From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 2:55 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Just want to throw my support behind Route County Riders and their official response letter to the latest pre‐scoping proposal for this project. I support the idea of more trails and more riding opportunities. Thank you,

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 8:33 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Trails

I support the RCR response letter. I have lived here for 40 years and finally feel as if we are getting some trails in the woods. Trails for hiking, running or biking. Rabbit Ears Pass has a severe lack of access in the summer. There is one trail to the base camp trail head. Destroying the already established trail of MRP is a bad idea, that trail is a great hike- and I see a lot of hunters using it in the fall. Leave it alone. Thank you,

1 USFS Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District.

Attn: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

925 Weiss Drive

Steamboat Springs, Co 80487

RE: Mad Rabbit Proposal

Dear Ms. Humphries

Please accept the following comments on the newest Mad Rabbit Proposal. I still have many of the concerns with this newest proposal that I had in the original proposal and sent in comets on IE. Parking I see some work would be done with parking but I still feel there will be parking issues in many if not all areas you have highlighted. There will still be parking along HWY 40 witch to my understanding was supposed to be closed and was the reason for the newer completed and self funded motorized parking on Rabbit ears. I also know that the nonmotorized parking just east of the west summit has not been completed and would like to know if the nonmotorized groups are expected to help fund that lot as the motorized had to help fund our new lots.

Trail use is also another very large issue. The motorized community in Routt county has been ignored for far too long even though we have stepped up with both funding, that in many cases has been mismanaged or unused by the prior few heads of the district. We are hopping you and the new blood in the district will put an end to this poor practice, and man power witch has been under utilized by prior management, it has felt as though the Forest Service thought there were arterial motives in our offers to help and I feel that is unfounded useless wanting to have a better and more sustainable trail system is a bad thing. The fact that out of 51 miles of trail the Forest Service could only come up with 9 miles of motorized and most if not all of this is just simply connectors between existing roads is kind of an insult.

Trail listed as #4 had already been promised us in prior plans to complete the trail from Dry Lake to the Top of Buffalo Pass. It makes no sense that trail #7 and #8 is not designated as a multi use trail as it will tie into an existing motorized trail and connect Buffalo Pass to Rabbit Ears creating a very good loop opportunity with the proposed # 10 trail to get back to Buffalo Pass or can be used to connect over to the south side of Rabbit Ears Pass. It may also give both the motorized and nonmotorized community’s a chance to work together to make our trails system better together. With that said I still feel the lack of new motorized trail opportunity’s is very one sided. There is the Grizzly Helena Trail section that can and should be reestablished to reconnect the Rabbit Ears Area back to the existing trail on the east side of Buffalo Pass and new opportunity should be seriously looked at on the south side of Rabbit Ears as well as district wide. The Motorized use by both local and visitor, is going up and our trail system has not grown with the use and the trail system as a hole has suffered for it.

I am opposed to the Mad Rabbit plan as it exists but can see where there could be some workable opportunity’s if the Forest Service is willing to look at the big picture and not look to appease just one user group.

Respectfully Submitted. From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 8:45 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Bike trails

As a member of the Steamboat community who supports hunting and ranching as well as mountain biking and other outdoor sports, I strongly support RCR’s formal response to the current proposed reduction in multi use and bike specific trails. I believe that the voters’ original intent to support a substantial trail system, thus minimizing informal and uncontrolled trails, is the best way to support our fragile wilderness areas.

Sent from my iPhone

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 3:40 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Cc: Subject: 2019 Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Thank you for this opportunity to respond to the Mad Rabbit preliminary proposal. I've been a trail user on the Routt for 50 yrs in addition to collecting data for the districts. I'm extremely concerned with the increasing recreational pressure on our public lands natural resources including water, vegetation and all wildlife, hence my participation to learn more at 2A board, Trails Alliance and Roundtable meetings. Speaking for wildlife is the reason I've been sending articles and studies to the district.

Thank you for the removal of earlier proposed trails and closures of existing ones.

Lower Bear TH - The problems of garbage, human waste, trespassing on private property, loose dogs, inappropriate parking and camping should be solved with more than signs, expanded parking and a restroom. Enforcement and maintenance needs to be in place first, otherwise this solves nothing. Please defer to those who live in the area as reflected in the Roundtable comments summarized by Keystone.

#4 -Completion of a loop through 3 drainages feeding upper N. Fork of Fish Cr only encourages even more traffic on 60, a deteriorating road.

#5 - Since this CRA includes our municipal watershed we shouldn't be adding another. 1032 was created specifically to connect to the ski area. This could encourage more bikes on lower Fish Creek Falls, the few who are descending it are startling locals and tourists who should be able to feel safe. This just dissects yet another piece of the CRA. Coordination is critical between what Alterra is planning and adjoining district land. Encouraging more trail usage increases fire danger, a disaster for our water supply. This trail bisects an area where game can currently move from higher elevations to lower zones according to 1/15/18 CPW letter to Chad Stewart.

#6 - Same as #5 above and no need to surround Long Lk

#7 and #8 - Not needed since this would create parallel trails. I've had my llamas on all of 1101 for decades without any conflicts. There has been resource damage which can be fixed with minor reroutes. It would be impossible to abandon this section of 1101 since bandit connectors from and 7 and 8 to 1101 could easily be established. Unfortunately, Steamboat has a track record of doing so due to the mixed messages resulting from incorporating illegal trails and lack of action. We already have running and biking trails used for events which are not appropriate in any CRA. #10 - Referring to the 1/12/18 letter from James Baller of the North Park Habitat Partnership Program to Chad Stewart District Ranger. "this area is important elk calving ground and is considered a summer concentration area for elk from late spring through fall." "...... this route will increase the amount of recreation in the area with the ultimate result of moving more elk off of USFS lands to the adjacent private lands and causing more damage to the agricultural fields on these lands." Please review his letter. We need to recognize the proliferation of oil and gas pads on BLM, private lands and around wildlife refuges in North Park which when combined with 10 intensifies the negative effects. The Troublesome Roadless Area was specifically created to provide a wildlife corridor linking Rocky Mtn National Park to the Zirkels and is another example of how cumulative effects on surrounding lands must be considered. I covered the Troublesome connection in June for a couple weeks on foot.

#11 - A similar situation exists at Hahns Peak Lake where one cannot walk all around the lake without bushwhacking through the wetlands at the inlet. This will require similar foresight with explicit signage and protection of Dumont.

#12 thru #27 North of 40 - 12 duplicates access. Now we're creating double to quadruple wildlife barriers along the highway corridor in order to have that often quoted "epic" trail. The proposal specifically mentions no high density in this area. These loops within loops penetrate into the Walton Cr drainage of intermittent creeks, meadows, riparian and beaver ponds. Applying the buffer zones of wildlife impact on both sides of each trail whether it's 400 to 1000 ft, depicts an alarming disturbance and dislocation of all wildlife. I suggest looking at the data as the 6 yr study continues in order to make science based decisions. Kent Foster has stated publicly that wildlife closures would leave an opening of only 2

1 months if even that. He has also stated at a 2A board meeting that closures don't work. The multiple TH's would require cameras to pick up license plates and enforcement with fines. I foresee accidents due to shuttles/cars making left hand turns across 40 in front of descending, typically speeding traffic.

#13 - 315 already provides access

#15-17 - Does moto really want to go around in circles? If so, who is going to maintain 100, 251, and 302. How will these be closed off when muddy?

Any new trail, TH, infrastructure improvement and closure won't be sustainable without enforcement dollars and the ability to manage them. The district can't maintain or monitor existing trails/roads. The budget always has and will continue to fluctuate. The only dollars available for enforcement outside the district is the WHILD fund ($40,000 currently) which is not a dependable source either. The Trails Endowment fund is only for maintenance and not guaranteed in the future. The Medicine Bow-Routt NF needs an updated comprehensive Travel Mgmt plan in place prior to any action in conjunction with wildlife baseline data. The Medicine Bow - Routt has a biodiversity not found elsewhere in Colo due to a wide range of elevation, headwaters, topography, geology, wilderness, roadless and conservation easements. It's our responsibility to protect these unique characteristics.

Thank you for considering everyone's input.

2 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 11:01 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trail Proposal - Columbine Trail Closure

Dear USFS,

This is my second letter related to the trail proposal. This includes some additional thoughts I have coalesced from discussions with others focused on the closure of the trail to the east of Rabbit Ears commonly called the Columbine or Pleasant Rabbit Trail.

The main point is that this is a user developed trail, but the main users of this trail and associated trails on all the other old logging roads are the elk. Primarily on the main trail that heads north from the old road, this use is supplemented by some human foot traffic, largely hunters in the fall. Having hiked this trail probably 20‐30 times, only once have I seen other people on it. People occasional ride it, but this is a minor use (as little on once or twice a month). However, I see elk probably 30% of the time, but I don’t typically hike it during hunting season. I believe the elk and hunters will continue to maintain a walkable trail regardless of a closure or not, and I am not sure how you would effectively close the trail. Being on an old road bed, it is a natural place for game and walking trail development. You will find a trail on everyone of the old logging roads in that area both north and south of US40 except where thick trees have taken over (primarily on the roads south of US40). You could make the case the closure is for the elk, but 1) as it is now, there is little traffic in the summer, 2) it is open to snowmobiles in the winter, 3) hunters will be in there regardless, and 4) there is a new proposed motorized trail on the west side of the area, part of which is on one of the logging trails in the network.

Bottomline – the closure seem unnecessary, and if left as is, there is minimal impact to anything ‐ really. I don’t think you can effectively close the trail. You might reduce the human foot traffic, but the hunters and elk will continue to develop a trail on that road bed. Talking with some people that live in Rabbit Ears Village near there, they drove home how popular of an hunting area that is. Any attempt to close it will tick off a lot of hunters, as well as a few local hikers that know of the trail.

