Archive | Annual Report

TPA 2017 End of Year Report

This report provides an overview of the TPA’s 2017 activities, accomplishments and events. For a more detailed review, please visit our “News” tab on the TPA website (http://www.coloradotpa.org).  2017 has been another very busy and productive year for the TPA and a year that we believe has seen positive progress in working to keep our access to public lands open and available for multiple-use recreation.

2017 Success Stories

Bear Creek/Jones Park motorcycle trails reopened – The TPA and its partners, primarily CMTRA, is proud to announce that the new single-track trail developed to replace lost opportunities in the Colorado Springs area is now open. The old trail network was lost because of concerns regarding cutthroat trout habitat in the Pikes Peak Ranger District. This project highlights the value of the state OHV grant program and of diverse groups coming together on the issue and overcoming a range of various challenges.

COOP/Collaborative Efforts – The TPA has been one of several active participants in new efforts including the COOP group that was convened by the Governor to try and unite recreational and conservational interests in the state. Preserving multiple use opportunities is our major concern along with addressing challenges like poor forest health, declining budgets and increasing demands.

Bears Ears Monument Designation Review – The TPA was encouraged when Interior Secretary Zinke announced significant reductions in the size of the Bears Ears National Monument that was designated in the waning days of the Obama administration. The TPA believes that the 4.3 million-acre Bear Ears area and some selected other national monument designations may have overstepped the federal law’s provisions by including more than just the “smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.” These reductions ensure opportunities for responsible off-highway recreation are continued. For additional information and a more in-depth discussion on the Bear Ears Designation, below is a web link to the “Year In Review” from our partners in Utah, Ride With Respect/Clif Koontz: http://www.coloradotpa.org/2017/12/28/ride-with-respect-2017-year-in-review/

The Colorado 600 is featured in Dirt Rider magazine – Dirt Rider magazine featured a daily report from the TPA’s annual Colorado 600 – Trails Symposium Workshop.  To read the daily reports:
https://www.dirtrider.com/2017-colorado-600-day-1-report
https://www.dirtrider.com/2017-colorado-600-day-2-report
https://www.dirtrider.com/2017-colorado-600-day-3-report
https://www.dirtrider.com/2017-colorado-600-day-4-5

Legislative Issues

Colorado State legislation providing increased protections to clubs performing land stewardship activity on public lands – SB17-100 provides an increased level of liability protection and removes several contracting requirements related to state grants for clubs performing land stewardship activities on public lands. Many clubs were unable to afford or obtain insurance required for OHV grants. This legislation makes it easier for clubs to get insurance at reasonable rates.

BLM Planning 2.0 is withdrawn – The BLM recently developed a new planning process that governed how much of their local planning process (Field Office Resource Plans and similar) would proceed. The TPA along with our partner organizations expressed serious concerns regarding the lack of public input and about the imbalance of resource protection in the planning process. Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton championed a resolution of non-support for the BLM Planning Rule in the US House and this resolution subsequently was passed into law.

HB-1030 allows expanded OHV usage on county roads – COHVCO efforts (with support from the TPA) at the Capitol resulted in passage of legislation (HB 1030) in Colorado expanding usage of OHVs on county roads. County roads often provide important connectivity for trail networks and allow riders to come into cities and towns for fuel, supplies and lodging.

Local communities expand access under HB 1030 – The groundswell of local community support for HB 1030 has been overwhelming as more than two dozen municipalities or counties have opened some or all public roads to OHV usage. Several communities have even chosen to reject proposals that would have closed public roads to OHV traffic.

Endangered Species Act reform – The TPA remains involved in a wide range of efforts to revise and improve the effectiveness of the federal Endangered Species Act. While we all support the goals of the Act, the Act has become a cottage industry for certain anti-access groups to sue land managers. Our efforts/comments have included: 

1. The TPA was invited to participate in efforts being undertaken by the Western Governors Association (WGA) regarding species conservation and reform of the Endangered Species Act. We were pleased when our comments were adopted into the WGA resolution on ESA reform.
2. The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently increased the threshold to be achieved in order to petition the Service to list a species as threatened or endangered.
3. The US Fish and Wildlife service has been revising their internal handling of the ESA petitioning process, which should make it easier to protect species and avoid listing species where the scientific basis is questionable. Your TPA and COHVCO both vigorously supported these efforts.

Federal economic legislation – The TPA, COHVCO and many of our other partners were pleased with the passage of federal legislation (Sponsored by Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner) requiring development of a report to Congress regarding the national economic contribution of outdoor recreation. This report should result in a more accurate calculation of positive economic impact and avoid the undervaluation of recreation on federal lands.

Legal Issues

Pike & San Isabel (PSI) National Forest MVUM Challenge – The first lawsuit was filed on Jan. 31, 2011 by anti-access plaintiffs including the Wilderness Society, the Quiet Use Coalition, Wildlands CPR, the Center for Native Ecosystems and the Great Old Broads for Wilderness regarding the Pike and San Isabel National Forests’ existing Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs). The TPA led the effort to intervene with the USFS to defend this lawsuit as it could impact every MVUM route. These defense expenses are being borne solely by motorcycle advocacy groups/TPA up to this point. This case seeks to remove any trails and/or roads (possibly 30-50 percent of the existing routes) that predated NEPA and were grandfathered in during the development of the MVUMs on ALL six Ranger Districts of the PSI! Per the settlement, an EIS is now being completed that reviews the MVUM routes. (additional info below).

Rico West Delores (RWD) Travel Plan – The TPA and San Juan Trail Riders (SJTR) are challenging the Draft Record of Decision document issued regarding the West Delores/Rico area on the San Juan National Forest. This document simply fails to account for multiple-use recreation and closes some of the best single-track riding in Colorado, despite these trails being in use for almost a century. The TPA and SJTR are once again leading the effort to fight for multiple-use recreation, especially motorcycle single-track trail riding. Currently our appeal is in the administrative review stages. For the most up to date information on this issue can be found at: http://www.coloradotpa.org/news/

The TPA stays actively involved in all ongoing legal issues.

Other Activities

New Colorado Off-Road Motorcycle Clubs – The TPA continues to assist with the establishment of new or reenergized clubs to help advocate for multiple-use recreation and single-track motorcycle trails.  In Salida the Central Colorado Mountain Riders (CCMR, http://centralcoloradomountainriders.com/index.html) has done an outstanding job getting established and recruiting new members and supporters.  This new club has set a high standard of building relationships and consensus with other trail users in this very popular area and has partnered with their local land mangers.  In Sargents, the Tomichi Trail Riders launched their new club and promises to work closely with the Gunnison Ranger District along with their adjacent motorcycle clubs namely the G.O.A.T.S. and CCMR.  In Western Colorado, the TPA assisted the Westcore Club (Western Colorado Riders & Enthusiasts) to get started and establish itself as a 501(c)3 in the Montrose area.

Pike & San Isabel (PSI) National Forest planning efforts – The TPA remains involved in efforts to develop an alternative to satisfy the lawsuit settlement around existing road designations in the PSI. These efforts would include identifying that the OHV community has contributed almost $1 million in grants for the maintenance of OHV infrastructure in the PSI in the past year. Additionally, the TPA remains steadfast in asserting that re-designating a USFS road to a multiple-use “trail” would satisfy terms of the settlement. Given the fact that roads and the interpretation of the minimum road system (“MRS”) are clearly going to be major challenges in planning efforts on the PSI (and other forests) the TPA is very concerned that any recommended closures would disproportionately impact larger size vehicles and user groups such as full size 4×4, UTVs and side by side users.

