Grand County TRAIL MIX COMMITTEE Meeting
MINUTES
Tuesday, December. 13, 2016
Grand Center, 182 N. 500 W., Moab, Utah
Attendees: Sharon Hogan, Scott Escott, Tif Miller, Paul Spencer, Mimi Trudeau, Marc Thomas,
Kirstin Peterson, Tom Dillon, Katie Stevens, Brett Sutteer, Mickey Smith, 11 people attended
Call to Order: Vice Chair Paul Spencer called the meeting to order at 12:03 PM
Approval of minutes from Oct. and Nov. 2016: Mimi Trudeau
Marc moved to approve both October and November minutes as written. Sharon seconded the
motion and the minutes were approved.
Mimi will be retiring as TM Secretary at the end of the month.
Treasurer’s report: Sharon Hogan
a. Expenditures through 11/30/16: $47,844.54
b. Total income in 2016: $34,053.00
c. General Fund Balance: $87,342.47
Income since last report: $308 check from Osprey Packs fundraiser
$21,500 total donations so far this year from MTA and $2,553 from businesses and individuals.
County/City updates: Chris Baird, Zacharia Levine. Sandy Freethey and Tif Miller.
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Sandy retires as TM Chair after January 2017 vote. Geoff will still be working on maps,
signs and kiosks. Sandy and Geoff will be doing projects for the BLM, still having fun out
there! County Council recognized Sandy and Geoff Freethey for their service. Thank you to
Chris Baird for the presentation and to all those who came to show their support!
Remember it has taken all of us over the years to achieve the recognition we have
achieved for non-motorized trail users and for all the trail development and on- going
maintenance.
Nominations for Trail Mix Executive Board: There was a discussion to confirm
willingness of the various board members to continue to serve. Marc, Tom, Kirstin and
Brett agree to continue in their positions. Paul agrees to serve as chair as long as he gets
help and isn’t expected to work in the field. He will head the meeting and chase down
issues. There will not be as many trail proposals needing preparation, and Maddie is
being trained to do this. He will put together the Agenda, and keep all the historical
documents that Sandy currently keeps. He will communicate with the county and attend
county meetings that involve trail issues. Sandy and Geoff will keep doing the signs and
maps. It was noted that other BLM offices are surprised that TM does the signs with so
much autonomy and every day issues don’t even go through them. Sandy and Geoff will
be working for Jennifer in the BLM and continue to volunteer. The job of chair will now be
much more of an administrative job since Scott is the field manager. Kim Schappert was
nominated for vice chair, in her absence, but the group would also like to have her serve
as MTA rep. Vote takes place in January 2017. Fill out ballots that were distributed and
turn in to Paul. A new secretary will be needed.
Tif Miller: Plan to get started on bridges over Pack Creek near Gonzo Inn as soon as
possible. “No ebikes” signs are going up along 191; concern was expressed that they may
not be big enough. It was suggested that the city add “No ebike” stickers to the paved
path signage. Cones have been set up near Moab Ranch while the gap in the path is fixed.
The repair should take about 2 weeks.
Bill Jackson reports that the paved path will get a new seal coat in the coming summer.
Trail Mix Employees have created a new spreadsheet for maintenance of all trails for the
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various user groups, plus signs and kiosk needs. Scott explained how the new method will
work. If you have a complaint or concern, send it to Scott and he will put it on the
spreadsheet. It has been in use for 2 months now and has been streamlined. It helps to
predict future needs (life of paint, etc.).
Active Transportation Group: no report today
Forest Service updates: Autumn Ela
- The gate at the bottom of Geyser Pass rd. will be closed only when plowing is in progress.
Any questions or concerns about the gate should be directed to Autumn or Brian, not the
county. The county has been very helpful in plowing the road, however their priority is to
plow main county roads., They recognize the importance of keeping Geyser Pass open,
however it will not be plowed every time it snows. People need to be aware that it is
possible to get locked behind the gate if they arrive before the plow, and it will not be
unlocked to let them out.
- The Forest Service is recruiting summer seasonal workers for jobs that will be open in
January. Apply Now!!! Details of jobs are available online. The jobs start in April/May and
continue through approximately October. Seasonal health insurance can be signed up for.
See attached “Outreach Notice.”
- Autumn is leaving her position in January and will be replaced.
- The section of the Loop road that is scheduled to be closed in January for the rest of the
winter is currently being brushed out. It will not be open on the weekends because the
switchbacks have to be totally closed.