Finally – this is one of the nicest forest walks in the Routt NF. You would be doing a great disservice to hikers by limiting access. Hikers who in the Steamboat area are feeling more and more displaced by mountain bikers, and trails developed for bikers often don’t make good hiking trails. I don’t think the mountain bikers would be to displaced if you closed it to bikes. (Note that I am also a mountain biker; however, I now feel there are more than enough options for biking [I could ride a different trail once a week and not get on them all in a summer].)

Sincerely,

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 11:29 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Hello US Forest Service,

Thank you for taking the time to review and consider comments regarding the Mad Rabbit Trails Project. I would like to share my support of the project and benefits it would have on our community. This would enhance our local trail variety and quality like other similar projects over the past several years. The benefits of community trail network projects improve the quality of life for those who live in the community. Steamboat residents like myself, frequent and seek out these opportunities and benefits on a weekly (if not daily) bases. If I can help in any way please let me know. I will continue to look for volunteer opportunities through our local nonprofit organization. Thank you for all the great work you do. I appreciate your time. All the best,

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 10:12 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Comments

To whom it may concern,

A very large part of what makes Steamboat and Routt County special not only to our residents but our visitors as well is the unique balance we have between outdoor activity and infrastructure and open spaces. The wildlife is a very essential part of our community and surrounding area. I believe putting more and unique trails into our system will further alter the wildlife habitats that we enjoy and that help make our environment special. Once altered, these environments are changed tremendously and in most cases irreversibly.

Please take this message seriously, these decisions will have a lasting impact and many of us, including myself, are not in favor of expanding the all ready expansive trail system in Routt County.

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 11:17 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Support for Trails

I am writing in support of the continued development of the trails master plan. But the NEPA must include the larger scoped original trails proposal. Circles around hwy 40 which sums up the newest plan is way too constricted prior to the evaluation and review that matters most in the NEPA. Trail network connections are key to this project’s success and have been systematically stripped out, Mad Rabbit should move to review intact. We need thoughtfully placed trails that consider the future needs of the human population and environment that allow for both progression in sport and long distance cross‐country travel. The current stripped down plan is too anemic pre‐ review and falls short of meeting our long‐term needs. Thanks,

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 3:53 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

The new non motorized trails seem like they are so close to the road there would be constant road noise. I understand the wildlife concerns but ambient noise should be considered.

1

Tara Umphries Hahn’s Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District Attn: Mad Rabbit Trails Project 925 Weiss Drive Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

August 14, 2019

Thank you for this opportunity to participate in scoping on a new Mad Rabbit Preliminary Proposed Action (PPA). I am pleased to see some of the more controversial trails in the Mad Creek and Long Park Roadless areas have been eliminated from the proposal and support the USFS in removing and re- naturalizing user created trails in the Mad Creek area, from the Harrison Creek area south of Highway 40 and trails created north from FSR308. It is important to not reward or encourage illegal trail building in our national forests, nor compromise the characteristics of our roadless areas and wildlife habitat. I do hope going forward, the USFS will continue to be diligent in monitoring for user trails and re- naturalizing and closing them. I would also hope the USFS will be diligent in enforcing seasonal closures where early or late usage may impact wildlife habitat and to adjust seasonal closures where necessary for annual conditions.

I do have concerns about many of the trails in the current proposal. Primarily I am concerned about wildlife habitat, duplicate and unneeded trails, and protections for the natural habitat within our Colorado Roadless Area. Please see specific trail comments below.

1. Motorized Trails: At the top of my list of problematic trails is the Helena-Grizzly OHV Trail (#10). This trail must be eliminated. It would cut through pristine and important wildlife habitat and impact quiet user experience when hiking to the Rabbit Ears. I recently hiked to the Ears and was saddened to consider how an adjacent OHV trail would impact my experience. The area east of Rabbit Ears has been identified as a summer concentration wildlife area by Colorado Parks and Wildlife(CPW). The impacts of this OHV trail will extend at least 600 meters beyond the trail and will likely displace wildlife onto adjacent private lands in Jackson County and/or reduce our healthy Northwest Colorado wildlife. The CPW publication, Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind, says “When possible, leave untouched large, undisturbed areas of wildlife habitat. They are an important—and rapidly vanishing resource. Identify and seek to protect all such areas when aligning a trail.” I am against amending the LRMP and allowing this area to have a motorized trail. It’s current designation as Summer non-motorized and winter limited motorized should stand. (And ideally, given its popularity as a hike for visitors and locals, FSR 291 should become a non-motorized trail.

OHV trail #13 is a redundant trail with FSR 315.

OHV Trail #16 provides a connector from FSR 251 to FSR 100. This trail is also unnecessary and redundant.

2. Multi-Use and Mountain Bike Trails: The Fish Creek Bypass trail (#5) is also problematic as it unnecessarily cuts across wildlife habitat and summer elk range. While this trail is proposed to cut or eliminate user conflict on The Lower Fish Creek Trail, few cyclists use this trail and I have rarely seen a Mountain Bike there or any conflict. There is an existing trail that connects to the ski area just south of the Fish creek Bypass and mountain bike use of the Fish Creek/Long Lake trail is rare at best.

Trail #6 to the south of Long Lake is also redundant and creates a small habitat island and potential habitat disruption.

Trails #7 & 8 (The CDT alternative routes): In Hiking this area and talking to many other non-cyclists, the incidence of user conflict is actually quite low on the existing trail. The condition of the Buff Pass road and FSR 311 keeps user numbers down. Building these loop trails will create a wildlife habitat island that will impact summer wildlife habitat and creating loops may result in more, rather than less user conflict. Creation of these trails will add miles to USFS trails that the agency already struggles to maintain and will require additional seasonal closure enforcement. I recommend the USFS undertake a trail survey as part of the Mad Rabbit EA to determine the actual trail use numbers. I believe this will help determine the actual need for #7 and 8.

Ferndale Area and West Summit trails: Trail #12 is redundant and should be eliminated. Trails 14, 14a, 18, 19, 19A, 20, 21: Except for 14A these trails stay very close to the edge of the Long Park Roadless Area. My primary concern about these trails and year-round trailheads is the impact on winter users. The West Summit ski touring and snowshoe trails are very popular with locals and visitors. The construction of summer mountain bike trails may result in winter usage from the fat tire mountain bikes designed to ride on snow. The separation of winter quiet use and snowmobiles was a major win for quiet users, but creation of mountain bike trails may create new user conflicts. Will these trails be summer use only or are they designed for year-round use?

Trails #23, 25, 27 are within an area CPW has identified as an elk calving area. Without significant seasonal trail closures and enforcement, these trails will impact that habitat. Also, the high density of trails may impact elk migration resulting in the need for extended trail closures in the spring, early summer and fall. Plans for commercial operation of shuttles and tours to the Ferndale and West Summit area are not in keeping with the Colorado Roadless Area rules. Increased usage of this area may create traffic hazards on HWY 40 as well as impact spring and fall wildlife migration.

Trails #23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 exist in an area approximately 1.5 miles square, or about 2.25 square miles, and total 10.13 miles in length. That area also includes a portion of trail 22, bringing the total trail mileage in that small area to approximately 11 miles, resulting in a density of 4.9 miles of trails per square mile. This is a very high trail density to be considered within a CRA. The concentrated use in this area is problematic due to USFS zoning, retaining the undeveloped character of the CRA, and wildlife concerns. Furthermore, the existing parking at the Ferndale trailhead is limited, and many of the trails require the proposed new trailhead on US40 between the Ferndale trailhead and West Summit.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide scoping comments on the Mad Rabbit PPA.

Sincerely, From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 4:37 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Dear Forest Service,

I am writing to express my support for adding new trails to Steamboat area with the Mad Rabbit Trails Project. I have lived in Steamboat 17 years, and having biking and hiking trails close to home is a big reason I moved to Steamboat and will continue to live here for years to come.

Having more trails on Rabbit Ears will be great, for both locals and tourists. But I do hope the trails proposed earlier linking Rabbit Ears/Buff Pass/Mad Creek trail systems are re‐considered in the future. These would open up opportunities for some much longer rides. Such rides not only appeal to locals, but become destination rides that bring tourists to Steamboat. The most recent proposal does mention establishing shuttles to trailheads to minimize traffic. I do not see many people utilizing shuttles for shorter rides that start and end at same trailhead. It is easier to just drive up Rabbit Ears and back with all your gear. But shuttles and long destination rides go together really well. Examples are shuttles up Monarch Pass, and numerous shuttle options in Moab.

Thank You!

1 Bennett, Rita L -FS

From: PAMELA Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 6:43 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit trails

Hello We are highly disappointed that the Columbine trail wouldn't be the main focus of the trail up to the rabbit ears loop. A motorized version is on an existing road currently. Adding another motorized loop in the same area just to close the Columbine does not make sense. The Columbine trail is used by wildlife, hunters, hikers, campers and a few bicyclists. I don't see the reason for closing it, as the animals will still use it, but you're going to make it more difficult for them. Also this is an existing snowmobile trail which is groomed in the winter. Is this still going to be allowed? If so, it's not fair to the summer users. Why are all the other new loops being added so close to the highway? The noise will be annoying when they could be moved back at least a mile from the highway. Why was the epic 50 mile ridge route not being considered now? One of the more epic rides was already taken and made the Salvis wilderness.

Thanks Mark and Pam Karr

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 8:56 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit

To whom it may concern. I fully support RCRs efforts to sustainably develop and maintain a world class singletrack network. Particularly their efforts to establish a Mad Ck‐Rabbit Ears route. Including the possible Walton Rim option. Thank you for your consideration. Regards.