Gunnison Public Lands Proposal – The TPA and our local partners are involved in the discussions concerning this Proposal. We are troubled with the direction of the Proposal, even though legislative support appears to be minimal. While several important recreational areas have been removed from possible Wilderness designation, there has been no discussion regarding the designation of these areas in the legislation to protect and preserve these areas for multiple-use recreation, which is a protection that must exist for any area found unsuitable for Wilderness designations. Many areas with motorized use and recreation remain at risk. This Proposal needs significant improvement, with a better balance of uses and diversity of support similar to what was achieved in the Hermosa Watershed legislation.

Rio Grande National (RGNF) Forest Plan Revision – The TPA has been very involved in all phases and aspects of the Rio Grande Forest Plan Revision efforts.  These efforts have resulted in a preferred alternative in the plan that proposes no reductions to motorized access moving forward and recognizes poor forest health is a larger challenge on the forest than multiple-use recreation ever could be. One alternative actually expands access by more than 20 percent in the Forest. The TPA is optimistic about this Forest Plan Revision and has submitted extensive comments supporting the expanded opportunities and opposing development of corridors around the Continental Divide Trail.

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest Plan Revision – Similar to the RGNF Forest Plan Revision above, the TPA has been very involved in the public meetings regarding the development of the GMUG Forest Plan Revision and have submitted extensive comments on the initial Assessment Reports. Our comments have centered around: 1.) The illegal nature of proposed exclusionary corridors around the Continental Divide Scenic Trail of up to 1/2 mile; 2.) The need to address the exceptionally poor forest health on the GMUG, which is a major challenge to all recreational usage; 3.) Addressing recreational opportunities in the forest to provide high quality experiences for a growing visitor base; 4.) The importance of the CPW OHV grant program in providing these opportunities; 5.) The lack of need for any new Wilderness areas; and 6.) The significant economic contribution of motorized recreation to the communities in and around the GMUG.  The TPA anticipates a draft GMUG Forest Plan Revision in the near future.

Uncompahgre Field Office BLM Resource Plan – The BLM Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO) is developing a new Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Field Office. While the UFO has been providing balanced recreational opportunities in the past, the TPA prepared extensive comments regarding proposed major expansions of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern and Wilderness Characteristics areas within the proposal. The TPA remains hopeful these concerns will be resolved and the UFO will continue to provide the high quality multiple-use recreational opportunities it has provided in the past.

White River BLM Resource/Travel Plan – The TPA submitted detailed comments opposing much of the proposed closures and restrictions in this plan, which resulted from major expansions of Wilderness Characteristics Areas (WCA) and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). This Proposal was moving forward under the BLM Planning 2.0 process, which was recently withdrawn. This Proposal was a very good example of our concerns under the new Planning 2.0 process. In 2004, a citizen inventory of ACEC and WCA was submitted, but the BLM never moved on this document. The BLM then chose to adopt the inventory as “objections” to a 2012 Oil and Gas Amendment to a 1990s Plan. Similarly these ACEC and WCA proposals were again included in the travel plan being developed for the local BLM Field Office without required notice to the public.

Efforts to ensure that grant funding is timely and easier for OHV clubs to use – In conjunction with SB17-100 legislation, the TPA and COHVCO worked with CPW to streamline the OHV grant process. This has resulted in grants funds being available to clubs months sooner than before.  CPW OHV grant funds remain a major funding source for multiple-use trail and route construction and maintenance on public lands within Colorado.

Wilderness Proposals – The TPA continues to be heavily involved in the numerous Wilderness proposals that threaten continued recreational access to large portions of the state, including Hidden Gem (and its variations), the San Juan Wilderness proposals and others. The TPA has developed a draft proposal opposing many of the site specific Wilderness Proposals and is seeking to affirmatively protect multiple-use recreation on several of these areas.

Site-specific fees – The TPA along with our other partner organizations has been committed to the future process that will be used to review site-specific fee increases for users of developed recreational sites in Colorado. This has included a significant public review and process being required before any fee increase could be implemented. The TPA has vigorously asserted that the imposition of any “fee for use” of facilities constructed, developed or maintained with OHV grant funding was completely unacceptable to the motorized community, as these programs are already providing approximately $1.25 to federal land managers for every resident of the state. It is unfair to ask the motorized community to increase support further when other recreation groups provide absolutely no funding at all.

Silver Thread Trail – As we reported last year, the BLM Gunnison Field Office has now taken over responsibility of the “Silver Thread” area around Silverton, Eureka and Animas Forks along with the associated high elevation passes.  The TPA continues our discussions with the Field Office to explore re-opening access of two historic single-track trails that were closed to motorized recreation during the late 1980s.  The two routes are Minnie and Maggie Gulches, which are both 4WD roads that turn into single-track trails and could provide access into the Rio Grande National Forest’s Pole Creek area. The proposed plan being discussed is to reopen these trails for a single-track route out of the Animas Forks area back into the Pole Creek area.

NOHVCC Trails handbook – NOHVCC (A national partner of the TPA) has developed an exceptional reference for land managers, which is a 300-page color manual directed at the development and maintenance of motorized routes and trails. The TPA secured 100 copies of this handbook and is donating them to land managers throughout Colorado. This document is available for download free of charge at: http://gt.nohvcc.org.

Taylor Pass closure to camping – The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest’s leaders are proposing to close the Irwin area, north of Crested Butte, and the Tincup area, southeast of Taylor Reservoir to dispersed camping from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Camping will still be allowed at the Lake Irwin and Mirror Lake campgrounds. The closures result from an increasing number of dispersed campers, expansion of user-created roads and spurs and successional occupation during the summer months. Additionally, increased use of motor vehicles off the designated roads, trailers and motorhomes with associated group camping are causing impacts. The TPA and others were vigorously opposed to this Proposal and recommend that alternatives to be developed to avoid closure.  In this same area, the TPA is also working diligently to mitigate closure of the road to the Alpine Tunnel and restore motorized access to this popular and historic landmark.

Travel Management should be properly balanced with other issues facing land managers – The TPA was alarmed when several national groups, including some motorized user groups, took the position that completing travel management plans should remain a priority for land managers. The TPA opposed travel management being arbitrarily elevated above other management concerns, which have more significant impact than travel management could ever be. Land managers must be able to prioritize threats based on the scale of the threats rather than to conform to an arbitrary national objective.

An example of why elevating travel management above other concerns would be detrimental is the recent research showing the extremely poor forest health in Colorado (which found 9 percent of all trees in Colorado are dead!). The poor forest health greatly increases the risk of loss to recreational usage of these lands due to catastrophic wildfire. Managers should be allowed to look at threats to public lands in relation to the priority of threats and not illogically react to concerns of a particular user group(s).

Federal Legislation on permits GO ACT (HR 289) and RNR (HR3400) – The TPA along with other organizations has provided extensive comments on both the GO Act and the Recreation Not Red Tape Act (RNR). The TPA supported the GO act, which would greatly streamline the permitting process for events on federal lands and provide these permits in a more efficient and effective manner but had concerns on the RNR.  Concerns were reduced when the GO Act was merged into the RNR.

Milk Creek Trail Access Closure, Gunnison National Forest – A new landowner has closed a historic access (across private property) to the Milk Creek Trail on the Gunnison National Forest.  Lost access has shut out the public from some very popular and historic OHV trails. The three local motorcycle clubs in Salida, Sargents and Gunnison along with leadership by the TPA are all working in concert with the USFS to reestablish access to these important recreational (e.g., single-track) opportunities.