- Forest Plan Revision – People are strongly encouraged to make comments at any time.
There isn’t much in the current forest plan about recreation, specifically winter recreation,
so Autumn and Brian would welcome any comments to support them. State what you
really like, any concerns you have and how things could be improved.
Manti-La Sal National Forest
Forest Plan Revision Team
599 Wet Price River Drive, Ste. A
Price, UT 84501
Email: [email protected]
Ski Report: Kirstin Peterson
- Paul passed around Moab Happenings article: Winter Recreation in La Sals – Eric
Trenbeath
- Luna has started grooming but isn’t entirely up and running yet.
- Avalanche forecasting has begun for the Abajo’s and La Sal’s. Encourage people to use
the website in order to show interest and use of the resource. Traffic to the Moab portion
of Utahvavalancecenter.org/moab really helps to get money for projects!
BLM info and Trail updates: Katie Stevens, Sandy Freethey, Scott Escott
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UDOT – “Encroachment” permit for SR 279/Potash-Wall St. Climber Kiosk:
Maddie Logowitz/Katie Stevens - Permit has been obtained for climbing sign at Wall Street
climbing area.
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Maintenance Trail Mix: Scott’s report
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A lot of ramps have been taken care of to keep people on the trails, a bunch of “ride
and rakes” have taken place, as well as barriers put up and no ebike signs added.
Scott has been checking on the signage and driving through the whole system to
evaluate its condition. He noted the incredible impact BLM and motorized groups
have had in protecting the resource. He only needed to rake twice on the Gemini
Bridges system. Managed recreation is working! Katie added that she is pleased
about how things are improving.
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Tyson will be back at the end of the week and will start working on the Amasa Back
System.
There is a problematic situation at the entrance to the Chisolm parking area. It
needs to be re-lined to prevent damage.
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The proposed bench at OK Corral for parents has not been built yet. Scott is taking care of
this and may possibly buy a bench if it is cheaper than building. Kristin mentioned there is
a bench that was removed from the paved path near Gonzo that might be used. It would
need to be concreted in.
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Navajo Rocks/Middle Earth trailhead - post and rails added to block secret camp/resource
damage. Photo passed around.
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Mill Creek Pump house….Sandy paints out yet more graffiti
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A meeting was held at the BLM to discuss issues and ideas about Mill Creek parking. The
concern is that when the weather is hot, lack of adequate parking results in parking on
both sides of the road that blocks access. There was discussion of signing both sides of
the road and possibly having people park further down the road and walk in.
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West Horsethief Mt. Bike trail proposal update – The proposal is currently being
reviewed by the Hopi. Jared is taking care of any requested archeo and expects to wrap
up the process this week. Hopefully it will be built in April/May.
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No camping signs installed at North Klondike trailhead parking. Per Katie, the area is not
in the camping control zone of the RMP. BLM plans to add North Klondike to the camping
zone, but it is a complicated process. Eventually a campground will be built to prevent
the damage that results from excessive dispersed camping in a popular area. BLM is
planning on expansion of the Horsethief campground (walk in sites only) and will inform
TM if any routing of trails is needed.
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Scott talked to Bryan Torgerson about Gemini Bridges/313 parking problem. The concern
is that semi’s are blocked when it is full and people park around the corner.
Equestrian update: Mickey Smith
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It is not clear whether Mickey Smith will be the co equestrian rep with Justin Jones.
Issues about voting on the board were discussed.
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Mickey reported that the Back Country Horsemen are continuing to work scouting new
trail options for the Hollywood Westerns trail area.
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The Back Country horsemen are looking into providing briefings for bike companies on
issues surrounding bikes and horses sharing trails. There was an encounter at Onion
Creek where a horse freaked out from a Mt. bike even though ATVs had crossed its
path without incident. Mt. bikes go so fast (25mph) and it spooks the horses.
Motorcycles seem to be aware of this but Mt. bikers don’t always understand that they
need to stop for a horse, even though there are “yield to horses” signs posted. The
issue is especially problematic on a confined trail such as the Whole Enchilada. Kirstin
feels that horse talks are not necessary for most tours, however education across the
board needs to occur for bikers in terms of better trail safety. Paul asked for the
location of one or two frequent problems where TM could add signage. Kirstin
suggested that MTA maps include this information as well. It would be useful for
horseback riders to have info suggesting they avoid times when Mt. bike trails are
frequented. Scott would like to ask the Back Country horsemen to push their user
group to where there aren’t Mt. bikers because they damage the trails. Katie pointed
out that the trails are not closed to horses. Mickey stated that they are looking to
promote trails with good distance loops and nice parking areas. They typically look for
two track trails and cow paths – cow paths and the same trails used by UTV and ATVs.