Sent from my iPhone

1 August 14, 2019

Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District Attn: Mad Rabbit Trails Project 925 Weiss Drive Steamboat Springs, CO 80477 Sent via email: comments-rm-medicine- bow-routt- [email protected]

Re: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Dear Ms. Umphries,

Keep Routt Wild would like to submit a second set of comments regarding the preliminary proposed action for the Mad Rabbit Trails Project dated July 16, 2019. We are submitting these comments in light of new information and these comments are in addition to, not in place of, our initial comments dated August 9, 2019.

The new information is a need analysis and evaluation performed by IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) in September 2017, titled IMBA Ride Center Report, Steamboat Bike Town Ride Center. The report is attached in its entirety. IMBA assesses a location’s trail systems and services and gives a rating to the locality. Equally important, IMBA identifies the major unmet needs of a location, and calls out specific improvements to improve the rating. This report was generated for the local IMBA chapter, Routt County Riders, and shared with the Steamboat Springs 2A Committee, where it became public.

This is important to the Mad Rabbit Trails Project because it provides an independent and professionally generated assessment of needs from this particular user perspective, in this case mountain bikers. By itself, the professed needs of any one user group cannot determine developments in our US Forests. However, when the US Forest Service balances various tradeoffs in its evaluation, this report can be used as an independent analysis of need.

Steamboat Springs is designated as a Silver Level IMBA Ride Center in the report. This in itself is quite an achievement, and indicates the current set of trails and services in the area are very good. IMBA identified eight specific needs where Steamboat Springs could improve. We analyzed those needs against the proposed Mad Rabbit Trails, and generated a chart below showing where the proposed trails would meet the identified need. The column to the left contains a representative quote from the report, while the rightmost column is our assessment. The needs are listed in the order that they appeared in the report, and not by priority.

Mad Rabbit trails did not satisfy a single need identified by IMBA. The IMBA report clearly identifies the major trail needs as more beginner trails close to town. It also identifies key missing services in the Steamboat Springs area. While Need #2 identifies the need for a shuttle service, and the US Forest Service has proposed authorizing a shuttle service through a special use permit, no trails need to be constructed to meet this need. Need #8 is the only identified need in the entire list outside of town. We would note that, in fact, the CDT does connect to town through the ski area, and is accessible from both Dumont Lake and Buffalo Pass.

This report clearly shows some unmet needs for the mountain biking community in Steamboat Springs. But it also shows that the preponderance of needs cannot be met by Mad Rabbit, or even a modified Mad Rabbit. These must be met elsewhere. In all eight cases, the need may be met without any excursion into Colorado Roadless Areas. We ask the US Forest Service to take the IMBA report into account when balancing need with impact.

Yours sincerely, Keep Routt Wild

IMBA Ride Center Report STEAMBOAT BIKE TOWN RIDE CENTER STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO SEPTEMBER 2017

1. Introduction What is an IMBA Ride Center? The Ride Center™ designation represents IMBA’s Model Trail recognition for large-scale mountain bike facilities that offer something for every rider. Bring your full arsenal of bikes to these destination-worthy areas. From backcountry adventures to shuttle-served gravity trails, and from expert-only to family-friendly, you’ll encounter the best the sport has to offer. Ride Centers range from renowned Gold Level destinations like Park City and Oakridge to smaller towns that totally revolve around the ride like McCall or Marquette. IMBA Ride Centers will be designed for every type of mountain biker, provide a positive mountain bike experience with progressive skill building, and include facilities that break down the barriers for entry with bike rentals, quality maps, clear signage, and available instruction or guiding. These model trail systems will broaden the demographic of the mountain bike community by providing a model beginner experience that is family friendly on the same site that will challenge an expert rider. A Ride Center will demonstrate the best practices in mountain bike trail design and construction for grassroots replication. Ride Centers will also bring major economic benefits to their host communities. IMBA has compiled online resources that describe the ways that mountain biking supports tourism and enhances economic development in communities around the globe. What is the procedure to become an IMBA Ride Center? This designation is just as much about the process as the award itself. The application criteria is the blueprint for improving a trail system and is comprised of multiple factors with both trail experience and surrounding community amenities being measured. The designation and rating of a Ride Center shall be based on clear criteria. These criteria do not need to be objective and some will necessarily be subjective. But in all cases, they will relate to providing great riding opportunities. The Ride Center application process consists of: • A self-evaluation • An in person professional assessment and review • A thorough evaluation and report of the existing conditions, opportunities for growth and recommendations for improving the trail system status. The Evaluation criteria is comprised of key aspects that make an amazing mountain bike destination and include, but are not limited to: • Services • Destination Best Practices • Trail Types • Trail Mileage • Quality Trail Experience

2. You Are Here Overview Steamboat Springs has been a star on the recreation map for decades. Yet it is only in the last 5 years that the community has truly put itself on the map as a destination for great mountain biking. Steamboat Bike Town initially raised its profile by earning a “Bronze” Ride Center rating and hosting the IMBA World Summit. With the passing of a tax referendum, referred to as “2A”, an influx of funding came available to finance a singletrack transformation. It didn’t take long for trail planning to commence and guide the efforts of the US Forest Service, Routt County Riders, and many other stakeholders. With a host of new trails built and opened, it is time to reassess where Steamboat Bike Town is heading and whether it has earned an upgraded IMBA Ride Center rating. When one seeks to define the theme of riding the trails surrounding Steamboat Springs, words like “demanding” and “diverse” come to mind. For riders visiting from lower elevations, the altitude in Steamboat makes every ride just a bit more involved. With most rides beginning and ending right from town, there’s never a shortage of challenging climbs to get on the mountains and rugged country beyond. It isn’t all climbing, riders who want to focus on adrenaline can head to the very well developed Steamboat Resort Bike Park to find big jumps and limitless descending. Right up the valley and just off of the 7.5 mile long Yampa River Core Trail is the Emerald Mountain trail system. Emerald overlooks downtown Steamboat Springs, which is only a few pedal strokes away. From the Emerald Mountain trailhead, riders will pedal up on efficient routes that really get you up into a surprising profusion of trails. From the top you can look across the valley towards the trail filled backcountry of Buffalo Pass, Fish Creek, and Rabbit Ears. It is in Buffalo Pass that riders will find a singletrack “pot of gold.” Gravity oriented routes such as Grouse Ridge and BTR are entirely new or have been re-built and updated to create an experience that is rugged, flowing, and mountain biking at its best. BTR connects riders to Flash of Gold, named after the amazing yellow aspen leaves that overwhelm trail users in autumn. All of these areas bring riders right back to a community full of good food, lively conversations, and passion for trails. Reinforcing the feeling that Steamboat Springs is the nexus for these trails and the perfect place to end a ride. Summary of Graphic Overview The graphs below represent the four scoring categories that are used in rating a prospective Ride Center’s status. The arrow indicates the score that was calculated by the review team after visiting the destination and sampling the submissions for each criteria category. When the submission was found lacking or inappropriate, reviewers made an effort to locate trails, venues, etc. that would match better. This effort ensures that candidates have the best chance at receiving the score they deserve.

DESTINATION QUALITY TRAIL SERVICES BEST PRACTICES TRAIL TYPES EXPERIENCE

3a. Analysis > Services Highlights • The customer service at Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare is top notch. Their willingness to provide information, mechanical skills, and having the right equipment on hand makes it possible to keep visitors on the trail. • Clean and comfortable accommodations are readily available. Staff seems ready and able to help riders out with secure bike storage. Hotel type lodging is backed up with quality BnB and longer-term condominium type options as well. • Restaurants such as the Backdoor Grill, Sunpie’s Bistro, and Salt & Lime are perfect locations to end a ride and refuel for the next day’s adventures. • The base area at Steamboat Resort’s Bike Park hosts a selection of activities designed to keep the whole family having fun outdoors. • Convenient air service in Hayden makes Steamboat Springs surprisingly accessible. • eMTB rental and riding experience at the Resort is a great opportunity for people to try a new sport.

Challenges Challenge #1 – No Lodging That Caters Specifically To Bicyclists • The existing accommodations are motivated to help, but there is no truly bike friendly lodging. • Encourage lodging owners to provide indoor bike storage, a bike wash and service area, and laundry facilities. • Bikers will feel taken care of, excited to return, and will share their experience with others. This will also earn an additional point.

Services Points Available Points Earned

Bike Shop - Goods and Services 2 2

MTB Guide Services / Outfitter 1 1

Bike Rental 2 2

Shopping 1 1

Primitive Camping 1 1

Camping with Potable Water and Showers 1 1

Camping with Van/RV hookup 1 1

Hotel / Motel 1 1

Bike-friendly Lodging 1 0

Quality / Variety of Restaurants 2 2

Brew Pub 1 1

Coffee Shop 1 1

Grocery Store 1 1

Natural / Organic Food 1 1

Airport 2 1

Medical Services / EMS 1 1

TOTAL POINTS 20 18

3b. Analysis > Destination Best Practices Highlights • There is a tremendous variety of recreation opportunities in the area. This variety encourages visitors to stay longer and reinforces why locals love the place they live. • The community is inundated with trails, giving it a “singletrack city” feel. There seems to be a trail connecting every corner of the community. Riding right from town reduces the need to drive a vehicle to distant trailheads. It also helps reinforce strong values of conservation by providing immediate access to wild areas. • Navigating on local trails is straight forward to do since they are well marked with signs. Apps such as Trailforks and MTB Project display the local trails comprehensively. • The Trail Maintenance Endowment Fund is providing an almost unheard of service to the community by providing a permanent endowment to fund the maintenance of local non-motorized trails. Ensuring that the singletrack around Steamboat will just keep getting better and won’t overburden the land managers. • A culture of trail building expertise has been fostered in this community and is blossoming into very well built trails that deliver high-quality experiences. • The 2A fund is still financing the construction of new trails for mountain bikers to explore and creating a model for other communities to follow.