The TPA also continues to work with the Rio Grande National Forest in the ongoing effort to protect the Vietnam War Memorial on the top of Sargents Mesa.

Grand Junction Area Coordinator – The TPA has established an onsite representative for the TPA to work with the BLM Field Office and local clubs on a strategic multiple-use single-track and motorcycle recreational plan to help avoid development of other myopic master plans that benefit only single user groups.  This effort to develop a strategic plan was specifically requested from the TPA by the BLM Field Office.  This will be a unique partnership for the TPA and our local associates to provide our collective expertise to improve riding opportunities in the Grand Junction area.

Representing Motorcycle Trail Riding and OHV Recreation – During 2017, TPA representatives have traveled to and attended hundreds of separate meetings to represent the interests of off-road motorcyclists and OHV recreation.  These meetings have included the USFS Federal, Regional, Forest and District Ranger offices, BLM State and Field Offices, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) staff, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Regional Outdoor Recreational Organizations (e.g., PPORA), local and state elected officials, City/Town staffs, County staffs, Regional Roundtables, Manufacturers, OHV clubs and local organizations, and we attended numerous Outdoor Recreation Conferences and Symposia.

Additionally, TPA representatives traveled to Washington, DC twice this year to discuss a wide range of topics with the new administration and elected officials including the illegality of corridors around national trails, Wilderness study area releases and many other topics outlined in this document.

Governor’s Colorado Outdoor Recreation Council – The TPA continued to serve as a representative for OHV recreation on Governor Hickenlooper’s Outdoor Recreation Council.  This working group seeks to leverage the value of the entire outdoor recreational community within the state of Colorado.

• The TPA is the primary OHV rep for the entire state on this council.
• The TPA is working directly with CPW and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to promote OHV recreation and increase opportunities and access for motorized recreation.
• The TPA is shouldering the responsibility to represent all motorized and OHV recreational interests in campaigning for equal access, recognition and resources in response to the Statewide Trails Strategic Plan. The TPA fought diligently, but unsuccessfully, to include at least one OHV trail in the Governor’s 16 Highest Trail Projects.  Be assured the TPA will not give up and continues to fight for, and be your advocate for motorized recreation.

Various Other Activities and Projects:

• The TPA actively supported many OHV organizations in their requests for $4.2 million in Colorado Parks & Wildlife OHV grants and other funding.
• The TPA advised and worked with the Mile-Hi Jeep Club as a consultant to the club’s project to reopen the Rollins Pass/Wagon Route to OHV recreation.
• The TPA remains committed to efforts addressing routes in the Wildcat Canyon/Hayman fire area. Reopening of routes in this area has been deferred by the Pike San Isabel National Forest Travel Management Plan EIS. Completion of the EIS may allow the reopening of these important routes to move forward.
• The TPA supported the San Juan Trail Riders (SJTR) throughout the development of the Rico/West Dolores Ranger District’s Draft Record of Decision and Environmental Assessment.

Major Projects for 2018

The following list of projects will be the emphasis and focus for the TPA in 2018.  Projects marked with the “*” are projects that the TPA considers to be critical to the future and sport of off-road motorcycle riding and OHV recreation is Colorado:

• Welcome three new members to the TPA’s Board of Directors (BoD) and amend the individual responsibilities of the BoD. In 2018 each BoD member will have specific duties and responsibilities for helping to improve TPA operations and increase our fund reserves for ongoing and anticipated future legal actions.
• Expand specilized consultant services to better achieve TPA’s mission and improve our collective expertise in saving the sport.
• *Support to the San Juan Trail Riders (SJTR) for the Rico/West Dolores Ranger District’s Travel Management Draft Record of Decision (ROD)*
• *Pike & San Isabel National Forest*
  • Implementation plan for the Pike San Isabel National Forest Travel Management Plan Environmental Impact Study (EIS)
  • Development of the subsequent Travel Management Plan (TMP)
• *Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF), Forest Plan Revision*
  • Forest Plan Revision
  • Development of the subsequent Travel Management Plan (TMP)
• *Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest, Forest Plan Revision*
  • Forest Plan Revision
  • Development of the subsequent Travel Management Plan (TMP)
• Colorado 600 Trails Awareness Symposium (9-14 September, 2018 – See the TPA website for additional information)
• Increase TPA’s interaction and coordination with the BLM’s Grand Junction Field Office to promote and increase opportunities for motorized recreation.
• Continue to pursue opportunities to establish local clubs that build and foster relationships between local riders with each and every USFS District and BLM Field Office throughout Colorado.
• Participation in Governor’s Office, Outdoor Recreation Council
• Support for the South Fork Enduro

Donations

The TPA has continued to make donations to organizations and clubs working in tandem with the TPA. These organizations include:

• Outdoor Recreation Business Association (ORBA) membership
• Blue Ribbon Coalition Legal Fund
• Chain saw purchases for local motorcycle clubs
• Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO)
• Colorado Motorcycle Trail Riders Association (CMTRA)
• Tomichi Trail Riders (TTR)
• Rio Grande National Forest
• Motorcycle Trail Riders Association
• Ride With Respect (Moab, UT)
• The Central Colorado Mountain Riders (CCMR), Salida

Summary

2017 was another successful and productive year for the TPA and our efforts to lead and represent off-road motorcycle recreation, multiple-use and OHV recreation. 2017 was our 13th year as an organization and our 11th year as an IRS-approved 501c3 organization. The TPA could not have done this on our own and we certainly owe our accomplishments in 2017 to our many sponsors and volunteers! The importance of the TPA’s effort cannot be overstated, as the results of our work will effect motorized access to our public lands for decades to come.  The TPA is especially grateful to all of the volunteer efforts provided by the Sidewinders Motorcycle Club of Texas in their support of the Colorado 600, to the local motorcycle club officers that lead and manage the collection of OHV clubs across the state, to the many local volunteers that advocate so passionately with their land managers, and to all of you who provide the increasingly necessary funding that keeps the TPA functioning.

The Colorado 600 Trails Awareness Symposium (http://www.colorado600.org/Colorado_600_2017/Home.html) has been our most significant fundraising activity over the years and will continue in a similar format and program for 2018 (2018 event dates: 9-14 September).

The TPA appreciates our ongoing multi-year support agreement with KLIM (http://www.klim.com). Having the support of the #1 Off-Road apparel manufacturer has been a major endorsement of the TPA mission!

The TPA is also very grateful for the sustained generous support provided by Rocky Mountain ATV/MC    (https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com) who continue to be a major financial supporter of our work.

We are also extremely thankful to our corporate sponsors, KTM USA, Motion Pro, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires and Slavens Racing, along with all of the TPA donations provided by individuals, riders and other off-road businesses that have supported the TPA for years!

The TPA continues to be a volunteer-led organization, putting the vast majority of our annual donations to direct use in saving our sport and recreational activities. The TPA Board of Directors thanks all of our supporters: individual, corporate and the clubs. Without their support and your donations we could not enjoy all of the accomplishments that we have achieved thus far. The future will undoubtedly continue to demand our collective teamwork, vigilance, resolve and dedication, and donations.

Please contact us for suggestions concerning how you can help with the ongoing work TPA is pursuing on your behalf to save our sport in the Rocky Mountain Region.

