George.  We gave out over 3300 maps in 4 days, and thanks to the skill of our map guru Adam Pitchford, we even were able to navigate the website from a display on the trailer and show all the additional features that can be found on staythetrail.org.  The online version of the map can be seen at www.staythetrail.org/maps and if you’re looking for a paper copy, there is a link at the top of the page.

The Sportsmans Expo itself is an incredible event for us at Stay The Trail.  It offers a wonderful opportunity to reach out to the hunting and fishing markets and to answer questions and provide resources for enthusiasts of all backgrounds.  A couple of the big questions this year involved game retrieval and how to verify that routes are open.  In answer to the first one, game retrieval is currently only permitted in a small section of the Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado.  The remaining forests do not permit leaving designated routes for the pursuit or retrieval of game.  Those machines have to stay parked along the designated route.  The second one was a little more complex, but when checking to see what routes are available within each Game Managment Unit, it is the users responsibility to reference the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map (www.staythetrail.org/mvum), or check with the BLM Field Office, before heading out.  A few other quick points…  Hunting season happens to fall near the end of the recreational OHV season, so for a brief time there are a lot of people out on public lands with different objectives.  Please respect the desires of all those out on public lands, and if you know that there are hunters in the area, have an extra cup of coffee or take a little while to hang around camp in the morning before heading out on your rides.  The hunting community will appreciate it.

Thanks again to the Sportsmans Expo staff, our volunteers, and those who helped us out with props or equipment for the show!  For more information:

 International Sportsmans Expo – http://www.sportsexpos.com/

High Country Performance 4×4 – www.hcp4x4.com

American Rock Rods – www.americanrockrods.us

Vickery Motorsports – www.vickerymotorsports.com

Help Dan Eve fight his battle with lymphoma
Sponsored by Hooligans Off-Road Club
February 21, 2010 from 1pm to 6pm
The Old Man Bar and Restaurant
4381 W. 120th Ave
Broomfield, CO 80020

To help Dan and his family out the Hooligans off road club is putting together a 4×4 off road rig show and fundraiser. We are asking all of our local 4 wheelers (clubs and individuals) to join in. There will be music, drawings for awesome give away prizes, Silent auction, First time hooligan apparel for sale and the 4×4 off road rig show. Big prizes for best 3 rigs and tons of drawing prizes. Prizes supplied from, 4 WHEEL OFFROAD PARTS, STAY THE TRAIL, SNAP ON TOOLS, PRO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE, LONGMOUNT FORD, THE OLD MAN, BONAROO TATTOO, FAITH TATTOO, LITTLE CEASERS PIZZA, CT PLUMBING, BLOOMS BY TIFFANY, HOOLIGANS OFFROAD CLUB AND MANY MORE. All of the proceeds are going to Dan and his family to help get some of the medical bills paid and help ease a stressful situation.

To register your vehicle for 4X4 off road rig event, if you have any other questions or would like to donate items for the raffle please email following information to: hooligansoffroadclub@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Registration information:

Vehicle year make model
Number of occupants per vehicle
We will send a confirmation email with directions to the event and instructions for the day of the event.
There will be a $10 registration fee due the day of the event,

Donation items:

Please send name and or company name item to be donated
we will send a confirmation e-mail with contact info

Please feel free to make a donation via paypal if you wish to the Dan Eve family. Thank you for your help and support Hooligans off road club

http://www.theoldmanbar.com/

In advance Thanks to everyone participating!

http://www.hooligansoffroadclub.com/portal.php

Inside the arena, dozens of local vendors were set up to display their own toys and services, and the Stay The Trail trailer was given a spot directly inside the doors.  This was an ideal opportunity to continue to reinforce the responsible recreation message, as the OHV season winds down.  With total attendance of over 600, many of whom are very familiar with the ethic, it was a day filled with continued support for the program.

Thanks again to the Colorado Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc and to all the participating enthusiasts and vendors for your support of the Toys for Tots 4×4 run!  …and of course, Stay The Trail too.

More information:
Colorado Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc – www.hightrails.org

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CVhyv5JW10

More pictures: http://s1021.photobucket.com/albums/af332/StayTheTrail/2009%20Parade%20of%20Lights/

More information:

9News Parade of Lights – http://denverparadeoflights.com/

Fay Myers Motorcycle World – http://faymyers.com/

Northern Colorado Trail Riders – http://nctr.net/