Challenges Challenge #1 – No MTB shuttle service • Riders wishing to shuttle some of the bigger gravity rides have to shuttle themselves or do more climbing than they desire. • Encourage a local business to make an investment in providing shuttle services for riders. • It will be easier for riders to try out your trails, and they might return with friends after this type of experience. This will also earn an additional point.

Destination Best Practices Points Available Points Earned

Signs / Wayfinding 2 2

Trailhead Amenities 2 2

Trailhead Access by Bike 1 2

Shuttle / Uplift Options 2 1

Three or More Days of Riding 2 2

Long-distance Adventure 2 0

Backcountry Experience 2 2

MTB Club 2 2

Group Rides 1 1

MTB-related Events 2 2

Community Support 2 2

Land Manager / Owner Support 2 2

Data Capture and Evaluation 1 1

Recreation Variety 2 2

Marketing Presence 2 2

Ride Center / Trails Marketing and 1 1 Promotions Group

Tourism Riding Season ≥ 8 Months 1 1

Tourism Riding Season ≥ 10 Months 1 1

TOTAL POINTS 30 27

3c. Analysis > Quality Trail Experience Highlights • Steamboat provides some very physically demanding riding due to its’ elevation. Riders with strong lungs will consistently be rewarded for their efforts with fast flowing descents. Most everyone riding here will be exhausted and ready to hoist a refreshing beverage or two by the end of the day. • The variety of trail types available is impressive and provides riders with almost limitless opportunities to experience different styles of trail and push their abilities. • Grouse Ridge provides an extremely valuable riding experience that has a unique blend of narrow singletrack filled with rugged technical features, yet still a fast flowing bike optimized trail. It is a model that should be used as an inspiration to guide future trail development. • Fish Creek is fantastically rough and one of the most challenging rides that a visiting mountain biker could ask for. • Almost every trail in the area is very well integrated into its surroundings. This creates a sense that the trails belong in the landscape and that riders are just passing through the landscape and admiring its beauty.

Challenges Challenge #1 – Emerald Mountain Trails can feel repetitive • This will bring more riders to the park and will create an opportunity for families to recreate together. This will also earn an additional point. • Many of the trails feel a little too familiar as they use very similar design and construction aesthetics. Challenge #3 – Beginner Trails Around Town Push Riders Comfort Level • Make an effort to augment and enhance some of the older trails and work • Spring Creek can make beginner riders uncomfortable due to heavy use towards providing higher quality experiences for riders. and potential conflict with other trail users. • Riders will be excited to have a greater variety of truly different trails. This • Work to educate riders to slow down on the trail. Maintain clear sightlines to will also earn an additional point. prevent collisions Challenge #2 – Steamboat Resort Bike Park Trails Are Too Long For Beginners • Beginner riders will be encouraged to pursue the sport and explore further in the trail system. This will also earn an additional point. • Many beginner riders will be worn out after just one run down Tenderfoot. Its length can leave guests feeling isolated and fatigued. • Open up a mid-mountain lift that accesses beginner trails which are lower on the mountain.

3d. Analysis / Trails Highlights • Steamboat is becoming home to some of the best enduro trails. Future construction of trails such as Soda Mountain will draw a significant number of riders looking for challenging descents that require top notch riding skills and serious fitness. • Steamboat trails truly run the gamut of types, with very challenging descents and climbs that usually require a high level of technical riding skills. This is a great place for advanced riders to push their limits without having to get too far from town. • Flash of Gold provides a very well built example of sustainable singletrack trail that can be truly enjoyed by all user types. • Steamboat Resort Bike Park has a very strong offering of Intermediate to Advanced trails, and the long runs down provide a serious physical challenge as well.

Challenges Challenge #1 – Very Few Truly Beginner To Intermediate Rides • Look for opportunities to reduce grades, open up turn radii, and widen tread. • There are not many options for less skilled riders to put together loops that • Beginner riders will have more confidence to build skill on a more predictable fit their ability level. Even the Bluffs Loop is too physically demanding, trail surface. This will earn additional points. especially for a visiting rider that is not used to the altitude. Challenge #4 – No Singletrack Connection From Buffalo Pass to CDT • Develop new beginner trails close in to town and optimize loop • The Continental Divide Trail doesn’t connect to town with singletrack via opportunities. Connect Bluffs Trail and Lower NPR Green with an easier Buffalo Pass. connector trail. • Work in partnership with land managers to develop a trail from the top of • Beginner riders will have more reasons to ride trails from town. This will Flash of Gold to Wyoming Trail. earn additional points. • Creates a huge backcountry loop with options when combined with existing Challenge #2 – Lower NPR Green Is Not As Easy As It Should Be trails. This will also earn additional points. • The average grade is a bit too steep for a true beginner flow trail. This I problem is exacerbated by tightening radius turns which are more difficult for beginners to flow through. The tread width in many places is quite narrow, often narrower than other trails at Emerald which are rated more difficult.

3d. Analysis / Trails

Trail Category Points Points Quality Trail Strengths Weaknesses & Name Available Earned Experience Score Traditional Single-track: Easy 1 1 0 Easiest trails available, relatively Bluffs Loop is too physically Bluffs Loop, Lower Spring Creek, Panorama, Rotary smooth. All are scenic and enjoyable demanding. Lower Spring Creek has rides and are relatively close to town high potential for user conflict. Very (except Rotary) few loop options close to town. Traditional Single-track: More Difficult 1 1 1 Beall provides a challenging ride that Ridge trail is a bit more challenging Beall, Ridge, Flash of Gold makes riders feel like they are escaping than it is rated. Section along fence civilization. Flash of Gold Is incredibly compromises feeling of escape scenic with just the right amount of because of risk to the rider of being physical challenge. caught on it. Traditional Single-track: Very Difficult 1 1 1 A relentless climb with some serious Trail is rutted heavily in spots. It does Scott’s Run technical challenges. Leads to amazing not seem to get much use and is views of the wilderness and a fast hummocky and soft from lack of user narrow descent with challenging compaction. switchback turns. Traditional Single-track: Extremely Diff 1 1 1 Fish Creek Falls is a fantastic rough As riders approach the Fish Creek Falls Fish Creek Falls descent. So many rock challenges and trailhead there are increasing numbers enough exposure to add a sense of risk. of other users on the trail. Vegetation maintenance would help to ensure clear sightlines and prevent conflicts. Bike Specific Single-track: Easy, 1.0 miles 1 1 0 Very beginner flow trail descent that is Could use better berm surfaces and Lickety Split very close to the bottom station. reversals to make the trail feel more dynamic. A mid station lift would create better access for beginners. Bike Specific Single-track: Easy, 2.0 miles 1 1 -1 Good location, close to trailhead. Has no green singletrack climb to Lower NPR - Green access it. Turns are decreasing radius. Tread is often too narrow. Grade should be lower. Bike Specific Single-track: Easy, 3.0 miles 1 1 1 A super fun flowy loop (even for more Location is relatively far from town. Rotary advanced riders) with good efficiency. Easy to access from Trailhead off of county road 45

Bike Specific Single-track: More Difficult, 1.0 miles 1 1 0 Very efficient trail that allows riders Sees significant use in both directions Wild Rose enjoy good speed. and could use better vegetation maintenance. Bike Specific Single-track: More Difficult, 2.0 miles 1 1 0 Lots of opportunities to get off the Jumps are not as predictable as they NPR Lower - Blue ground and go fast should be on an intermediate trail.

Bike Specific Single-track: More Difficult, 3.0 miles 1 0 0 N/A N/A

Bike Specific Single-track: Very Difficult, 1.0 miles 1 1 1 Great blend of bike optimized features As a multi-use trail it seems like the It Creekside with techie rock moves seems like there is a high potential for user conflict because the trail feels like it is designed only for fast downhill riding. Bike Specific Single-track: Very Difficult, 2.0 miles 1 1 1 Very challenging trail that feels very Vegetation maintenance could be a bit BTR natural yet still has bike-optimized better to improve sightlines. features. Bike Specific Single-track: Very Difficult, 3.0 miles 1 1 1 Very cool mix of terrain and features A significant climb or shuttle on rough Grouse Ridge with rough loose rock, slabs and more steep doubletrack is required to access smooth and flowy in between. this trail. Outstanding ride experience as a descent. Bike Specific Single-track: Extremely Difficult, 1.0 N/A N/A miles 1 0 0

Bike Specific Single-track: Extremely Difficult, 2.0 N/A N/A miles 1 0 0

Bike Specific Gravity Trail: Easy, 1.0 miles 1 1 0 Very good entry level option with Sheets of plywood have been laid Lasso gentle berms and rollers. down to get rides over wet areas. This is dangerous and should be removed. Bike Specific Gravity Trail: Easy, 2.0 miles 1 1 0 Challenging long descent for beginner Too long for most beginners. Tenderfoot riders with good sweeping berm turns to practice cornering. Bike Specific Gravity Trail: More Difficult, 1.0 miles 1 1 1 This smooth rolling flow trail gives Turns require too much braking and Gunsmoke plenty of opportunities to get off the could have larger radius. ground Bike Specific Gravity Trail: More Difficult, 2.0 miles 1 1 0 Faster speeds are no problem on this Tightening radius turns force riders to NPR Upper - Blue bikes-only descending trail. brake more than is desired

Bike Specific Gravity Trail: More Difficult, 4.0 miles 1 1 1 Very fast turns and long swoopy flow Intersections with access roads can be Rustler’s Ridge sections full of jumps. confusing.

