RFMBA’s timeline of trail advocacy in the Roaring Fork Valley since 2008
Feb 2008
Officially incorporated as an entity in Colorado and received EIN# from IRS, 2008.
Aug 2008
● Initiated PR campaign and launched web site which yielded print, radio and online coverage, 2008.
Jun 2009
● Achieved 501(c)(3) non-profit status, 2009.
Nov 2010
● Partnered with RFOV and recruited volunteers for trail work on Forest Hollow/Scout Trail, 2009.
2009
● Partnered with WRNF and RFOV on critical trail segment linking and signing the Arbaney-Kittle Trail
Finally making a trail continuum from Lenado to Holland Hills. 2009, 2010.
2009
● Awarded grants from Aspen Skiing Company’s Environment Foundation, 2008, 2009. Awarded grant from Town of Basalt, 2009
2009
Roaring Fork Valley Mountain Bike Trails Master Plan
Mapping and layer acquisition as well as structure and goals of final document. Worked with local GIS consultant to categorize & organize area mapping files. While this work has served as a valuable introduction to the existing conditions, we’ve found that a unilateral approach to trails planning will not be as valuable as the current collaborative planning approaches we’re involved in. 2008 to present.
2009
Smuggler Mountain Open Space
Submitted comments at the request of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails for the Smuggler Mountain Open Space Management Plan – resulting in the expansion of the Potential Recreation Area as well as a continued review of the current and future status of trails open to mountain bikes on a continuous basis, 2009 to present
2009
Crown Mountain
RFMBA has been active in the future management of recreation trails and roads on the Crown including extensive work with the BLM, RFOV and Mid-Valley Trails Committee on a proposed new trail called the Grande Crown Trail linking the Rio Grande Trail up to exisiting Crown trails. We’ve also initiated community discussion regarding trailhead parking issues on Prince Creek road, 2008 to present
2009
Wilderness Considerations
We have researched the potential impacts to mountain bike trails by Wilderness proposals and will continue to have dialogue and negotiations that we hope will lead to RFMBA & IMBA supporting congressional legislation for comprehensive land protection in our region. 2008 to present.
2009-2011
Reopening Trails
RFMBA submitted comments to the USFS on the White River National Forest Draft Travel Management Plan. RFMBA members met with Aspen-Sopris Ranger District staff to discuss our draft comments on 36 potentially decommissioned trails, totaling approximately 70 miles of affected trails. Additional comments were submitted upon release of the final TMP document. 2008 – 2011. Work to reopen some of these now decommissioned trails will continue into the future.
2010
Mapping
Provided mapping data corrections to the USFS for its use while evaluating submitted comments from the TMP process. The data, for areas of Smuggler Mountain, the Arbaney Kittle trail, and Hay Park, has been welcomed by the USFS as it clarifies existing high use trail areas, and will allow for more accurate maps in the future, 2010.
2011
Roaring Fork Future Forest Roundtable
RFMBA attended the series of Roaring Fork Future Forest Roundtable meetings, which lead to the creation of the Smuggler Mountain – Hunter Creek Cooperative Plan, of which we are a member of the stakeholders committee that has worked on final approvals for on-the-ground trail improvement and trail creation projects next summer. 2011 to present.
2013
Hay Park
In early 2013, RFMBA submitted a proposal to the WRNF to address inaccuracies of the mapped trail system in the Hay Park area, with proposals for existing routes to be opened to mountain bikes. A collaborative planning process was proposed to begin in 2014, but may be delayed into 2015.
2013
Sky Mountain Park
RFMBA was an early supporter of acquiring the Droste property, now called Sky Mountain Park Open Space, located between Aspen and Snowmass. In partnership with RFOV & Pitkin County OS&T, we supported trail construction projects starting in 2011, with significant work occurring on new trail construction projects during summer of 2013. Hundreds of hours of volunteer labor were coordinated during Tuesday evening work sessions during June and August.
2013
IMBA Chapter status
RFMBA voted to pursue IMBA Chapter status, and begin a fundraising campaign to hire an Executive Director, opening up a new era for the organization, 2013. Granted Chapter status in December 2013.
2014
RFMBA hires Executive Director
RFMBA hires Executive Director on a part time basis and continues campaign to fund the position, upcoming programs, and operations, 2014
2014
Planning
RFMBA begins work as key stakeholder in the Upper Roaring Fork Trails Plan, 2014.
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