RESOLUTION NO. 005 RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF The National Forest Foundation
APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR FIND YOUR FOURTEENER CAMPAIGN – NORTH ELBERT TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION LEADVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, PIKE AND SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS
FOR THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE, NON-MOTORIZED TRAILS GRANT PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the National Forest Foundation was created by Congress to encourage, accept and administer private gifts of money and property to further the purposes and programs of the National Forest System, and
WHEREAS, The National Forest Foundation intends to work with the United States Forest Service and local nonprofit partners to complete maintenance and restoration activities on the North Mount Elbert Trail as part of the Find Your Fourteener Campaign – a Treasured Landscape site.
WHEREAS, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program administers grants for trail-related projects, including the Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program. Local, county, and state governments, federal agencies, special recreation districts, and nonprofit organizations with management responsibilities over public lands may apply for trail grants.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION HEREBY: 1. Approves and fully supports the filing of an application for funding from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Non-Motorized Trails Grant program; and 2. Certifies that the National Forest Foundation, Applicant, recognizes the financial and legal obligations of the project. Applicant will responsibly manage grant funds. Applicant will comply with all federal, state and local environmental and other appropriate laws and regulations applicable to the project and will ensure that the other project partners obtain all appropriate permits applicable to the project; and
3. Further commits to the terms and conditions specified in the grant application.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE 17 DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2020.
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Board of Directors of the National Forest Foundation.
Logo Department Name Agency Organization Organization Address Information United States Forest Leadville Ranger District 810 Front Street Department of Service LeadvilleCO80461 Agriculture 719-486-0749719-486-0928
File Code: 2300 Date: September 23, 2020
Mr. Fletcher Jacobs Colorado Parks and Wildlife Colorado State Trails Program 13787 U.S. Hwy 85 N. Littleton, CO 80125
Dear Mr. Jacobs:
I am writing to convey the U.S. Forest Service’s support for the North Mt. Elbert Trail Maintenance and Restoration Project proposal submitted by the National Forest Foundation. This proposed project is located on and managed by the Leadville Ranger District of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.
For four years, the Forest Service has worked closely with the National Forest Foundation, as well as key implementation partners including the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps to complete work on the South Elbert Trail. This project has helped to restore and maintain the ecological and recreational value of Colorado’s highest mountain. The work on South Elbert was made possible because of generous support from the Colorado State Trails Program. This year, we started work on the North Mt. Elbert Trail. Now, we are working closely with the same set of partners to begin the final phase of the project to complete essential maintenance work on the North Elbert trail.
We are pleased to be part of these successful collaborative projects. Together, we are engaging in shared stewardship of Colorado’s highest peak – a truly unique and treasured resource.
Thank you for your time and attention to this proposal.
Sincerely,
Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper EXHIBIT A
NON-MOTORIZED MAINTENANCE APPLICATION Applicant or Organization Name:
Complete Mailing Address: Applicant Lead Contact Name: Title: Is this the primary contact for Telephone: Email: this grant: YES NO OFFICIAL USE ONLY – DUNS # (IF REQUIRED): PROJECT MANAGER (this person will have day-to-day responsibility for the project) Name: Telephone: Email:
PRIMARY PARTNER INFORMATION (IF APPLICABLE) Name: Mailing Address:
Partner Contact Name: Title: Is this the primary contact for Telephone: Email: this grant: YES NO
ABOUT THE PROJECT Project Title: Grant Request: $ Match Amount (Min. 30%): $ Total Project Cost: $ Project Description: Write a 2-3 paragraph description of your project and the expected accomplishments. Be sure to include Who, What, When and Where. This is your scope of work. (This section is not the place to talk about the project background, the benefits, the funding, or anything other than the actual work to be accomplished. Please address this information in question #1 of the Selection Criteria.)
WHO? Who will complete the work and who will oversee the project? Provide a brief description of your community or organization, highlighting its mission and purpose.
WHAT? Explain what you are going to do or accomplish. What is the goal or the reason for your project? Break down the project into a list of specific activities to be completed. These should be quantifiable items that correspond to the categories on your budget page. Include quantity or quality as part of your description of work to be performed. How long? How many? How many feet? How many miles? What materials will be used? Is a specific standard or guideline being used?