Bike Specific Gravity Trail: Very Difficult, 1.0 miles 1 1 0 Big jump trail is well built and has good Significant maintenance is required to Flying Diamond predictable take-offs and landings. keep features riding well through the season. Bike Specific Gravity Trail: Very Difficult, 2.0 miles 1 0 0 N/A N/A

Bike Specific Gravity Trail: Very Difficult, 4.0 miles 1 0 0 N/A N/A

Bike Specific Gravity Trail: Extremely Difficult, 1.0 N/A N/A miles 1 0 0

Bike Specific Gravity Trail: Extremely Difficult, 2.0 Nice and steep with narrow tread and Wood drop at bottom will require miles 1 1 1 very challenging rock features. regular inspection and maintenance. Rawhide

Descents ≥ 1 mile/1.6 km 1 1 0 Gorgeous scenery along the creek, Large rocky drop in towards top is a Hot Springs especially as you drop into narrow bit too difficult for intermediate riders. forested canyon Descents ≥ 3 mile/4.8 km 1 1 1 Very fun beginner descent with good Heavily used and may need signs to Spring Creek Trail width scenery encourage good user behavior

Descents ≥ 5 mile/8 km 1 1 1 Amazing views up top and fun Fencing along trail compromises the Ridge Trail challenging singletrack seems to never rider’s feeling of safety at speed. end Technical Descent 2 2 1 Fish Creek Falls is a fantastic rough As riders approach the Fish Creek Falls Fish Creek Trail descent. So many rock challenges and trailhead there are increasing numbers enough exposure to add a sense of risk. of other users on the trail. Vegetation maintenance would help to ensure clear sightlines and prevent conflicts. Long climb ≥ 1 mile/1.6 km 1 1 1 Narrow and interesting with short Some sustainability issues to be MGM Trail challenging ramps addressed such as de-berming in meadow section. Long climb ≥ 3 mile/4.8 km 1 1 1 Relatively smooth moderate climb with Most users will access this trail from Pioneer efficient consistent grades Zig Zag which is not a very satisfying ride.

Long climb ≥ 5 mile/8 km 1 1 1 Valley View and Pete’s Wicked make Intersections through the Bike Park can Zig Zag to Valley View to Spur Run to Sunshine to this ride worthwhile by traversing be confusing Cathy's to Pete's Wicked Trail across some beautiful terrain and becoming progressively more difficult as the rider nears the summit. Technical Climbs 1 0 0 N/A N/A

Progressive Dirt Jump Trail Area 2 2 0 Jumps and features ride well and have Surface is looser than preferred but Bear River Bike Park good progression. well compacted. Look and feel is disheveled because of a lack of veg maintenance and landscaping. Progressive Skills Development Area 2 0 0 N/A N/A

Pump Tracks 2 1 1 Small but satisfying. A larger size would provide more room Ski Time Square Pump Track for progression.

Gravity Bike Park with Uplift 5 4 1 Well designed with good variety and Needs more options to mix up the Steamboat Bike Park lots of challenging trails for descending existing routes and create variety. Beginner trails need better lift access. All-weather trails ≥ 5 mile/8 km 2 0 0 N/A Does not qualify because it is a wide Yampa River Core Trail paved pathway not a natural surface trail. All-weather trails ≥ 10 mile/16 km 2 0 0 N/A N/A

Trails groomed for snow-biking ≥ 10 mile/16 km 1 1 1 Over 16 miles of groomed trail Divided among 3 separate locations Orton to Blackmere, Haymaker and Catamount available. Nordic Centers

TOTAL POINTS 50 35 20

4. Conclusion Rating Congratulations! After reviewing all of the categories, efforts, and challenges; our scoring supports the opinion that your destination is now qualified to be a Silver level IMBA Ride Center. Our planned date for public announcement of 2018 Ride Center Awards Is June 30th, 2018.

Terms Consider this report as provisional. If you would like to make improvements and provide evidence of improvements to your score and Ride Center level, please contact Shane Wilson for full details and assistance with the process, [email protected].

From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 7:19 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

I support the new Mad Rabbit Trails Project Thank you.

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 4:30 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Cc: Umphries, Tara -FS Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

I strongly support the Forest Service’s decision to eliminate the potential bike trails through the Soda Creek and Gunn Creek drainages. These pristine areas are teeming with elk, moose, bears, deer, etc in their natural state(not citified and used to humans, and not yet trashdumpster‐ified), and this wildlife would be adversely impacted by any mountain‐ biking trails cutting across these remote and roadless creek valleys and drainages. Respectfully,

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 8:11 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project Attachments: RCR 2019 Pre-Scoping Mad Rabbit Response Letter.pdf

To whom it may concern:

The revised Mad Rabbit trail proposal has reduced new trails available for mixed use and biking by too high of a percentage. If the Mad Rabbit Trails Project must be reduced so drastically, more trails need to be built in a different area of Rabbit Ears to meet the current and growing need. The more professionally built trails we have the fewer user conflicts we will have. The need for directional downhill trails for mountain bikers is high. What many forget when they say that we don’t need specific trails for “those mountain bikers” is that a directional Downhill trail for mountain bikers only is a very safe option. It reduces user conflict greatly.

Thank you,

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 5:27 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit

Good afternoon,

We are very disappointed in the new Mad Rabbit proposal, specifically the large reduction of new trails on Rabbit Ears. We urge you to reconsider Ferndale as well as investigate opportunities for additional trails on Rabbit Ears (both sides of 40). Providing additional trail options will enhance the user experience, reduce conflicts and give visitors another reason to visit our community.

Thank you,

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 6:12 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Hello Steamboat needs more trails, the trails are overcrowded and we are saying we are Bike Town USA. We need trails on both sides of highway 40. We need to adapt MRP into the trail network and maintain it. We need hard trails and beginner trails. We need to connect Buff Pass to Rocky Peak. I feel like I have been saying the same things for years, its time to get this done the right way and get it done soon. Thank you

Sent from my iPhone

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 5:33 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

PLEASE do not approve this project. It is wrong on so many levels and does not serve the majority.

My concerns include impact on natural habitats and animals, the remote location and further strain on responders and law enforcement, and that it serves a very small and select population. This money could be spent on improving and maintaining existing trails.

Thank you,

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 8:07 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Responce

I fully support the position that Routt County Riders has taken. I have watched a well thought out and fully negotiated plan be reduced to a nice but watered down plan. Please restore the original plan or something closer to it than what we have been presented.

Thank you

Sent from my iPad

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 1:08 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

To Whom it May Concern:

I have been following the Mad Rabbit Proposal online and through the Steamboat Pilot. It seems that there has been a major shift away from a balanced approach that benefits residents of Routt County, Tourists, avid cycling and hiking enthusiasts and protecting wildlife, wild‐spaces. I have been impressed through the years how the National Forest Service local leaders and our local groups like Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance, Routt County Riders have worked together in planning and making the best use of our resources. But lately, it seems that the new group that seems to be only about wildlife and would prefer no trails, no balance is having a negative influence on the formula that created so many success stories.

I am on the Chamber Marketing Council that has as its main focus to constantly increase tourism and tourism opportunities. But even there I am always bringing up Balance. We need to grow tourism with balance. Stay centered on the bell curve. Not too little, not too much. I am hopeful that as things move forward that these trail decisions are also made with balance in mind. The riders and the hikers bring so many resources both as locals and tourists to our area. Not having balance with trails and wildlife protection will reduce and eventually eliminate this important resource. A resource that also provides funding to protect our wildlife and natural resources.

From what I read, it sounds like there will be a reduction in existing trails including unsanctioned trails (which makes sense if not sanctioned). But these reductions should be offset by additions and new trail development, keeping the balance. I encourage you to consider maintaining this balancing act with any reductions replaced with new trail development. Let’s don’t lose what we have, let’s improve it. And at the same time improve the quality of life both human and wild. We can all work together. The reality is we need the current and future resources of those that love our trails. Reducing trails will eventually reduce these resources.

Thank you for all you do and your consideration of this appeal.

Best,

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 6:13 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

The new Mad Rabbit Trails proposal is disappointing to say the least. Drastically reducing the miles of trails and eliminating advanced trails (like the proposed Ferndale area) is not a good compromise. Seeing new trails built in our area is a blessing however Steamboat has so many miles of buffed smooth single track, we don't need more of these types of trails. Maybe building some play areas (offshoots of existing trails with more advanced obstacles) while staying relatively close to existing trail could be possible.

It's very important to protect wild life and sensitive habitat here in Routt County! we don't necessarily need more miles of trail. We just need/want higher quality bad ass trails.

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 9:56 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project Attachments: RCR 2019 Pre-Scoping Mad Rabbit Response Letter.pdf

Dear Tara,

As a former employee of several bike shops in town and a current employee of the cycling industry in Steamboat Springs I am disheartened by the changes to the Mad Rabbit trails proposal. I voted in favor of the tax measure specifically for the Walton Rim Trail to be built. To propose replacing that with a drastic reduction in mileage of trails all placed directly next to the highway is completely unacceptable. The entire reason I choose to ride mountain bikes is to escape the traffic noise that has become pervasive in town. The residents of Steamboat voted for bike trails to be built with the goal of bringing visitors to Steamboat. No one is going to come to Steamboat to ride there bicycle along the ditch of highway 40. You are doing a disservice to every person that voted in favor of additional trails by allowing this counter offer as they do not adhere to the guidelines put forth in the initial vote due to this reason. At the very minimum a new proposal should include an equal amount of new trails to be built after factoring in the closure of existing trails as the original voter approved proposal which also allow for users to be fully immersed in nature.

Thank you for your consideration,

* I also endorce the views expressed in the attached response letter from RCR.