The TPA Board of Directors

 2016 TPA End of Year Report

This report provides an overview of the TPA’s 2016 activities, accomplishments and events. For a more detailed review, please see projects/issues in the news section of the TPA website. 2016 has been another very busy and productive year for the TPA and a year that we feel some positive progress has been made in working to keep our access open and available for multiple use recreation.

2016 SUCCESS STORIES

OHV use on Colorado County roads – TPA partnered with COHVCO to obtain passage of Colorado Legislation that clarified and expanded the legal usage of all OHVs on County Roads.

• County roads often provide important connectivity for trail networks and allow riders to travel into towns and communities for fuel, supplies and lodging.
• For a list of Colorado Cities & Counties that have already taken steps to allow OHV use on County roads – click here

Construction of new motorized trail in Bear Creek – Since 2013, motorcyclist have been closed out of the historic Cap’n Jacks single-track trail in the Bear Creek Watershed outside Colorado Springs, and the TPA has been instrumental in restoring motorcycle access to this area. The Cap’n Jacks trail system has been in use and ridden by Colorado Springs area riders for decades! The trail was closed to motorized use by the United States Forest Service as part of a lawsuit settlement with the Center for Biological Diversity. The TPA, in cooperation with Colorado Motorcycle Trail Riders Association (CMTRA) has been heavily involved in the process to reopen the area, has represented motorized recreation at countless meetings and has prepared extensive written comments arguing for reopening of the area to motorcycles. We are glad to report that as a result of our collective efforts and partnerships, construction of a new trail began in 2016.

• The United States Forest Service along with El Paso County have partnered to construct a new trail that will restore access for motorcycles.
• The new trail will restore connectivity to historical destinations and will be constructed outside of the Bear Creek watershed in order to meet requirements to help preserve the endangered Greenback Cutthroat Trout.
• The new trail was originally to be completed by Fall 2016, but due to planning issues with the original, new trail alignment, a modified trail alignment has now been worked out and construction will re-start in the spring of 2017.
• The TPA has worked diligently and tirelessly to restore motorcycle access to the area and again provide a first class riding experience in the foothills of Pikes Peak.

Formation of a new advocacy club in Salida – The TPA has provided logistical and organizational support for the development of a new motorcycle and land use advocacy club in Salida Colorado.

• The Central Colorado Mountain Riders (CCMR) club is ramping up operations and is actively involved with the United States Forest Service, Salida Ranger District.
• The initiative and willingness of these individuals to get involved is very much appreciated and needed in this area of Colorado.

Distribution of NOHVCC’s Great Trails Handbook – The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC – One of the TPA’s national partners) has developed an exceptional new resource for land managers, which is a 300-page color manual for the development and maintenance of motorized routes and trails.

• The TPA has purchased 60 copies of this book and is currently circulating them to public land managers throughout the State of Colorado.
• Copies of the handbook were distributed at the 2016 COHVCO OHV Workshop and will again be provided at the 2017 Workshop.
• The new handbook is rapidly becoming the definitive guide for the planning, designed, constructing, managing and maintaining OHV routes and trails.

There are several new single track projects completed or in the process of being completed including:

• The Tenderfoot Trail in Summit County
• Basalt to Gypsum single track
• Eagle County Motocross Park
• Expansion of Lake County motorcycle track

All of these single-track projects are good examples of the local motorcycle clubs working with their local Federal Land managers to make this happen! 

Colorado 600 is featured in Dirt Rider magazine – Dirt Rider magazine wrote a feature article about the TPA’s annual Colorado 600, Trails Symposium Workshop. To see the entire article go to: http://www.dirtrider.com/2016-colorado-600

Historic Agreement with the Bureau of Land Management – The TPA along with the Blue Ribbon Coalition and COHVCO joined into an agreement settling decades long lawsuits over management of public lands in Utah. The agreement provides and outlines an acceptable planning solutions and alternatives and should help prevent years of further litigation. The proposed settlement agreement was filed in U.S. District Court in Utah, and governs Bureau of Land Management ‘s oversight of lands in six Utah field offices. The other parties entering the settlement include Bureau of Land Management and numerous preservationist plaintiffs led by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. A few key elements of the settlement include:

• The settlement does not require “temporary” closure of any route or area.
• It specifies where and when Bureau of Land Management will perform travel planning.
• The identified procedures improve opportunities for public engagement and are justifiably designed to produce more defensible decisions.
• All parties and the public retain full rights to participate in, and challenge the final outcome of the new travel plans.

For more information: https://sharetrails.org/media/recreation-groups-sign-historic-blm-agreement/

Additional Successes:

• TPA supported passage of Federal Legislation requiring that recreational activity actually be meaningfully reflected in both the Gross National Product (GNP) and federal lands planning efforts.
• TPA partnered with COHVCO to defeat state level legislation that would have subsidized expanded use of E15 motor fuels in the state.
• TPA submitted extensive comments regarding Endangered Species Act reform to the Western Governors Association (WGA) and was pleased to see that almost all issues were supported in the WGA resolution on the issue.
• A new and updated TPA website was launched.

LEGISLATION ISSUES

All of the issues discussed in the 2015 end of year report are still valid, and TPA is still pursuing them to help protect our sport. In 2016, TPA took on additional legislation issues:

• Partnering with Congressman Scott Tipton’s Office to obtain legislation seeking the release of the North Sand Hills area from its Wilderness Study Area (WSA) designation.
• TPA reviewed and commented on a wide range of federal legislative proposals regarding recreation and trails maintenance.
• TPA is also partnering with COHVCO in an effort to insure that the insurance requirements for OHV grants are not an insurmountable barrier to motorized trail development and that these grants continue to be provided in a timely manner.
• The TPA has been working with the Colorado Federal Congressional delegation seeking the release of several Wilderness Study Areas important to multiple use and permanent protection of motorized access to several areas slated for closure in the near future.

LEGAL ISSUES

• Bear Creek/Greenback Cutthroat (Pike/San Isabel Forest /Pikes Peak Ranger District). The TPA has submitted extensive comments subject to the settlement of the litigation to insure that actual threats to the cutthroat trout are addressed in planning and alternative development. The United States Forest Service is now moving forward with construction of a rerouted trail funded with OHV grant money. The new trail will be re-establish access to motorcycles later this summer.
• Pike San Isabel National Forest Travel Management Plan EIS (AKA Pike/San Isabel MVUM challenge) – The TPA is leading the effort for the entire Colorado OHV community’s response to the United States Forest Service on this very important issue. In 2017, the TPA hired a consultant/program manager to represent the TPA as a United States Forest Service plan is developed and implemented.  This case was originally filed in 2011 and challenged the United States Forest Service’s management of vehicle access in all six of the Ranger Districts within the Pike/San Isabel National Forest. This case had sought to remove any routes/trails that were “grandfathered” in during the creation of Pike/San Isabel National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Maps (aka MVUMs). The defense expenses are being born solely by the Colorado OHV advocacy groups, namely the TPA. The United States Forest Service is in the process of developing a plan to meet the court’s settlement agreement and address the 500 miles of routes targeted by the lawsuit.
• Rico/West Dolores Ranger District Travel Management Challenge. This case was filed by the Colorado Chapter, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (CBHA) and sought to close 14 prime motorcycle trails in the Rico/West Dolores area of the San Juan National Forest. Along with COHVCO, San Juan Trail Riders, Public Access Preservation Association, and the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the TPA intervened as co-defendants in concert with the Forest Service. The district court denied CBHA’s motion for a preliminary injunction and ruled in favor of the Forest Service and pro-access interveners on the substantive claims of the case. CBHA appealed to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which has now confirmed the lower court’s dismissal.