WHERE? Explain in detail the location of your project. Where is the project located? What county? What are the nearby towns? What National Forest/ BLM Field Office? Provide the names of the trail(s) or trail system and where the work will be performed. List the land manager agency or municipality.
DEFINITIONS? Please define all acronyms and specialized terms that are used in your project description. EXHIBIT A
Project Description
Previous CPW grants awarded (last 3 years) List award year, category and project name
EXHIBIT A
TIMELINE
Provide a timeline estimate using the following form. Remember that the project is to be completed within two and a half years of the award date. Any proposed changes, including extensions or modifications in the project timeline, must be requested in writing and approved in advance by the State Trails Program.
PRELIMINARY TIMELINE ESTIMATE
Jul- Oct- Jan- Apr- Jul- Oct- Jan- Apr- Jul- Oct- TASK Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023 Project Initiation
Mobilization
Maintenance Phase
Administrative Close-Out Grand Opening EXHIBIT A
1. SCOPE (15 Points Total)
EXHIBIT A
2. NEED (15 Points)
EXHIBIT A
3. PLANNING/SUSTAINABILITY (Planning and Prioritization Process) (15 points)
EXHIBIT A
4. PLANNING/SUSTAINABILITY (Financial Sustainability) (15 points)
EXHIBIT A
5. (PLANNING/SUSTAINABILITY) Wildlife and Natural Resources (10 points)
EXHIBIT A
6. (PUBLIC COMMENT) Public notification is mandatory for all projects (10 points)
EXHIBIT A
7. (ABILITY) Matching Funds and Partnerships (10 points)
EXHIBIT A
8. (ABILITY) Contingency/Ability (5 points)
Exhibit B Budget Form - Project Name: North Mt. Elbert Maintenance and Restoration Project CPW Trails Total Project Total Funding SOURCE OF FUNDS Date Secured Grant Request Match [B] ($) [C] [A] CASH Colorado Parks and Wildlife TBD $ 245,000.00 $ 245,000.00 Great Outdoors Colorado Stewardship Impact Grant (secured via Lake County, Colorado) 12/19/2019 $ 62,900.20 $ 62,900.20 IN-KIND NFF 2021 and 2022 Volunteerism 10/1/2020 $ 4,352.00 $ 4,352.00 USDA Forest Service Fourteener Program Manager 9/1/2020 $ 6,300.00 $ 6,300.00 NFF CO Program Manager 10/1/2020 $ 1,760.00 $ 1,760.00 $ - TOTAL SOURCES OF FUNDS $ 245,000.00 $ 75,312.20 $ 320,312.20
Total Project Total Funding Balance [should [CASH] Description of Work Qty Unit Unit Price Total (B*D) CPW Funds Match ($) ($) be 0] CATEGORY 1-Contracted Services Identify as: Youth Corps, Engineering, Contractor, etc. 2021 Conservation Corps (Rocky Mtn Youth Corps) 4 weeks $ 9,196.00 $ 36,784.00 $ 36,784.00 $ 36,784.00 0 2022 Conservation Corps (Rocky Mtn Youth Corps) 8 weeks $ 9,882.00 $ 79,056.00 $ 79,056.00 $ 79,056.00 0 2021 Lake County Youth Corps (Rocky Mtn Youth Corps) 4 weeks $ 8,840.00 $ 35,360.00 $ 5,501.80 $ 29,858.20 $ 35,360.00 0 2021 Professional Trail Crew - Crew Leader (CFI) 80 days $ 245.61 $ 19,648.80 $ 2,827.80 $ 16,821.00 $ 19,648.80 0 2021 Professional Trail Crew - Crew Leader 2 (CFI 76 days $ 240.03 $ 18,242.28 $ 2,021.28 $ 16,221.00 $ 18,242.28 0 2021 Professional Trail Crew - 2 Crew Members (CFI) 142 days $ 203.74 $ 28,931.08 $ 28,931.08 $ 28,931.08 0 2022 Professional Trail Crew - Crew Leader (CFI) 80 days $ 251.19 $ 20,095.20 $ 20,095.20 $ 20,095.20 0 2022 Professional Trail Crew - Crew Leader 2 (CFI) 76 days $ 245.61 $ 18,666.36 $ 18,666.00 $ 18,666.00 0 2022 Professional Trail Crew - 2 Crew Members (CFI) 142 days $ 209.33 $ 29,724.86 $ 29,724.86 $ 29,724.86 0