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 9:22 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Hatter

Dear Tara,

Below you will find the copied letter from the RCR. It echos the RCR sentiments as well my own and a majority of the people in this community. I believe in responsible, sustainable, and just managenent of our forests and public lands. I am disappointed that small vocal minorities are drastically affecting years of hard work done by USFS in conjunction with other active‐long term‐engaged multi use trail user groups. I have lived in Steamboat Springs since 1999. I moved here to pursue a goal of becoming one of Steamboat’s Olympians. I was able through hard work combined with discipline make it to the world’s stage in 2014. And again as a coach in 2018 helping to bring two Olympic Gold medals back to the credit and ties of Steamboat. The trails in Steamboat helped to groom and harden me while growing and chasing my dream. The trails also kept me here in the summer as the adventure only grew as did my love for the outdoors. Steamboat needs the Mad Rabbit trail development with the requests from the RCR to be included. Economic, crowd dispersion, trail use spread, responsible forest use, environmental studies all have been considered leading up to this decision. A late charge by vocal entitled groups hiding under the guise of protecting wildlife is an absolute farce. RCR and multiple other multi use trail organizations have worked together since 2012 to develop a 360 degree view of the best way to manage the need and fulfillment for additional trails in our community. Honor that work. Honor the majority. Honor the process which thereby honors the environment.

RCR LETTER:

Since 2012, Routt County Riders has worked in a position of leadership with the Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance to develop and nurture the Mad Rabbit Proposal, a network of potential trails to be constructed between the Mad Creek area all the way to the east side of Rabbit Ears Pass. This proposal has since seen its share of changes, leading us to the most recent Updated 2019 Pre‐Scoping, which displays a drastic reduction in the quantity and mileage of trails to be considered and a near‐total elimination of Mad Creek trails. From its origins to this newest version of the proposal, here are the ways in which future mountain biking and multi‐use trails are (or will be) impacted: • 65%+ overall reduction in mileage of new trails to be considered • Rejection of Ferndale from consideration for development of a gravity‐fed biker‐specific riding area • Elimination of Mad Creek area from consideration for development of new trails and a push to eliminate established/unsanctioned trails (such as ‘MRP’) • Elimination of the Walton Rim on Rabbit Ears and “epic ride” (50+ mile) possibilities It is our view that with these changes comes the necessity to expand in other areas. I Routt County Riders advocates for the following, given the changes in the updated proposal: • Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops ‐ and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak • Further consideration of gravity‐fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict • NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek + Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history. RCR appreciates the work of the Forest Service, the Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance, and various interest groups who have contributed along the way. We maintain that keeping a focus on the development of new and varied multi‐use terrain in this area – specifically on Rabbit Ears Pass, a potential ‘flagship’ riding area and a key entry point for travelers visiting Steamboat Springs – is crucial to support the progress of our trail infrastructure. This will, in turn, have lasting impacts on the economy and the overall health and well‐ being of our community.

1 Thank you for your consideration,

2 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 10:24 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Cc: Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

-Thank you for; * accepting and listening to community input regarding the Mad Rabbit Trails proposal * deleting proposed trails in the Mad Creek/Hot Springs area, and for * proposing that illegal trails be eliminated, and brought back to their natural state. This removes an important incentive for the creation of illegal trails. The Mad Rabbit Preliminary Proposed Action plan, while an improvement over previous plans still simply proposes too many unneeded, new, additional trails in the forest. The primary proponent of these new trails is a mountain biker organization that seeks access to the City’s lodging tax funding - $600K/yr that was designated for trails. These funds were voted for construction only (no $’s allowed for maintenance or ancillary system costs) – an oversight on the voters part, and the mountain biker organization feels the need to spend it. – for some reason mainly in the forest. Note, these funds were not specifically designated for construction of new trails in the forest. Much trail work remains to be done in the valley both within and outside of the City limits that better benefit the non-off-road biker – both resident and tourist. Even without constructing the proposed new trails, we would like to see the USFS establish a trail patrol – personnel, patrolling schedule, to monitor trail and forest use and condition. Unfortunately, while forest use grows our current administration cuts funding to the USFA! Any plan for additional trails must include a financial component that identifies the secure revenue sources for funding the costs of trail construction (City lodging tax allocations) , appurtenances (signs, trailhead toilets), maintenance, USFS patrolling and use enforcement will be funded. We feel that until this is in place, the USFS must not approve new trail systems. More trails means more users and a greater probability of careless situations that would damage the forest and wildlife. I will not repeat the details of these concerns as they have been described many times by many others in earlier comments to the USFS.

Also, it would behoove the City to consider the potential negative impacts that the carelessness of significantly more users might have on the City’s watershed – forest fire being of major importance and concern.

Respectfully,

--

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 11:13 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears; Umphries, Tara -FS Cc: Subject: SUPPORT RCR position Mad Rabbit Trails Proposals

Dear Tara,

I am writing in support of RCR’s position letter (copy of RCR letter below my sig) with additional comments from my perspective as a Steamboat resident, outdoor enthusiast and local business owner.

I am one of the many (71% in fact) of Steamboat Springs voters who overwhelmingly approved spending the 2013 lodging tax for trails. I also am an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoyer of nature and I support the Mad Rabbit trail proposal. Growth in a desirable place like Steamboat is inevitable, and it is how we manage that growth to make it a positive impact on our community that is important.

The drastic reduction in mileage of new trails to be considered from the original proposal is extremely concerning, short‐ sighted and likely would be detrimental to user experience resulting in more user conflict and a much less diverse trail network amenity to our growing community. I support RCR’s suggestion to replace the eliminated trails with others in the Rabbit Ears areas.

Since the voters approved the lodging tax for trails, we have seen numerous improvements to our local trail networks. There have been more sustainable trail builds on Emerald and Buff Pass. There have also been many improvements to existing trails and re‐routes to facilitate better drainage and mitigate potential erosion (on Emerald, Spring Creek and BTR for example) in addition to much improved safety at several bike path, sidewalk and street crossings. Improvements at many parking lots and trailheads have also been implemented so people can actually use a proper restroom (Ridge/Beall Trailhead & Buff Pass).

We need to fill a niche and actually spread out users from the already popular Emerald Mountain and Buffalo Pass areas. It will also be a great trail network at the east entrance to Steamboat (currently lacking in trails) for those coming to or leaving the valley. These projects and the lodging tax dollars spent on trail improvements also directly impacts many local businesses by helping to make Steamboat not only a great place to live but also a great outdoors/trails destination whether one’s passion is cycling, hiking, nature walking, horseback riding, dog walking, etc. As a local business owner, we greatly appreciate the outdoor enthusiasts who frequent our establishment which in turn contributes sales tax revenue to the city.

As you know, the Forest Service has a master plan with a goal to improve the trail recreation opportunities in the District, while protecting resources. They have been extremely diligent in protecting the forest and natural resources through the NEPA process, but they also recognize the economic impact our forests have to our community. It is that balance and partnership with local user groups that makes this process unique and thorough. As I mentioned earlier, desirable places like Steamboat will continue to experience growth, and it is how we manage that growth in a responsible way that will allow our community – and the forests – to thrive.

The lodging tax dollars for trails was approved in 2013 by a huge majority of voters – 71%! The Forest Service not only has the support of 71% of local voters representing all user groups but also has completed extensive, public due diligence through the NEPA process. As a community we need to proceed responsibly and manage this growth and in order to do that, alternatives to the eliminated trails from Mad Rabbit are necessary as proposed by RCR. As a resident and local business owner we greatly appreciate USFS and thank you for your time, thoughtfulness and efforts!

1 Thank you,

Routt County Riders PO Box 770094 Steamboat Springs, CO 80477 www.routtcountyriders.org

Tara Umphries Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District 925 Weiss Dr. Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Dear Tara,

Since 2012, Routt County Riders has worked in a position of leadership with the Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance to develop and nurture the Mad Rabbit Proposal, a network of potential trails to be constructed between the Mad Creek area all the way to the east side of Rabbit Ears Pass. This proposal has since seen its share of changes, leading us to the most recent Updated 2019 Pre- Scoping, which displays a drastic reduction in the quantity and mileage of trails to be considered and a near-total elimination of Mad Creek trails. From its origins to this newest version of the proposal, here are the ways in which future mountain biking and multi-use trails are (or will be) impacted:

• 65%+ overall reduction in mileage of new trails to be considered • Rejection of Ferndale from consideration for development of a gravity-fed biker- specific riding area

2 • Elimination of Mad Creek area from consideration for development of new trails and a push to eliminate established/unsanctioned trails (such as ‘MRP’) • Elimination of the Walton Rim on Rabbit Ears and “epic ride” (50+ mile) possibilities

It is our view that with these changes comes the necessity to expand in other areas. In order to achieve the goals of the Trails Alliance proposal, the overall reduction in mileage and user experience must be replaced elsewhere. Rabbit Ears Pass can provide much of that user experience, most notably near the Highway 40 corridor. Routt County Riders advocates for the following, given the changes in the updated proposal:

• Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops - and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak • Further consideration of gravity-fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict • NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek + Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history.

RCR appreciates the work of the Forest Service, the Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance, and various interest groups who have contributed along the way. We maintain that keeping a focus on the development of new and varied multi-use terrain in this area – specifically on Rabbit Ears Pass, a potential ‘flagship’ riding area and a key entry point for travelers visiting Steamboat Springs – is crucial to support the progress of our trail infrastructure. This will, in turn, have lasting impacts on the economy and the overall health and well- being of our community.

Thank you for your consideration,

Routt County Riders

3 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 10:08 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Writing to say that as a custom home builder in steamboat, 4 of 5 of my new home clients came to steamboat for our mountain biking. So I am completely in support of all diversification and expansion of trails for all user groups.

Sent from my iPhone

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 11:23 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Cc: Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project - Preliminary Scoping Comments

I appreciate that you are addressing the need to provide for sustainable trail related recreation opportunities on the district. For the forthcoming scoping documents, please discuss the relationship of the proposed action and alternatives on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. In addition, the CDNST travel route location should be identified on the available maps. Geospatial data of the proposed route locations (geodatabase and/or zipped shapefile formats) with appropriate planned trail parameters metadata should also be available for download review. Thank you for requesting pre‐scoping comments. Please keep me on the project’s mailing list.

