Collaboration and CALL TO ACTION!

I hope this finds you well and that you have been enjoying the beautiful fall weather!

I would like to share some exciting news! Last week, Wildridge Trail Coalition, WTC, brought together key stakeholders to meet Tom Metsa, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, CPW, OHV/Snowmobile Program Director, listen to how the CPW OHV Grant Program might be a viable funding source to cover the cost of deferred maintenance to FS Rd. 779 and to collaborate on how to make it all happen. Thank you so much to those that attended:

Lindsay Hardy, Avon Town Council Member

Scott Prince, Avon Town Council Member

Eric Heil, Avon Town Manager

Ineke de Jong, Avon General Government Manager

Kathy Chandler-Henry, Eagle County Commissioner

Paula Peterson, Recreation Manager, U.S. Forest Service, Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District

Tom Metsa, Colorado Parks and Wildlife State OHV/Snowmobile Program Director

Devin Duval, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wildlife Officer

Lee Rimel, Trails Advocate and co-founder of VVMTA

Debbie Lathram, WTC Director

Charley Viola, WTC Director/Co-Vice President

Dave Dantas, WTC Director/Co-Vice President

Devon DeCrausaz, WTC Director/President

The group agreed that the road should remain in it’s current location as travelled, remain a Level 2, High Clearance, 4WD, OHV and Multi Use Road and that together the Town of Avon and WTC would pursue applying for the CPW OHV grant, follow up on a request for funding from Eagle County and solicit community donations to pay for deferred maintenance to the road. Additionally, the Forest Service agreed to make the project a priority since a funding source was identified, review and sign off on the grant application and provide engineering support.

Here’s the CALL TO ACTION part. PLEASE ATTEND the Avon Town Council meeting on Tuesday, November 16th at 5:30p.m. or WRITE TO council@avon.org in support of the Town and WTC’s application for the CPW OHV Grant. Please consider making a donation securely on our WTC site and also ask the Town to consider contributing as well as matching funds are not required but are looked upon favorably. Finally, let the Town know that FS Rd. 779, the loop that is created when combined with FS Rd. 734 and FS Rd. 717 and OHV, 4WD, Biking, Hiking and Hunting access to Red and White Mountain, Muddy Pass and Red Sandstone Road are important to you!

THE OPPOSITION IS STILL OUT THERE AND WE NEED YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD!

Thank you for your continued support!