The TPA stays actively involved in all ongoing legal issues.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

The TPA has been actively engaged in a number of activities supporting our OHV goals:

The Colorado 600 (Trails Awareness Symposium) is our major fund raising activity. KLIM, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, KTM, Motion Pro and others continue to support this important event. In 2017 the Colorado 600 will once again be held in South Fork, CO on 10-15 September. This year’s CO 600 has been scheduled so riders can also attend the KTM’s Adventure Rally the following week in Crested Butte, CO.

Badger Flats Management Project – The TPA took the lead in 2016 to review and prepare public comments regarding the Badger Flats Management Project. The Badger Flats riding area is located just northwest of Lake George, CO in the South Park Ranger District.

• UPDATE: (as of December 13, 2016) Due to pressure from the anti-access groups, the United States Forest Service is revising the DRAFT EA for this project. The TPA will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Sheep Mountain Management Project – The Sheep Mountain area is located southwest of Fairplay, CO and has some of the only motorized single-track trails in the South Park Ranger District.

• Once again, the TPA took the lead on this project to prepare public comments supporting the history and need for trails in the Sheep Mountain area.
• This project continues to move through the analysis process.

Rio Grande National Forest, Forest Plan Revision – The Rio Grande National Forest has begun collaborative efforts moving towards the development of a new resource management plan for the forest. This project is expected take at least 3-5 years. The TPA has been involved in all of the public meetings to insure that the high quality motorized recreational opportunities in the area are maintained. The TPA was the lead partner with COHVCO in preparing comments for both the Forest Inventory phase and for the Proposed Action. The TPA was optimistic to see that the purpose and need for the new Forest Plan does not seek to limit or reduce motorized access to the Rio Grande planning area since this area has exceptional motorcycle, especially single-track riding opportunities.

TPA also continues to work with the Rio Grande National Forest in the ongoing effort to protect the Vietnam War Memorial on the top of Sargent’s Mesa. 

Governor’s Colorado Outdoor Recreation Council – The TPA was asked in 2015 to serve as the representative for OHV recreation on Governor Hickenlooper’s Outdoor Recreation Council.

• This working group council seeks to leverage the value of the outdoor recreational community within the state of Colorado.
• TPA is the primary OHV rep for the entire state on this council.

COHCVO OHV Recreation Workshop – COHVCO, in conjunction with the TPA, Colorado State Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the United States Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) sponsored the 2016 Colorado OHV Recreation Workshop in Colorado Springs on 23-25 July 2016.

• Focus of the 2016 workshop was on sustainable OHV route design.
• Two separate OHV workshops are scheduled for 2017.

Tenderfoot Mountain Single-Track Trail Construction – The Tenderfoot Mountain Trail Construction Project is a long-term single-track trail construction project (approx. 25 mi) just outside Silverthorne, CO (near Breckenridge, CO).

• This project has been the recipient of several Colorado State OHV grants and is the result of an enduring partnership between the Summit County Off-Road Riders (SCORR http://scorr.org) and the Dillon Ranger District, White River National Forest.
• The TPA along with COHVCO and the local motorcycle club, SCORR were very involved in the process and helped enable moving this project forward to the trail construction phase.

West Magnolia Trails: Phase 1 Implementation Project – The TPA in cooperation with COHVCO prepared and submitted comments voicing our concerns regarding this non-motorized trail construction project. The TPA and COHVCO had previously submitted formal, written objection and protest comments to the United States Forest Service regarding this project in the Boulder Ranger District.

• The TPA specifically objected to the proposal as it seeks to convert a historic multiple-use area to an area for the exclusive use of a small and limited user group under the excuse that the area suffered from a lack of maintenance.
• The proposal/project would add more mileage for bicycle recreation than currently exists for all other forms of multiple-use recreation on the Boulder Ranger District.
• The West Magnolia area is just one of 3 major/critical OHV action areas in Boulder Ranger District (i.e. Left Hand Canyon, the Wagon Road area and West Magnolia).
• The TPA continues to work diligently to restore OHV access to the Left Hand Canyon area. This area of the Boulder Ranger District represents an important recreational opportunity along the Front Range of Colorado, and the TPA continues to push for reopening access to this area.

Support for motorized recreation in Wyoming – The TPA in support of fellow motorcycle riders in Wyoming.

• The TPA prepared and submitted comments to the Tongue Ranger District within the Big Horn National Forest to keep Trail #038 open and accessible to motorcycles in the Bighorn National Forest.
• The TPA partnered with the Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC) to support work by the BRC to keep this trail open.

Various Other Activities and Projects

• TPA actively supported many OHV organizations in their requests for Colorado Parks & Wildlife OHV grants and other funding.
• TPA submitted extensive comments on Bureau of Land Management’s 2.0 Planning Proposal.
• TPA representatives continue to attend many United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and State Parks meetings concerning issues related to travel management, endangered species issues, the OHV grant programs and Colorado Parks & Wildlife strategic planning.
• TPA partnered with COHVCO to undertake a complete redevelopment of the 2012 economic contribution study. This study has proven to be a very important tool in preserving OHV recreation. A copy of the study is now available on the TPA website.
• TPA remains committed to efforts addressing routes in the Wildcat Canyon/Hayman fire area. Reopening of routes in this area has been deferred by the Pike San Isabel National Forest Travel Management Plan EIS. Completion of the EIS may allow reopening these important routes to move forward.
• TPA and partners vigorously opposed closure of dispersed camping opportunities in the Taylor Park area.
• TPA provided extensive comments on the proposed revisions of the White River Bureau of Land Management and Uncompahgre Bureau of Land Management Field Office plans.
• Bureau of Land Management efforts in the 4-Mile area of the Royal Gorge Field Office has caused the TPA to become very concerned about the flurry of proposals seeking to open extensive trail networks for the exclusive benefit of some small non-motorized user groups. The TPA is continuing to monitor this issue and area.
• The Bureau of Land Management’s Gunnison Field Office has now taken over responsibility of the “Silver Thread” area around Silverton, Eureka, Animas Forks along with the associated high elevation passes. The TPA is in discussion with the Field Office to explore re-opening access of 2 historic single-track trails that were closed to motorized recreation during the late 1980’s. The two routes are Minnie and Maggie Gulches, which are both 4wd roads that turn into single-track trails and could provide access into the Rio Grande National Forest’s Pole Creek area. The proposed plan being discussed is to re-open these trails for a single-track route out of the Animas Forks area back into the Pole Creek area.
• The TPA has been engaged in with the Bureau of Land Management’s Grand Junction Field Office for over 18 months during the development of the Field Office’s Resource Management Plan (RMP). This plan will have long term affects on the routes available for OHV recreation and the access to public lands in this area.
• Support to the San Juan Trail Riders (SJTR) throughout the development of the Rico/West Dolores Ranger District’s Environmental Assessment (EA).

