Latest News – April 21

Trail Work to Start Near Mt. Elbert, Input Requested

The San Isabel National Forest, Leadville Ranger District, is beginning the environmental analysis process for a trails project on Mt. Elbert. The project area is on Mt. Elbert located in Lake County approximately 12 miles southwest of Leadville, Colorado. This project is an effort to address resource impacts stemming from mountain climbing activities along the three existing summit access trails on Mount Elbert.

The three routes are Forest Trails #1480 Black Cloud, #1481 South Mount Elbert, and #1484 North Mount Elbert (see map). The proposed action includes design and construction of non­motorized single track hiking trails on Mount Elbert with approximately four miles of new trail construction (re­routes of existing trail segments), three miles of social trail closure and restoration, and 9.5 miles of trail maintenance. Trail maintenance will continue for the life of the trails.

The purpose of this project is to establish designated and sustainable routes for visitors to ascend and descend the mountain and minimize damage to the surrounding fragile high ­altitude environment. The project is needed to protect alpine plant populations and their habitats, stabilize soils, reduce erosion, protect wildlife habitat, and provide recreational opportunities which cause minimal impact to the natural resources. The current trails are causing excessive vegetation and soil loss and do not meet United States Forest Service standards and guidelines.

Colorado’s Highest Peak: Mt. Elbert.

Completing these trail re­routes and restoring non­sustainable social trails will reduce vegetation loss and erosion in the project area. Comments and suggestions on the proposed action will be considered as an environmental analysis is conductedfor this proposal. Deadline  for written and/or verbal comments by June 1, 2015. Comments received, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the project record and available for public review. Please provide comments to Loretta McEllhiney, Colorado Fourteeners Program Manager? e­mail: lmcellhiney@fs.fed.us? phone: (719) 486­7444? fax: (719) 486­0928? or mail: USDA Forest Service, Leadville Ranger District, 810 Front Street, Leadville, CO 80461 (attn.: Loretta). If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call. Dear Interested Party, Loretta McEllhiney Fourteener Program Manager Forest Service Leadville Ranger District p: 719­486­7444 c: 719­293­3151 f: 719­486­0928 lmcellhiney@fs.fed.us 810 Front Street Leadville, CO 80461 www.fs.fed.us. Caring for the land and serving people.

Outdoor Etiquette Reminder During Wet, Mud Season

The U.S. Forest Service, San Isabel National Forest is reminding visitors to protect precious natural and cultural resources while recreating on roads and trails this spring.  

Roads and trails open to motorized use will be signed as open or be shown as open on the U.S. Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).  These maps are available at each Ranger District Office.

Please follow these road and trail etiquette tips:

• Stay off of muddy or wet roads. Driving on these roads can create ruts and destroy roads. Repairing the damage can be expensive.
•  Avoid wildlife and driving over young trees, shrubs and grasses.
•  Stay out of meadows, steep hills, stream banks and lake shores. They are easily scarred by spinning wheels. “Mud bogging” causes severe damage to sensitive wetland environments.
•  Resist the urge to blaze a new road or trail or to cut across switchbacks.
• Be courteous when you meet others. Pull to the side and yield to horseback riders and hikers. Shut off the engine when you are near horses.
• Obey gate closures and regulatory signs and stay out of designated Wilderness areas.
• Respect the rights of private land owners. Always obtain permission to travel across private land.