Category 2 - Salary/Wages $ - $ - 0 CATEGORY 3-Materials/Supplies Identify as: Signs, crusherfines, native seed, weed barrier, etc. Annually: tents, tools, hard hats, propane, water filters, first aid, etc. 2 years $ 3,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 6,000.00 0 Annually: restoration materials such as seeds, erosion 2 years $ 1,695.99 $ 3,391.98 $ 3,391.98 $ 3,391.98 0 $ - $ - 0 Additional Categories NFF financial management expenses; NFF is requesting funds to cover a portion of costs associated with grant administration (5%) 96 weeks $ 125.00 $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00 0 $ - USE OF FUNDS - CASH SUBTOTAL $ 245,000.00 $ 62,900.20 $ 307,900.20
Total Funding Balance [should [IN-KIND] Description of Work Qty Unit Unit Price Total (B*D) ($) be 0] Category 1 - Contracted Services NFF 2021 and 2022 volunteerism (20 volunteer days x 160 160 Hours $ 27.20 $ 4,352.00 $ 4,352.00 $ 4,352.00 hours x $27.20/hour) 0 $ - $ - $ - 0 $ - $ - $ - 0 Category 2 - Salary/Wages USDA Forest Service Fourteener Program Manager 14 Days $ 450.00 $ 6,300.00 $ 6,300.00 $ 6,300.00 0 NFF CO Program Manager 4 Days $ 440.00 $ 1,760.00 $ 1,760.00 $ 1,760.00 0 $ - $ - $ - 0 IN-KIND SUBTOTAL $ 12,412.00 $ 12,412.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST $ 245,000.00 $ 75,312.20 $ 320,312.20 30% REQUIRED MATCH $ 73,500.00
Exhibit B Page 1 of 1 North Mt Elbert Project Area Colorado Vicinity Map
SEDGWICK
LOGAN JACKSON LARIMER MOFFAT PHILLIPS ROUTT WELD
p # MORGAN Legend GRAND BOULDER RIO BLANCO WASHINGTON YUMA # 14ers BROOMFIELD GILPIN ADAMS Project Area DENVER ^_ CLEAR CREEK k GARFIELD EAGLE SUMMIT# ARAPAHOE Cities ## JEFFERSON I 70 # k Denver ¨¦§ # CO«¬ 82 ## DOUGLAS KIT CARSON Leadville ELBERT k PITKIN LAKEk # # I 70 # PARK ¨¦§ MESA # ^_# Major HWYS ## I 25 # # ¨¦§ LINCOLN ## US 24 CO/US HWYs DELTA ####¤£US 24 ¤£ # # EL PASO CHEYENNE CHAFFEE# TELLER Interstates GUNNISON ## I 25 MONTROSE FREMONT KIOWA I 70 CROWLEY CO Counties OURAY US¤£ 285 PUEBLO # SAGUACHE CUSTER SAN MIGUEL # #HINSDALE # # #### BENT PROWERS ## # OTERO DOLORES SAN JUAN ## MINERAL HUERFANO RIO GRANDE ALAMOSA ##
MONTEZUMA US 160 LA PLATA ¤£ LAS ANIMAS BACA US¤£ 285 COSTILLA ARCHULETA CONEJOS #
0 12.5 25 50 75 100 Miles 1:2,700,000
Map Creator: Dana Young (14ers Design Assistant) Legend LEADVILLE No Elbert Project GeneralActivitities Maintenance Reroute & Restore So Elbert Trail Continental Divide Trail Major HWYs
US¤£ 24
HALFMOON
Project Area 1484
SHORE PRETTY
14 81
MT. ELBERT
Twin Lakes Village
CO«¬ 82
Mount Elbert 0 0.5 1 2 Miles Ü Local Vicinity Map 1:100,000 2021-2022 North Elbert Trail Restoration/Reroute
0 0.02 0.04 0.08 0.12 0.16 Miles
Restoration/Reroutes Inset
Legend NE trail restoration NE trail reroute
N Elbert General Proposal Miles Maintenance 0 0.15 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 Reroute/Restore Map Disclaimer. This map is intended to depict physical features as they generally appear on the ground and may not be used to determine title, ownership, legal boundaries, legal jurisdiction, including jurisdiction over roads or trails, or access restrictions that may be in place on either public or private land. Obtain permission before entering private lands, and check with appropriate government offices for restrictions that may apply to public lands. Lands, roads and trails within the boundaries of the National Forest may be subject to restrictions on motor vehicle use. Obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map,or inquire at the local Forest Service Office for motor vehicle access information. Natural hazards may Ü or may not be depicted on the map, and land users should exercise due caution. This map may not be suitable for navigation. PHOTOS: North Mt. Elbert – Overview
The North Mt. Elbert trail (NE Ridge) accounts for 72% of all use on Elbert (average between 2017-2019). Last year, between late May and mid-October, the trail experienced 19,100 hiker use days, meaning it’s one of the busiest in the state. The heavy use has also created a critical need for maintenance.