MAJOR PROJECTS FOR 2017

The following list of projects will be the emphasis and focus for the TPA in 2017. Projects marked with the * are ones that the TPA considers to be extremely critical for the future and sport of off-road motorcycle riding and OHV recreation is Colorado: 

• *Pike San Isabel National Forest*
  • Implementation plan for the Pike San Isabel National Forest Travel Management Plan Environmental Impact Study (EIS)
  • Development of the subsequent Travel Management Plan (TMP)
• Rio Grande National Forest, Forest Plan Revision
  • Forest Plan Revision
  • Development of the subsequent Travel Management Plan (TMP)
• *Completion of the Bear Creek/Cap’n Jacks re-routed trail and restored access for motorcycles*
• *Continued support to the San Juan Trail Riders (SJTR) for the Rico/West Dolores Ranger District’s Travel Management Challenge and the development of the Environmental Assessment (EA)*
• *Continued work with the Bureau of Land Management‘s Grand Junction Field Office during the development of the final Resource Management Plan (RMP) and the impact to over 500 miles of routes*
• Restoration of OHV opportunities within the Boulder Ranger District
• Colorado 600 Trails Awareness Symposium.(See the TPA website for additional information)
• Participation in Governors Office, Outdoor Recreation Council
• Support to the South Fork Enduro
• Support to the KTM Adventure Rally in Crested Butte

DONATIONS

The TPA has continued to make donations to organizations working towards the same goals as the TPA. These organizations include:

• The San Carlos Motorized Trail Alliance (SCMTA), Pueblo
• Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO)
• Meeker Rendezvous OHV event
• Rocky Mountain Sport Riders (RMSR)
• Book Cliff Rattlers Motorcycle Club (Grand Junction area)
• United States Forest Service Divide District, Rio Grande National Forest
• The Gunnison Valley O.H.V Alliance of Trailriders (The GOATs)
• United States Forest Service Mount Taylor District
• Ride With Respect (Moab, UT)
• Utah Trail Machine Association
• City of South Fork, CO
• New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA)
• The Central Colorado Mountain Riders (CCMR), Salida

SUMMARY

2016 was another very significant year for TPA operations and we have built upon our past successes. 2016 was our 12th year as an Organization and our 10th year as an IRS-approved 501c3 Organization. The TPA took on several very important projects this year and is continuing to provide leadership for the OHV community in ensuring our access to public lands and the availability of recreational opportunities for off-highway motorcycles and vehicles. The importance of this effort cannot be overstated, as the results of our work will affect our access to public lands for decades into the future.

The Colorado 600 Trails Awareness Symposium (http://www.colorado600.org/Colorado_600_2017/Home.html) has been our major fund raising activity for the last few years and will continue in the same format and structure for 2017.

The TPA appreciates our ongoing 5-year support agreement with KLIM (http://www.klim.com). Gaining the support of the#1 Off-Road apparel manufacturer has been a major endorsement of the TPA mission!

The TPA is very grateful for the generous support provided by Rocky Mountain ATV/MC (https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com) who continues to be a major financial supporter of our work.

We are also extremely thankful to our corporate sponsors, KTM USA, Motion Pro and Dunlop Motorcycle Tires along with for all the TPA donations provided by individuals, riders and other off-road businesses that have been on-board for several years!

The TPA continues to be a 100% volunteer organization, putting a high percentage of all of our annual donations to direct use for saving our sport. The TPA Board of Directors thanks all of our supporters: individual, corporate and the clubs. Without their support we could not have accomplished the things we have so far. The future appears to be even more demanding and will require even more financial support to continue our successful efforts in the future.

Please contact us for suggestions concerning how you can help with the ongoing work TPA is pursuing on your behalf to save our sport in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Thank you for your continued participation,

There are some significant United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Land use access for recreation issues that will be addressed in 2017

• Grand Junction Bureau of Land Management Field Office Resource Management Plan (RMP)
• Implementation plan for the Pike San Isabel National Forest Travel Management Plan Environmental Impact Study (EIS)
• Rio Grande Forest Plan Revisions and subsequent Travel Management Plan (TMP)
• United States Forest Service Rico/West Dolores, Environmental Assessment (EA) and Travel Management Plan (TMP)

The TPA Board of Directors

Trails Preservation Alliance 2015 End of Year Report

This report provides an overview of 2015 activities and events. For a more detailed review, please see projects/issues in the news section in the website news section. Last year we said there was some light at the end of the tunnel for Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) recreation in Colorado…this year we say there is.

Progress and Perspective. Years ago, while TPA was working with two older Colorado National Forest (NF) master plans, the Forest Service told us “point blank” that while they could not stop us from riding the trails in a particular NF, they were going to “make sure that our grandchildren could not.” On another occasion (in a different NF), a senior NF recreation planner told us that “his” NF was for skiing and wilderness use only, and he had no time for OHV recreation in “[his] forest.” We are sharing this historic information because we are not seeing this position in most of our current work with the Forest Service (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). True, there are still a few isolated cases in which some District Rangers do not support OHV recreation, and they seem to go the extra mile not to support OHV recreation on public property. However, for 2015, TPA is pleased to report that we are starting to see our current Federal Land Managers showing an interest in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with TPA and our goal to preserve OHV recreation. That’s good news, and we hope to bring you even more in 2016.

2015 Success Stories

The Greater Sage Grouse was not listed as an endangered /threatened species, which could have severely impacted large portions of the state we use for motorized recreation. As part of the multi-agency process to avoid listing, natural surface roads/trails were excluded from calculation of the surface disturbance cap applied in habitat areas in the Northwest Colorado Plan.

Improvements in the Grand Junction BLM Resource Management Plan (RMP) plan. Between the draft and the final RMP/Travel Management Plan (TMP), more than 500 miles of routes proposed to be closed were allowed to remain open. The TPA continues to work other efforts related to this RMP.

The recent federal court dismissal of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers challenge to motorized routes on the Rico/Delores Ranger District of the San Juan NF was confirmed on appeal. This was a major victory for the San Juan Trail Riders, the TPA and everyone who rides in that area.

There are several new single track projects completed or in the process of being completed including:

• The Tenderfoot Trail in Summit County
• New trails in the Rampart Range area and new connector trail in the Uncompahgre National Forest area
• New single track routes in the Hartman’s Rocks area
• The Sidewinder Trail on the Gunnison Gorge Natural Conservation Area (NCA)
• The Tabeguache Connector Trail outside Grand Junction.

All of these single track projects are good examples of the local motorcycle clubs working with their local Federal Land managers to make this happen!

Legislation Issues

All of the issues discussed in the 2014 end of year report are still valid, and TPA is still pursuing them to help protect our sport. In 2015, TPA took on additional legislation issues:

• TPA is partnering with the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition’s (COHVCO) statewide effort for the licensing of OHV vehicles (UTV/ATV) for use on public roads. While this effort does not directly relate to our core efforts for our sport, it is a major factor in helping develop OHV tourism/income in Colorado’s small towns. The Colorado plan is modeled after systems Arizona and Utah currently have for OHV registration.
• TPA is also partnering with COHVCO in an effort to insure that the insurance requirements for OHV grants are not an insurmountable barrier to motorized trail development and that these grants continue to be provided in a timely manner.

