Western Civilization Trail Planing

SCOPE

When: January – March 2015

Goal: Develop a non-motorized trail system proposal for the area bounded by Girdner Trail, Cockscomb Trail and SR89A.

Background: The area generally west of the Girdner Trail has several miles of user created trail running through it. These trails include aka Western Civilization, Ledge n’ Aerie, and Last Frontier in addition to social trails emanating from several neighborhoods.

Trail planning public meetings held in 2013 and trail public scoping in 2014 showed a high interest and support from the public for a trail system in this area. This came from equestrians, hikers and bikers. Initial resource assessments by the USFS indicate few resource issues in the area. However, existing user created routes have long segments of trail considered unsustainable.

Development of The Aerie private subdivision will affect this area, particularly the user created route aka Western Civilization. Private development is being planned in the old “cultural park” location and will impact the connectors to other user created routes. Increasing user access from residential neighborhoods is impacting the local soils and hydrology.

There is a need for a trail system design for this area. The Forest Service Red Rock District appreciates the public demand for a sustainable trail system in this area but does not have the funding to conduct the necessary planning or design of the trail system.

The Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition has hired a facilitator, Tyson Swasey, to help kickstart a planning process for this area and to work with local trail enthusiasts to allow for collaborative trail system design. The goal is to have a trails system concept to present to the Forest Service, which they can then use for the NEPA decision process.

Scope of work will include:

·       Initial meeting with trail mangers from USFS, review of soils/hydro and other resource surveys and public comments.

·       Field reconnaissance of the area under consideration; with FS and with trail users.

·       Meeting with interested trail users and FS regarding trail management objectives Jan 12th.

·       Additional field assessments and review meetings.

·       Final maps and information turned over to USFS and partners.

The facilitator, Tyson Swasey, will convene the first meeting on January 12, 2015, 6:30PM at Vultee Room at the City Hall complex in West Sedona. At this meeting a process will be outlined and tasks assigned, as feasible, to those who would like to participate.  Tyson can be reached at: 435-260-8464.