Photos & statistics courtesy of Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, Rick Crandall PHOTOS: North Mt. Elbert – Ecological Issues
Erosion, loose rock, and incised areas illustrate the need for maintenance, a reroute and restoration.
A user-created, “rogue” trail is emerging next to the primary trail and threatening alpine tundra.
Photos courtesy of the Forest Service Fourteeners Program (Dana Young) PHOTOS: North Mt. Elbert – Scalable Solutions
A large, 8-10 person Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Conservation Crew, as well as a smaller Lake County Youth Corps crew, will work alongside professional trail crew members from the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative to lead the efforts on North Mt. Elbert in 2021 and 2022.
In 2021 and 2022, crews will also be moving forward with restoration, such as installing plank walls, to help stabilize and restore degraded areas across the alpine. We plan to experiment with volunteerism by sending a small, fit, experienced crew of volunteers to the high alpine areas to work as well.
Photos courtesy of Loretta McEllhiney and Ryan Banks
Twin Lakes GENERAL STORE & Merchantile
ES 36 T 1 92 879 ev • El COLORADO • September 16, 2020
Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program 13787 S Hwy 85 Li$leton CO 80125
Dear State Trails Commi$ee Members:
I am wri*ng on behalf of the Twin Lakes General Store and Mercan*le to express support of the Na*onal Forest Founda*on’s proposal for funding a collabora*ve trail reconstruc*on and alpine tundra restora*on project on Mount Elbert in 2021. The Twin Lakes General Store has been resupplying, refueling, and refreshing visitors of Twin Lakes, Colorado at the base of Mount Elbert since 1879. As the proprietor of a locally owned business that prides itself on catering to outdoor enthusiasts, I understand the economic impact that Colorado's natural wonders provide to local communi*es.
The Colorado Fourteeners Ini*a*ve, another stewardship group par*cipa*ng in NFF’s Mount Elbert project, es*mates that more than 15,000 hiking use days occurred on the state’s tallest peak in 2019. Being based along Highway 97 below Independence Pass we are in a prime loca*on for accessing Mount Elbert and many other popular trails in Lake, Cha;ee, and Pitkin Coun*es. Our shop sees an increase in tra The work performed by trail stewardship groups contained in this applica*on is cri*cal to ensuring access to these beau*ful natural resources is maintained and responsible use is encouraged. Living up to our heritage as an important backpacking resupply stop along the Con*nental Divide and Colorado Trails and a basecamp for 14er/13er hikers is important to me. The lack of proper trail infrastructure or use limita*ons imposed by land managers due to backlogs in trail maintenance would have a substan*al impact on the state's tourism/recrea*on based economy, and local businesses like ours would most certainly feel the impact. On behalf of the Twin Lakes General Store and Mercan*le I hope you will look favorably on the Na*onal Forest Founda*on’s grant applica*on. Sincerely, Bob Mathes Owner, Twin Lakes General Store and Mercan*le [email protected]