Autumn pointed out that a good deal of area in the La Sals excludes mountain bikes.
Out of town people need a trail map to direct them to appropriate trails.
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Thank you to BLM’s equipment driver Bill Frank for work on Seven Mile TH.
Parking area graded, erosion measures taken.
Climbing/Canyoneering Access update: Brett Sutteer
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Times Independent article on BASE jumper & Turkey Boogie -Rose Egelhoff
Photo passed around. Scott reported too many dogs and dog waste after the Turkey
Boogie. Dogs will not be permitted next year.
Discussion of slack lining off of bike bridge over Colorado. This is not legal and clogs
the entire bridge with observers. Paul asked Brett to get the word out if possible.
Putting counters into Negro Bill Canyon for access to climbing area in order to get a
hard count of usage. Commercial use is known, but not private use.
Brett brought equipment and demonstrated some minimal impact climbing techniques
that are now being used, as a follow up on a recent conversation with several Trail Mix
members. People are beginning to accept the use of these “ghosting” methods as they
have been demonstrated to be safe. They even add a challenge to the drop – problem
solving which anchoring technique to use. These techniques are becoming more
popular as they are lots of fun, they reduce impact and promote group interaction!
Hiking update: Marc Thomas
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Sand Flats/Juniper hiking trail scouting report: Marc, Scott, Andrea Katie says
the trail is looking good. It won’t need much construction and people are very
enthusiastic about it. Parking will be located on the road out to the wedding site.
Katie doesn’t want to do a separate EA for parking so it needs to be included (3-5
cars) in the proposal for the trail.
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Marc requested that TM formalize the request for approval to be sent to BLM. Kirstin
made a motion to send a request for approval to BLM. Tom seconded the motion and
it passed.
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Moab Happenings article: Longbow Arch (obstacle review)– Marcy Hafner
Biking update: Tom Dillon
Tom rode LPs and Porcupine Rim and reported that they are in very good condition. He noted
that they seem a bit rougher, however this might be due to his age or the amount of air in his
tires.
MMBA: Tracy Reed/Tom Dillon - no report
Bike Patrol update: Russ Von Koch
Scott went to the Snotch with Cathy and Maddie to see the damage to the trail. It is quite
dangerous because it never gets sunlight. A metal 5-step ladder with grating on the steps will
be installed at the side of the tight corner after the first drop so a person can take their bike and
carry it down the ladder.
Trail Articles, bits, photos, and events:
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Dead Horse Ultra – Nov. 19 running competition
Long Bow Arch Trail article – Dec. Trail Happenings - Marcy Hafner
Citizens to be heard/Subjects not on the agenda:
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Regarding the contribution/donor issue discussed at last month’s meeting, Brett asked
that we find a way to collect money from people experiencing the “Post ride glow” who
want very much to donate! Katie reminded the group that there is a donation box at Bar
M with the money going to BLM. Brett pointed out that a lot of people want to
spontaneously give money and there is no immediate access. Sharon suggested that
restaurants collect money. Tom will put it on the Facebook page informing potential
donors that they can write a check to CNHA if they want to contribute. People can then
tell others to go to Facebook to find out how to donate.
Paul initiated a discussion of segments of bike trails being designated as one-way.
According to the BLM, a designation needs to be written into an EA, however there can be
a suggestion of one-way. Gravitron and Lower Ahab are designated as one way. Upper
Bull Run and Sidewinder are candidates for one way. There could be a sign “Uphill traffic
not recommended.”
Paul asked if anyone had an objection to moving the meeting date or time. People were
satisfied with the date, but there is a small conflict with BLM staff meetings at the current
time. An hour earlier (11:00-1pm) was proposed. Sharon made a motion to keep the
same day but move the time earlier. Tom seconded the motion; Marc abstained because
there was a small turnout and the motion passed. An email will be sent out to the group
informing them of the change. The next meeting in January will be at noon, however the
February meeting will start at 11AM.
Thanks to Paul for cookies and Marc (Judy) Thomas for brownies!
Meeting adjourned at 1:55 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Mimi Trudeau
Trail Mix Secretary
Paul Spencer
Trail Mix Vice Chair signature: ______________________________________________