Legal Issues

• Bear Creek/Green Back Trout (Pike/San Isabel Forest /Pikes Peak Ranger District). Motorcycle use of this area continues to be denied regardless of the facts and the patchwork of ownership of the land is still an issue. The FS has settled the lawsuit and is in the process of building several re-routes of trails to avoid the trout habitat area in the Bear Creek drainage. The FS is in the process of completing a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study of the entire area.
• Pike/San Isabel NF Challenge. This issue concerns existing designations of more than 500 miles of routes on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). This case was filed in January 2011 and challenges FS management of vehicle access to the six (6) Ranger Districts in the Pike/San Isabel NF currently in place. The TPA-led interveners have been allowed to participate indirectly in this effort and mitigate adverse impacts on historical access. This case has now been settled. The FS is in the process of developing a plan to meet the court’s settlement agreement and address the 500 miles of routes targeted by the lawsuit. The FS plan can be read on the PSI web site. NOTE: The TPA has hired a consultant/program manager to represent the TPA as the new FS plan is implemented.
• Rico/West Dolores RD Travel Management Challenge. This case was filed by the Colorado Chapter, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (CBHA) and sought to close 14 prime motorcycle trails in the Rico/West Dolores area of the San Juan NF. Along with COHVCO, San Juan Trail Riders, Public Access Preservation Association, and the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the TPA intervened as co-defendants in concert with the Forest Service. The district court denied CBHA’s motion for a preliminary injunction and ruled in favor of the Forest Service and pro-access interveners on the substantive claims of the case. CBHA appealed to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which has now confirmed the lower court’s dismissal.

The TPA stays actively involved in all ongoing legal issues.

Current OHV Tourism Projects

In 2014, the TPA accepted responsibility for an OHV tourism awareness project, and we are continuing to pursue this effort. The fundamental reason for encouraging OHV tourism in strategic Colorado communities is to garner the support of these communities in the ongoing struggle to keep public land open to motorized OHV travel. Once communities begin to see the economic benefits of OHV tourism, they will be more motivated to protect their OHV trail assets from closure. Please see the TPA website for a more detailed discussion of this project.

Other Activites

The TPA is now a member of the Off Road Business Association (ORBA).

The Colorado 600 (Trails Awareness Symposium) is our major fund raising activity. KLIM, RM ATV/MX, KTM, Motion Pro and others continue to support this event!

TPA continues to work with the Rio Grand NF in the ongoing effort to protect the Vietnam War Memorial on the top of Sargent’s Mesa.

TPA actively supported many OHV organizations in their requests for Colorado Parks & Wildlife OHV grants and other funding.

TPA submitted extensive comments on the Park Service’s proposed motorized usage limitation on White Rim trail in Canyonlands NP outside Moab, Utah. Unfortunately, the Park Service chose a different direction from the one proposed by TPA. Although the outcome was disappointing, through this process TPA gained valuable knowledge that we will apply elsewhere.

TPA supported the startup of a new Montana off-road motorcycle club.

TPA donated funds for the successful litigation by Wyoming motorcycle clubs addressing the closure of their local Trail 38.

TPA has also partnered with the New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Association in support of their efforts on the Magdalena Ranger District, Mount Taylor area, Santa Fe NF/Carson NF TMPs.

TPA representatives continue to attend many USFS, BLM and State Parks meetings concerning issues related to travel management, endangered species issues, the OHV grant programs and Colorado Parks & Wildlife strategic planning.

TPA partnered with COHVCO to undertake a complete redevelopment of the 2012 economic contribution study. This study has proven to be a very important tool in preserving OHV recreation. This planned revision should prove an even more important tool in future discussions.

TPA partnered with the Bookcliff Rattlers MC to rent a trail dozer for 30 days to re-build the trail in the Uncompahgre NF.

BLM landscape-level work. TPA is opening discussions with the BLM regarding a master plan for motorized recreation in Colorado to ensure motorized concerns are addressed. Too often agency efforts do not reflect the desires of the motorized community.

Left Hand Canyon work. TPA believes this area of the Boulder Ranger District represents an important recreational opportunity on the Front Range of Colorado, and TPA continues to push for reopening of the area.

TPA remains committed to efforts addressing routes in the Wildcat Canyon/Hayman fire area. Reopening of routes in this area has been delayed by the Earth First challenge to the PSI MVUM. With settlement of that litigation, reopening these important routes can move forward.

BLM efforts in the 4-Mile area of the Royal Gorge Field Office (FO) caused TPA to become very concerned about the flurry of proposals seeking to open extensive trail networks for the exclusive benefit of some small non-motorized user groups. Often these proposals have no funding and are seeking to close multiple-use areas. This is directly contrary to the “rising tide floating all boats” position conveyed by many land managers as part of the grant process. TPA advocates that all proposals should be governed by the same standards and requirements.

TPA is developing a new 5-year strategic plan to ensure the continued success of our long range work. This plan includes issues such as: (a) senior management, (b) development of a new TPA web site and (c) creating a new donor/endowment program for the TPA.

Major Projects in 2016

The Grand Junction BLM RMP/Transportation Plan remains a major issue. TPA continues to appeal the Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO) RMP. The current version of the plan allows for more than 500 additional miles of routes to remain open compared to the previous draft. That’s good news. However, our appeal process continues as there are still many critical violations of federal law in the plan that will impact OHV recreation moving forward.The Rio Grande NF has started a revision of their RMP and a subsequent update of their Travel Plan. TPA expects this revision to take at least five (5) years. We have been and will continue to be very involved in these proposals and the collaborative process leading up to them to ensure the area remains synonymous with multiple use routes.

The Rio Grande NF has started a revision of their RMP and a subsequent update of their Travel Plan. TPA expects this revision to take at least five (5) years. We have been and will continue to be very involved in these proposals and the collaborative process leading up to them to ensure the area remains synonymous with multiple use routes.Efforts targeting the San Juan National Forest, Rico Delores Environmental Assessment and Travel Plan remain ongoing, and TPA is heavily involved in these efforts to ensure motorized recreational opportunities are not set aside or lost.

Efforts targeting the San Juan National Forest, Rico Delores Environmental Assessment and Travel Plan remain ongoing, and TPA is heavily involved in these efforts to ensure motorized recreational opportunities are not set aside or lost.TPA has taken a leading role in the Pike/San Isabel NF Implementation Plan resulting from the settlement of the Earth First lawsuit. TPA is actively working with local land managers to make sure the settlement is fully understood and applied correctly and that land managers have resources necessary to make good decisions.

TPA has taken a leading role in the Pike/San Isabel NF Implementation Plan resulting from the settlement of the Earth First lawsuit. TPA is actively working with local land managers to make sure the settlement is fully understood and applied correctly and that land managers have resources necessary to make good decisions.TPA remains involved in the COHVCO-led project for the licensing of all OHV (ATV/UTV) vehicles in Colorado for use on public highways in a consistent manner throughout the state. Such licensing would be voluntary and separate from the current State Parks registration program.

TPA remains involved in the COHVCO-led project for the licensing of all OHV (ATV/UTV) vehicles in Colorado for use on public highways in a consistent manner throughout the state. Such licensing would be voluntary and separate from the current State Parks registration program.The TPA is now a member of the Governor’s Colorado Outdoor Recreation Council. We will use this involvement to promote the development of more OHV recreational opportunities.

The TPA is now a member of the Governor’s Colorado Outdoor Recreation Council. We will use this involvement to promote the development of more OHV recreational opportunities.

TPA has taken an active role in the Western Governor Association efforts regarding revision of the Endangered Species Act, which continues to function as a major barrier to recreational usage of public lands despite the often non-existent relationship between species decline and recreational usage of public lands.

TPA is partnering with the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council in distribution of their new motorized trail development and maintenance guide. TPA believes this new resource will be an important tool in the analysis, development, and proper maintenance of routes throughout the country and is highly relevant to many of the issues encountered in the recent PSI litigation.