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 8:38 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad rabbit trails

We do not need more trails there are more than enough already. We need to protect our wildlife and building more trails is detrimental to their habitat. Please reconsider this proposal for more mountian bike trails.

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 9:26 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

I am writing as an outdoor recreation enthusiast. I am disappointed in the drastic reduction in the new trails to be considered per the Updated 2019 pre scoping. I encourage you to work closely with Routt County Riders to find common ground to continue to protect our wild areas and wild life AND expand the trails which were STONGLY supported by the vote of the people nearly 4 years ago. Please do not be swayed by very small, but very vocal extremists. They do NOT represent the vast majority of Yampa Valley citizens who absolutely believe we can work TOGETHER to protect our wild spaces, wild live AND provide additional mult‐use trails in our valley.

I ask you to re‐consider the following; 1) Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops ‐ and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak 2) Further consideration of gravity‐fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict 3) NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek + Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history.

Thank you in advance for being willing to work with Routt County Riders, the group I believe is BALANCED, FAIR, and understanding of the various perspectives and agendas in our valley.

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 8:07 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

I would like to thank the USFS amd all other contributors for listening to public input and modifying the Mad Rabbit Trail Proposal and removing illegal trails that are extremely detrimental to the health of the wildlife population.

With numerous trails and constant public use in the Spring Creek, Buffalo pass, and ski resort areas, I am extremely concerned that adding 21 miles of trails on the ski mountain will harm all the wildlife in the area and am hopeful the USFS will take into consideration how many miles of trails are really needed. Thank you for your time and consideration

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 10:46 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Cc: Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Dear Ms. Umphries,

I would like to thank you for remaining open and attentive to public input regarding the Mad Rabbit Project Proposals. The current version of the proposal seems much improved because it does not include the Mad Creek/ Hot Springs area. Having said that, while it seems that the most recent iteration of the Mad Rabbit Proposal is an improvement from the prior versions, I would like to communicate to you the following concerns with the hope that you take them into consideration:

1.) I am concerned about the high density of trails in the Ferndale area and their proximity to elk calving areas.

2.) There is also one OHV trail (#10) that is proposed to run from North Park south, that threatens to increase traffic dramatically through CPW-designated elk summer concentration. This seems problematic and the trail is unnecessary.

3.) Another trail, #5, is proposed to connect from the Fish Creek Falls trail to the ski area, creating a disturbance in an area that currently offers solitude for wildlife away from human disturbance. This trail is problematic and the area should be left undisturbed.

I would ask that you carefully consider the cumulative impact that an added network of trails will have on elk and other wildlife when finalizing your project proposal, particularly in light of the recently expanded Buffalo Pass Trails Project.

Thank you for your consideration.

In general, the most current Mad Rabbit proposal is improved from its predecessors due to removal of proposed trails in the Mad Creek/Hot Springs area and a proposal to eliminate the current illegal trails in the area by bringing them back to their natural state. However, may of the proposed trails remain problematic. This includes high density trails in the lower US40 area known as Ferndale that are planned to be routed through an elk calving area. Also, the proposal also includes a number of trails parallel to the Continental Divide Trail that will create islands of habitat loss and fragmentation due to having wildlife cross two trails to migrate from one side to the other (Trails 6, 7, 8). There is also one OHV trail (#10) that is proposed to run from North Park south, that threatens to increase traffic dramatically through CPW-designated elk summer concentration. Another trail, #5 is proposed to connect from the Fish Creek Falls trail to the ski area, creating a disturbance in an area that currently offers solitude for wildlife away from human disturbance. We have accepted the other OHV trails south of US40, as they don’t encroach on critical wildlife areas. We have also accepted the proposed trails next to US40 IF they are rerouted to be as close as possible to US40, and have minimal encroachment into the neighboring Long Park CRA (Colorado Roadless Areas).

The Mad Rabbit proposal can be found at this USFS link once you click Summer 2019 pre-scoping. The numbered Trail Map can be found as the bottom document. https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50917

WHAT YOU CAN DO. We suggest that conservationists make their voice heard by writing comments to the US Forest Service at the email addresses above, and the subject line “Mad Rabbit Trails Project.” It doesn’t have to be long- it should be polite and hit key points. We’ve included a set of suggested talking points here. Choose the ones you feel strongest about. It is good to both, thank the USFS and to bring up your concerns.

Thank the USFS for:

1 -Listening to community input and modifying the Mad Rabbit Trails proposal -For removing proposed trails in the Mad Creek/Hot Springs area -For proposing that illegal trails be eliminated, and brought back to their natural state. This removes an important incentive for the creation of illegal trails

Bring up that you still have concerns about the proposal: -While the trails next to US40 along Rabbit Ears Pass could be made to be conservation friendly, they currently encroach too far into the Long Park CRA, compromising the characteristics of the Long Park CRA (Colorado Roadless Areas). They should be moved as close to US40 as possible. -The trails to the west of Rabbit Ears West Summit, in and around an area commonly known as Ferndale, have multiple issues and should be eliminated. Chief among these issues are: ~The trails create a high-density trail network, largely in the Long Park CRA, which is incompatible with the goals of Colorado Roadless Areas. ~The Ferndale area offers unique bio-diversity and is inside a CPW-designated elk calving area. A high-density trail network will impact the critical habitat and wildlife who make that area their home. ~Enforcing trail closures during calving season has numerous problems. Because the trails are laid out in an interconnect mesh network, no single trailhead closure can enforce the closure. The USFS has not put the resources in place to rigorously enforce trail closures in the past, and these trails will even be more difficult to enforce ~The proposed trailheads are along the US40 descent to Steamboat Springs. Their creation will create safety issues and traffic concerns, and it is unlikely the parking lot size will support the number of users envisioned. -Trails 6, 7, and 8 that parallel the current Continental Divide Trail are unnecessary, as they are redundant with the current trails. The creation of those trails will create loops that wildlife will avoid completely, creating severe habitat fragmentation. -Trail #5 is unnecessary, as its purpose is to direct mountain bike traffic to the ski area to avoid conflict on Fish Creek Falls Trail. However, there is not significant user conflict as mountain biking that trail is rare. However, Trail #5 would fragment habitat in an area that is currently largely free from human disturbance. -Trail #10 is an OHV trail. While the other OHV trails generally don’t have a large impact to wildlife, this one does. It connects to trails to the north that exist in CPW-designated elk summer range. The increased traffic, which is the goal of this connector trail, will disturb elk in this area, and is likely to push them onto private agricultural land in Jackson County. -The ski area has been approved to create 21 miles of multi-use trails. The USFS needs to consider how many trails are actually needed in this light. -The USFS should consider the cumulative impacts of these additional trails, as we already have significant human disturbance on Spring Creek, Buffalo Pass, the Ski Area, with 21 more miles of trails to be built in the ski mountain.

Each person should pick and choose what they wish to say, but these are the key points.

Thank you for your help! The wildlife of Routt County appreciate it.

--

2 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 11:13 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project Attachments: RCR-2019-Pre-Scoping-Mad-Rabbit-Response-Letter.pdf

Hello, please consider this email to be in support of more trails in the Mad Rabbit Trails Project. I understand that some organizations are opposed to creating trails, citing impact to wildlife; however I believe that more access in the form of responsibly-built hiking and biking trails near town is better for our community and is not harmful to wildlife. I support Routt County Riders and their letter I have attached to this email.

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 11:13 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project Attachments: RCR-2019-Pre-Scoping-Mad-Rabbit-Response-Letter.pdf

Hello, please consider this email to be in support of more trails in the Mad Rabbit Trails Project. I understand that some organizations are opposed to creating trails, citing impact to wildlife; however I believe that more access in the form of responsibly-built hiking and biking trails near town is better for our community and is not harmful to wildlife. I support Routt County Riders and their letter I have attached to this email.

1 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 10:25 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

I am also a member of the local IMBA chapter as well as Routt County Riders, and I volunteer in the community helping with mountain bike races and trail maintenance. I would like to state that I agree with the position of RCR which is in the letter below, please consider these proposals.

Thank you,

Tara Umphries Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District 925 Weiss Dr. Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Dear Tara,

Since 2012, Routt County Riders has worked in a position of leadership with the Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance to develop and nurture the Mad Rabbit Proposal, a network of potential trails to be constructed between the Mad Creek area all the way to the east side of Rabbit Ears Pass. This proposal has since seen its share of changes, leading us to the most recent Updated 2019 Pre- Scoping, which displays a drastic reduction in the quantity and mileage of trails to be considered and a near-total elimination of Mad Creek trails. From its origins to this newest version of the proposal, here are the ways in which future mountain biking and multi-use trails are (or will be) impacted:

• 65%+ overall reduction in mileage of new trails to be considered

• Rejection of Ferndale from consideration for development of a gravity-fed biker-specific riding area

• Elimination of Mad Creek area from consideration for development of new trails and a push to eliminate established/unsanctioned trails (such as ‘MRP’)

• Elimination of the Walton Rim on Rabbit Ears and “epic ride” (50+ mile) possibilities

It is our view that with these changes comes the necessity to expand in other areas. In order to achieve the goals of the Trails Alliance proposal, the overall reduction in mileage and user experience must be replaced elsewhere. Rabbit Ears Pass can provide much of that user experience, most notably near the Highway 40 corridor. Routt County Riders advocates for the following, given the changes in the updated proposal:

1 • Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops - and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak

• Further consideration of gravity-fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict

• NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek + Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history.

RCR appreciates the work of the Forest Service, the Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance, and various interest groups who have contributed along the way. We maintain that keeping a focus on the development of new and varied multi-use terrain in this area – specifically on Rabbit Ears Pass, a potential ‘flagship’ riding area and a key entry point for travelers visiting Steamboat Springs – is crucial to support the progress of our trail infrastructure. This will, in turn, have lasting impacts on the economy and the overall health and well- being of our community.

