The Forest Service has received a proposal for a new trail segment connecting the new municipal trail west of a subdivision near Monument, CO to NFST 715.
The Forest Service has received a proposal for a new trail segment connecting the new municipal trail southwest of Monument, CO to NFST 715. The proposed non-motorized trail would be approximately one mile long. Starting on NFST 715, the connector trail would cross North Beaver Creek, follow an old non-system trail along the south side of the creek ravine, and then gain elevation to climb out of the ravine, turn south to switchback down the eastern slope of the hillside, and connect with the municipal trail near the water tower on the west side of the Forest Lakes subdivision.
At the top of the trail, where it diverges from NFST 715, the trail will follow a user-created route and require a hardened water crossing. Utilizing and improving the existing non-system trail alignment and water crossing is preferred to cutting new trails in the steep terrain in order to minimize negative impacts to soil and water resources. Although increasing the number of stream crossings is not typically preferred, other potential alignments would require substantially more ground disturbance, potentially causing subsequent soil loss, erosion, and unsustainability. Additionally, systemizing the new route will likely increase the frequency and use in the area, which would increase the likelihood that the decommissioned non-system stream crossings or routes would be illegally reopened. This would have negative effects to soil and water resources.
As part of the proposed action, the existing non-system route (which is the proposed new trail) would be improved to ensure sustainable drainage and to minimize soil erosion. The stream crossing would also require a hardened low water crossing with rocks and/or a puncheon crossing. New trail signings would be added, specifically at the terminus points of the new trail and at the stream crossing. All improvement and construction materials shall be approved by the USFS before implementation.
The proposed trail would be constructed according to US Forest Service trail design standards.
A map of the proposed trail alignment is available here:
https://usfs-public.box.com/s/cgl2ykmrf3j6pz84b5a11qa5x2mscv4m
To be most helpful, please submit comments that are specific to the proposed action, and include a proposed change or remedy for the Responsible Official to consider.
Jennifer DeWoody
