Dear Action Line: As our trails get busier, I was pretty discouraged by user behavior last winter and spring. The single-track got pretty rutted and wide from people trying to avoid the mud during freeze/thaw cycles. I recently rode Skyline Trail (while frozen), and it’s already getting torn up from bikers/hikers riding/hiking the mud. The switchbacks are already getting icy, so I’m confident (unfortunately) that people will start going off-trail to avoid the icy switchbacks. Would the city consider posting signs like these found in Moab at several trailheads, at least through the spring? I’m optimistic that a little education would help. Maybe some signage about getting off the trails before the temperature rises above 32? – Trey L. Backer
Dear Trey: Full disclosure to readers on this one: Trey first sent this to the city of Durango’s Parks and Recreation Department, which responded before Action Line could actually take any action.
So, Action Line is basically serving as messenger here. The psychological impacts of this lessening of roles and responsibility has not yet set in. No action needed from Action Line? Counseling may be necessary, or just a kind word from a friend. We’ll see.
Owen Tallmadge, natural resources manager with Parks and Rec, responded promptly to Trey’s suggestion:
“Thanks for the thoughts and I think we definitely can get some signs up this spring (or even this winter) as conditions warrant,” Tallmadge said. “We have a member of our crew that is rather talented at graphic design. I’ll see what he can work up and then we can hang them and take them down as needed and see if it helps move the needle at all.”
Spur Line Trails could also use a sign, as well as Animas Mountain/Dalla, Overend Mountain Park, Horse Gulch and (add your favorite trail here).
Action Line is no beacon of goodness, but does do a little rut smoothing when possible, just using boots to kick down the offending ridge of displaced dirt. It’s good therapy. So it stands to reason that if you find a smooth trail anywhere out there, it’s likely because of Action Line’s efforts.
Sure it is.
Anyway, the last we left it, the city’s Open Space and Trails folks hoped to get some signs up “at a few strategic spots” very soon. Like even as soon as last week or some point in the near future. So don’t be surprised to see them start popping up.
Helpful hint: If you do decide to ride when the trails aren’t quite dry (Lord help you), you can ease your guilt-stricken conscience a smidgen by doing trail work. To repeat: Trail work is good therapy.
Maybe the “anti” crowd decided to sit this one out, but the only feedback Action Line got on last week’s column about the colored letters that spell out Durango was pro-letters.
Here’s one response:
“If you have traveled much – South America? Central Asia? – it is extremely common for towns/cities to have large, colorful letters spelling out the town’s name as one enters the town. Enjoy it and stop being so provincial.”
And this:
“Been here in Durango all 68 years of my life. My personal thoughts: my family and I loved the colorfully Durango letters. – Just Saying.”
Even the letter writer was swayed just a bit:
“Actually after reading Owen Dake’s explanation it makes them a bit more bearable,” Cranky Local conceded. “People having fun is not a bad thing these days, so as a cranky older local I will try to lighten up.”
Meanwhile, Action Line does not have that luxury of lightening up and promises to remain responsibly cranky at all costs.
Email questions and suggestions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. You realize Durango is still a small town when you find yourself sitting at the airport departure gate next to the person who sent you an Action Line question the day before.