Thank you for your consideration,

Executive Director Routt County Riders

2 From: Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2019 7:07 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

I believe our forests are already overrun with people. Our wildlife is more important than people in our forests & national parks.

Please DO NOT increase or improve the trail system at Mad Rabbit.

Thank you,

Sent from my iPhone

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 2:44 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Dear Forest Service

I am writing in support of the Routt County Rider's position with regards to the Mad Rabbit Trails project.

As a resident of Routt County I am concerned that the self-interests of a wealthy group of elk hunters will supersede the greater good of our community and citizens.

I am writing to advocate for the following, given the changes in the updated proposal:

 Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops - and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak  Further consideration of gravity-fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict  NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek + Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history.

Thank you for your attention and hard work on this issue. Respectfully

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 10:13 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

As a longtime mountain biker it is extremely upsetting to see the 7+ years in the making Mad Rabbit project gutted to such a significant degree by some crappy memes and junk "science". Proponents have been involved with this public project for years and years and to see that steady consensus building undermined by a FB page and some personal opinions shakes my confidence in the entire process. Why should I as a citizen bother with the meetings, surveys, votes and support for years when I could just wait until the last minute to post my memes and completely unqualified personal opinions? I've got some great gut‐shot elk memes I'm just itching to post.

The instant popularity of Flash of Gold and other recently completed Buffalo Pass trails should be indicator enough that there is tremendous need for an expanded and improved, professionally designed and built trail system that can connect our disparate riding areas and provide opportunities for my 12 year old and I to get out on longer rides and adventures into our public lands. We are itching for epic ride opportunities, rides from town to Rabbit Ears and the 40 corridor and rides from the new Buffalo Pass network to Upper/Lower Bear, Hot Springs, etc.

With our short riding season already further shortened by various hunting seasons, Wilderness Areas blocking off vast swathes of north and south Routt County the Mad Rabbit Trail Project (in it's previous incarnation) represented the best prospects for significant improvement of local riding, hiking, trail running and hunting access to our public lands. Please consider revisiting the plan as written prior to Keep Routt Wild bs and/or significantly increase the recreational trail opportunities in areas of the current version of the master plan deemed less impactful to the environment.

Best,

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 4:04 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

I am dissapointed in how heavily future mountain bike trail plans are impacted in the latest version of the Mad Rabbit Trails Proposal. With these changes, please work to expand riding opportunities in other areas. Specifically:

 Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops, and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak.  Further consideration of gravity-fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities, to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict.  NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek and Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history.

Sincerely,

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 6:16 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails plan

To whom it may concern

I am dissapointed in how heavily future mountain bike trail plans are impacted in the latest version of the Mad Rabbit Trails Proposal. With these changes, please work to expand riding opportunities in other areas. Specifically:

 Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops, and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak.  Further consideration of gravity-fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities, to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict.  NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek and Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history.

Thank you for your time

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 10:30 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit trails project

I am dissapointed in how heavily future mountain bike trail plans are impacted in the latest version of the Mad Rabbit Trails Proposal. With these changes, please work to expand riding opportunities in other areas. Specifically:

 Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops, and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak.  Further consideration of gravity-fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities, to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict.  NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek and Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history.

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 9:47 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Comments Attachments: RCR-2019-Pre-Scoping-Mad-Rabbit-Response-Letter.pdf

Dear Tara, Since 2012, Routt County Riders has worked in a position of leadership with the Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance to develop and nurture the Mad Rabbit Proposal, a network of potential trails to be constructed between the Mad Creek area all the way to the east side of Rabbit Ears Pass. This proposal has since seen its share of changes, leading us to the most recent Updated 2019 Pre-Scoping, which displays a drastic reduction in the quantity and mileage of trails to be considered and a near-total elimination of Mad Creek trails. From its origins to this newest version of the proposal, here are the ways in which future mountain biking and multi-use trails are (or will be) impacted: • 65%+ overall reduction in mileage of new trails to be considered • Rejection of Ferndale from consideration for development of a gravity-fed biker-specific riding area • Elimination of Mad Creek area from consideration for development of new trails and a push to eliminate established/unsanctioned trails (such as ‘MRP’) • Elimination of the Walton Rim on Rabbit Ears and “epic ride” (50+ mile) possibilities It is our view that with these changes comes the necessity to expand in other areas. In order to achieve the goals of the Trails Alliance proposal, the overall reduction in mileage and user experience must be replaced elsewhere. Rabbit Ears Pass can provide much of that user experience, most notably near the Highway 40 corridor. Routt County Riders advocates for the following, given the changes in the updated proposal: • Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops - and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak • Further consideration of gravity-fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict • NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek + Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history. RCR appreciates the work of the Forest Service, the Steamboat Springs Trails Alliance, and various interest groups who have contributed along the way. We maintain that keeping a focus on the development of new and varied multi-use terrain in this area – specifically on Rabbit Ears Pass, a potential ‘flagship’ riding area and a key entry point for travelers visiting Steamboat Springs – is crucial to support the progress of our trail infrastructure. This will, in turn, have lasting impacts on the economy and the overall health and wellbeing of our community. Thank you for your consideration,

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 9:19 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Madd Rabbit

Thank you All,

For all the work going into this project,

About the Ferndale day use area being reopened, the amount of proposed trials (on the latest map) near the old road ,adding a Kiosk ,more parking, It will be a real safety concern when entering tHighway 40 at the lower area, not to mention the upper Ferndale entry,

I am interested on CDOT thoughts?

I would like the Ferndale area to be left in its present pristine state.

Sincerely

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 10:00 AM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

The most recent, updated proposal contains a nearly 65% overall reduction in total mileage of trails to be considered while also eliminating the Mad Creek and Walton Rim areas from consideration for new trail development. Given the changes in the updated proposal, I advocate for the following:

• Increase quantity of trails to be built along West Summit, allowing for greater distances/loops ‐ and allow for further development of this corridor with trails on both sides of Highway 40, including to and from Walton Peak • Further consideration of gravity‐fed mountain bike trails in the Ferndale area for riders of all abilities to increase opportunities for downhill progression in a safe way with less user conflict • NO ACTION in the Mad Creek area until further wildlife studies are completed, with the goal of reconsidering a connection between Mad Creek + Buff Pass and keeping the historic “MRP” trail as an integral part of Routt County trail history.

I sincerely appreciate all the work the Forest Service, Trails Alliance and other groups have put into this project. I believe in continued focus on development of new, varied multi‐use terrain in this area – specifically on Rabbit Ears Pass. This will have lasting positive impacts on the economy and the overall health and well‐being of our community.

Thank you,

1 Bennett, Rita L -FS

From: Michael Barrow Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 3:00 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Pre-Scoping

I've read the response from Routt County Riders. I encourage the USFS to take this group seriously as they are a dependable partner. What they ask is reasonable and appropriate.

I support the Mad Rabbit Trails Project! Move this forward!

Thank You

Michael Barrow Lafayette Colorado

-- The world is run by those who show up.

1 Bennett, Rita L -FS

From: Adrian Belinne Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 3:27 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails

It is important to the vibrancy of the local region and to the stewardship of the lands that we further expand the trails in the region. Do not reduce the access by trail. Added access encourages a sense of responsibility and participation in the land. Reducing access will reduce the involvement.

Adrian Belinne Cell: 720-464-6646 [email protected]

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 8:55 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

Bicycle use on USFS trails should have a season (like hunting seasons) in order to lesson erosion damage to trails from spring run‐off. If the last prints left in the fall on a sloped muddy trail are from a human or a horse, pockets are formed in the mud which hold water in the spring. However, if the last print left in the fall on a sloped muddy trail is from a bicycle tire, a rut is formed directly down the trail and erosions starts in the spring well before the snow all melts and trail maintenance begins. Perhaps October 15 or beginning of second rifle season could be a logical end of season date. I have walked the same USFS trail near my home for the last 30 years, and have witnessed firsthand the difference in trail erosion in the years since mountain bikes started using the trail. Also, it would be logical for the USFS to have a varying spring season opening date based on the wetness of the ground in each particular year. Respectfully submitted,

1 From: Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2019 7:24 PM To: FS-comments-rm-medicine-bow-routt-hahns-peak-bears-ears Subject: Mad Rabbit Trails Project

To whom it may concern,

As a resident of Steamboat Springs for over 18 years, I value all that our special valley has to offer those of us fortunate enough to call this area home. I, like many, participate in numerous outdoor activities, including mountain biking, dirt biking, hunting, fishing, camping and just being in nature. I think that the project as originally proposed had great promise to improve all of the above for having improved access to these areas. It is a shame that the voices of so few are now putting the potential benefit to many at risk. I am in favor of seeing all multi-use and mountain bike trails moving forward. However, I also feel compelled to make sure that the voices of the many OHV riders are heard as well. The original plan has called for new trails, which could significantly improve access and quality of riding in the area tremendously. Much needed new trails and connector trails would allow those of us who ride motorized vehicles to enjoy this recreational activity without having to drive nearly an hour to access a quality trail network. This brings me to my second point, the quality of the trails needs to be well planned out and sustainable. I just rode the newly built Great White Buffalo trail, and I question how sustainable it is for motorized bikes. It is too tight and technical for most riders, and I foresee major erosion occurring that will make it even worse. We need to involve more groups that know the dynamics of trail building for various users in the design and construction of these trails if we want to see them succeed. A well built trail will lead to lower overall environmental impacts to the area. Please consider these comments when deciding the direction of the Mad Rabbit project, as I truly believe there are a few loud voices washing out the benefit this project would bring to the masses.

Best regards,

1