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ENLARGE
A sign at the Oro Grande trailhead warns users it's now closed to motorized vehicles such as trail bikes and ATVs.
SUMMIT COUNTY — Motorized use at the county landfill property got a new lease on life Tuesday, as the county commissioners decided to back away from a complete closure of the area.
The commissioners did pass an ordinance that would close the landfill parcel to motorized use beginning Jan. 1, 2010. But they modified the measure, giving stakeholders a chance to develop a plan that would include limited motorized use on parts of the property. Other options could include scouring Summit County to find an alternate location for a motorized trail system.
So for now, the landfill property remains open for motorized use unchanged, although the hope is that motorized users will step up immediately and begin self-policing, especially with regard to a heavily scarred patch of wetlands in the area.
“I'd love to see something that's a model for the state, because that's what's needed,” said Commissioner Karn Stiegelmeier.
“Between now and next summer, we're going to work on a plan to get out of the wetlands and away from the cemetery,” added Commissioner Thomas Davidson.
Unmanaged use in the area during the past few decades has resulted in an expanding network of unauthorized trails, including several that criss-cross wetlands. Davidson explained that the county is legally obligated to protect those wetlands.
Based on concerns about damage to the wetlands, as well as noise, public safety and impacts to wildlife, the commissioners had been considering a total closure of the area. But more than 100 local residents turned out for Tuesday's meeting in Breckenridge to ask the board to reconsider the move.
Supporters of dirt bike and ATV use cited a host of reasons, including the economic benefits of motorized use. According to a representative of the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, motorized recreation contributes $949 million to the state's economy, including about $209 million in central Colorado.
Most of the hearing was orderly and polite, although a few unruly supporters of motorized use interrupted other speakers early in the session until board chairman Bob French cracked down on the catcalls.
Most speakers seemed to sense the need for compromise on the issue.
“I don't own a dirt bike or ATV, but we really need this area open,” said Montezuma resident Chris Carson, expressing concern that a closure would result in even more pressure on trails and parking around the small town in the Upper Snake River Basin.
The president of a homeowners association in the Summit Cove area said letters from his members have been running about 50-50, showing the potential division of the issue.
Dillon Mayor Barb Davis commented in favor of the closure, saying that the town has heard loud and clear from residents that the noise from the motorized use is intrusive. Davis also said the town has concerns about wildlife impacts.
Longtime local Kevin Mastin supported the motorized cause, explaining that, in years of trail running in that area, he's never had a conflict with a motorized user.
“It's wrong to try and push this use to somewhere else,” Mastin said.
“I think I've heard a consistent theme. That is people are willing to work together to find a solution,” said French.
The commissioners did pass an ordinance that would close the landfill parcel to motorized use beginning Jan. 1, 2010. But they modified the measure, giving stakeholders a chance to develop a plan that would include limited motorized use on parts of the property. Other options could include scouring Summit County to find an alternate location for a motorized trail system.
So for now, the landfill property remains open for motorized use unchanged, although the hope is that motorized users will step up immediately and begin self-policing, especially with regard to a heavily scarred patch of wetlands in the area.
“I'd love to see something that's a model for the state, because that's what's needed,” said Commissioner Karn Stiegelmeier.
“Between now and next summer, we're going to work on a plan to get out of the wetlands and away from the cemetery,” added Commissioner Thomas Davidson.
Unmanaged use in the area during the past few decades has resulted in an expanding network of unauthorized trails, including several that criss-cross wetlands. Davidson explained that the county is legally obligated to protect those wetlands.
Based on concerns about damage to the wetlands, as well as noise, public safety and impacts to wildlife, the commissioners had been considering a total closure of the area. But more than 100 local residents turned out for Tuesday's meeting in Breckenridge to ask the board to reconsider the move.
Supporters of dirt bike and ATV use cited a host of reasons, including the economic benefits of motorized use. According to a representative of the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, motorized recreation contributes $949 million to the state's economy, including about $209 million in central Colorado.
Most of the hearing was orderly and polite, although a few unruly supporters of motorized use interrupted other speakers early in the session until board chairman Bob French cracked down on the catcalls.
Most speakers seemed to sense the need for compromise on the issue.
“I don't own a dirt bike or ATV, but we really need this area open,” said Montezuma resident Chris Carson, expressing concern that a closure would result in even more pressure on trails and parking around the small town in the Upper Snake River Basin.
The president of a homeowners association in the Summit Cove area said letters from his members have been running about 50-50, showing the potential division of the issue.
Dillon Mayor Barb Davis commented in favor of the closure, saying that the town has heard loud and clear from residents that the noise from the motorized use is intrusive. Davis also said the town has concerns about wildlife impacts.
Longtime local Kevin Mastin supported the motorized cause, explaining that, in years of trail running in that area, he's never had a conflict with a motorized user.
“It's wrong to try and push this use to somewhere else,” Mastin said.
“I think I've heard a consistent theme. That is people are willing to work together to find a solution,” said French.
