Via Overland Mountain Bike Club: http://overlandmtb.org/

Action Alert: Larimer County Reservoir Parks Master Plan

Want to see additional soft-surface trail opportunities or other improvements to the Larimer County Reservoir Parks systems – including Horsetooth, Flatiron and Pinewood Reservoirs and Carter Lake? Take action and make sure your voice is heard!

Background:

Larimer County Natural Resources is seeking feedback on recreation improvements at area reservoirs.  Public open houses will be held from 5-7 pm at the following locations:

  • Wednesday, November 16, 2016, Chilson Center, Large Meeting Room, 700 E. 4th Street, Loveland
  • Thursday, November 17, 2016, Larimer County Courthouse, Hearing Room, 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins

Overland made several trail proposals which we feel would greatly enhance the overall user experience, reduce vehicle traffic on CR 38E, reduce parking congestion at existing county trailheads, disperse users and cover large existing gaps in regional trail connectivity.  Proposals included:  a new soft-surface trail connecting Pineridge Natural Area to Blue Sky Trail around the south end of Horsetooth Reservoir, a new soft-surface trail connecting Reservoir Ridge Natural Area to Lory State Park on the north side of Horsetooth Reservoir, a new soft-surface lakeside trail encircling Horsetooth Reservoir, a new soft-surface trail encircling Carter Lake.

Although several of these proposals have been declined for various reasons, some are still moving forward, including:  a new soft-surface trail from South Bay to Inlet Bay on the SW side of Horsetooth Reservoir, continue to acquire land or easements for trail connections and additional recreation opportunities, explore safe options for biking along CR 38E from Fort Collins to Horsetooth Reservoir, explore trail opportunities connecting Carter Lake to the future Chimney Hollow Open Space.

What can you do to advocate for more mountain biking options in the area? Take the actions below!

Actions:

  1. *Show up at the public open houses this Wednesday and/or Thursday

  2. *Quickly submit the online comment form

  3. Forward this message to your fellow mountain bikers / trail users

*For the above actions, you can use the items below to support the priorities that advocate for additional multi-use, soft-surface trail options.


General points supporting more soft-surface, multi-use trails:

  1. Cyclists give back to the local trail systems by volunteering on public land, protecting the environment and preserving open space
  2. Youth cycling is seeing a rapid growth in popularity, thus helping kids learn about healthy lifestyles and outdoor stewardship
  3. A better connected trail system would provide access to surrounding open lands without the need to drive, thus helping reduce traffic congestion, strain on trailhead parking areas, air pollution and negative automobile-bicycle interactions
  4. Increased soft-surface trail opportunities will help disperse users, improve access for regional residents and visitors, and reduce strain on the current trail system
  5. Well-designed trails will encourage trail users to stay on trail and lessen impacts to our natural resources
  6. Mountain bike tourism has proven to greatly increase the economic vitality of communities with a high-quality multi-use trail network designed to accommodate all ability-levels by boosting retail, restaurant, hotel, gas and grocery store sales