The proposed Paths to Mesa Verde – a multiuse trail connecting Cortez, Mesa Verde National Park and Mancos – made Gov. John Hickenlooper’s 16 most important trail projects for 2016.
“We’ve identified projects that will help us fulfill the vision of Colorado the Beautiful, and create the kinds of connections that link us to the natural splendor that sets our state apart,” Hickenlooper said.
Great Outdoors Colorado is investing $30 million in trails over four years as part of its Connect Initiative to improve walkable and bikeable paths and trails across the state. Qualifying projects must apply for the grants, and the first $10 million will be awarded in 2016.
“This recognition puts us in a good position for funding,” said James Dietrich, community development planner for Montezuma County.
The Paths to Mesa Verde project would provide 16 miles of trail links between Mancos, Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez High School, Southwest Colorado Community College, Phil’s World mountain bike trails system and the Montezuma County fairgrounds.
The trail plan got support during public meetings in 2014. Also in 2014, a $400,000 planning grant was awarded from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Montezuma County and Cortez each contributed $40,000, and Mancos kicked in $20,000.
Montezuma County commissioners were pleased to make the state’s priority list.
“This proposed project has grown out of a grass-roots community effort that has been in the works for several years and has great potential to improve the lives and economy of citizens in Montezuma County as well as improve the experience for visitors from all over the nation and world who come to Mesa Verde National Park,” commissioners Larry Don Suckla, Keenan Ertel and James Lambert said in a statement.
The Mancos Board of Trustees also expressed its support, and noted the cooperative effort between Mancos, Cortez, Montezuma County, the BLM, CDOT and Mesa Verde National Park to move it forward.
The “16 in 2016” initiative was created to promote outdoor recreation across Colorado.
Projects were selected based on several criteria, including: economic development potential; proximity to underserved communities; the need for new paved and natural surface multiuse trails; the potential for greater partnerships between governments; nonprofits and the private sector; and environmental stewardship.
Most of the projects have been under development for years and have local support and partnerships.
Moving the projects forward means a better connected network of trails that offer safe, alternative transportation routes for adjacent communities, Hickenlooper said.
“We need the kind of outdoor access that more easily brings all of us – especially our young people – into the fresh air and away from indoor distractions,” Hickenlooper said. “Getting more Coloradans outdoors more often is good for our health and a refreshing reminder of how fortunate we are to live in Colorado.”
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
Colorado trails
To learn more about the state trail priorities, go to cdnr.us/#/cothebeautiful.com