Donations

The TPA has continued to make donations to organizations working towards the same goals as the TPA. These organizations include:

• San Carlos MC, Pueblo
• COHVCO
• Gunnison MV club
• USFS Mount Taylor District
• Meeker Rendezvous event
• Ride With Respect (Moab)
• Rocky Mountain Sport Riders (RMST)
• Utah Trail Machine Association
• Book Cliff Rattlers MC
• City of South Fork
• USFS Divide District
• New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA)

Summary

2015 was a very significant year for TPA operations and prospered on the successes we saw in 2014! 2015 was our 11th year as an Organization and our 9th year as an IRS-approved 501c3 Organization. As predicted, 2015 was the start of a 2 to 3 year period in which several major FS and BLM managed areas began undergoing their travel planning. The TPA will be actively involved with each of these activities. The importance of this effort cannot be overstated, as the outcome will dictate our access to public lands for the next 10 to 20 years.The Colorado 600 Trails Awareness Symposium (http://www.colorado600.org/Colorado_600_2016/Home.html) has been our major fund raising activity for the last few years and will continue in the same format and structure for 2016. (Proven rider limit, with one-third new riders, one-third from industry and one-third returning riders who support our core mission.)

The Colorado 600 Trails Awareness Symposium (http://www.colorado600.org/Colorado_600_2016/Home.html) has been our major fund raising activity for the last few years and will continue in the same format and structure for 2016. (Proven rider limit, with one-third new riders, one-third from industry and one-third returning riders who support our core mission.)The TPA appreciates our 5-year support agreement with KLIM (http://www.klim.com/). Gaining the support of the #1 Off-Road apparel manufacturer is a major endorsement of the TPA mission!

The TPA appreciates our 5-year support agreement with KLIM (http://www.klim.com/). Gaining the support of the #1 Off-Road apparel manufacturer is a major endorsement of the TPA mission!The Rocky Mountain ATV/MX Supply Company (https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/) continues to be a major financial supporter of our work. We are also grateful for all the TPA donations by individuals and other off-road businesses that have been on-board for several years!

The Rocky Mountain ATV/MX Supply Company (https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/) continues to be a major financial supporter of our work. We are also grateful for all the TPA donations by individuals and other off-road businesses that have been on-board for several years!

The TPA continues to be a 100% volunteer organization, putting a high percentage of all of our annual donations to direct use for saving our sport. The TPA Board thanks all of our supporters: individual, corporate and the clubs. Without their support we could not have accomplished the things we have so far. The future appears to be even more demanding and will require even more financial support to continue our successful efforts from 2014 and 2015.

Please contact us for suggestions concerning how you can help with the ongoing work TPA is pursuing on your behalf to save our sport in the Rocky Mountain Region.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT BUT OUR TASKS ARE FAR FROM OVER!

Thank you for your continued participation,
The TPA Board of Directors

Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA) 2014 End of Year Report

This report provides an overview of 2014 activities and events. For a more detailed review, please see the individual project/issue in the news section on the TPA web page. Is there light at the end of the tunnel for OHV recreation in Colorado? Well…. maybe…

In 2014 we have seen several major success issues related to saving our sport. Combining this with several changes in Forest Services (FS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) management actions, provides hope that OHV recreation is finally being given recognition as it relates to legitimate recreation on public property.

2014 SUCCESS STORIES

The Tenderfoot Trail Project was approved in the White River NF and created twenty two miles of new single track motorized trails outside Dillon, Colorado.

The Hermosa Watershed Legislation was approved which creates a 70,000 acre special management area for motorized recreation, protecting riding areas that had long been within recommended Wilderness areas and released a Wilderness Study Area for motorized usage.

The Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River NF reopened almost 150 miles of motorized routes to OHV usage.

The Uncompahgre BLM Field Office determined that motorized and non-motorized usage should be balanced in a trail project in the Burn Canyon area that was originally to be exclusively non-motorized trails.

New management documents were issued for wolverine and lynx clearly stating that motorized recreation is not an issue on millions of acres of habitat. Previously this issue was classified as unresolved and resulted in overly cautious management decisions.

A more noticeable proactive involvement style by Federal Land Managers is apparent as it relates to a wide range of OHV issues impacting recreation on public lands continues to yield some positive results.

LEGISLATION ISSUES

In 2014, TPA addressed four key legislation initiatives:

We are building on the successful release of the West Needles Wilderness Study area in 2014 and are working to gain release of the North Sand Hills Wilderness Study area outside Walden Colorado due to the long history of motorized usage in the area

We are exploring landscape level tools for the release of Wilderness Study areas that have never been found suitable for designation.

TPA has strategically positioned itself to work more closely and effectively with Colorado’s elected officials in the US Senate and House.

TPA and our partners published a consolidated research paper noting a wide range of impacts for expanded Wilderness designations, including negative economic impacts to communities, low levels of utilizations of current opportunities and negative impacts to the overall health of public lands from wilderness management restrictions. This paper was written to give everyone in Colorado a better understanding of what the announcement of a wilderness designation does to a local area.

LEGAL ISSUES

Bear Creek/Green Back Trout (PPSI. Pikes Peak District). Motorcycle use in this area continues to be denied. Land ownership is still in question. (City of Colorado Springs) The FS is in the process of completing a NEPA of the entire area. The follow-on TMP is said to include a motorized bypass route of the endangered trout area. Until ownership of the land is settled and an agreement is in-place between the FS and landowner, motorized recreation in the area is on hold.

Pike San Isabel Filed in January 2011 this case challenges Forest Service management of vehicle access to six Ranger Districts in the Pike and San Isabel National Forest. Plaintiffs filed an opening brief on the merits in August 2013. The Forest Service and Plaintiffs began settlement discussions, which continue. TPA-lead interveners are allowed to participate indirectly in this effort, and to mitigate adverse impacts on historical access. No restrictions have been imposed as a result of this lawsuit.

Rico West Dolores. This case was brought by the Colorado Chapter, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and seeks to close fourteen prime motorcycle trails in the Rico West Dolores area of the San Juan National Forest. TPA and COHVCO, San Juan Trail Riders, Public Access Preservation Association and Blue-ribbon Coalition intervened as co-defendants alongside the Forest Service. The district court denied CBHA’s motion for a preliminary injunction, and ruled in favor of the Forest Service and pro- access interveners on the merits. CBHA appealed to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which heard oral argument on November 21, 2014. The appeal remains under advisement.

The TPA stays actively involved in all ongoing legal issues.

CURRENT OHV TOURISM PROJECTS

The TPA has accepted responsibility for an OHV tourism awareness project. This special project was developed to show the positive aspects of OHV tourism for towns and counties in western Colorado. The Economic Contribution study (funded by the TPA in 2009) was a first step in this initiative. A special TPA staff person is assigned to work with local communities in Colorado. This work is funded by TPA donations and a special Polaris grant. OHV tourism has proved to create a positive economic impact for our State and communities. A recent study showed that over $100.00 per day is spent per OHV use in local towns.

A new extensive economic study is approved for funding by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV grants. This study will be much more in-depth than the 2009 study and is scheduled for completion in late 2015.

TPA works closely with the town of Meeker and the Rio Blanco County to promote OHV tourism. Today the Wagon Wheel Trail System is fully operational and providing an outstanding network of trails, right out of the town of Meeker. The TPA is also working with the following towns and counties helping them establish their own OHV tourism plans:

Clear Creek County
Hinsdale County
Lake County
San Juan County
Teller County

These counties understand the positive impact of OHV recreation. TPA is rallying rural Colorado as a ‘force multiplier” in the battle to keep public lands open for OHV recreation. To see the exact action on going in each of the above areas, please see the news section of the TPA web page.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

With TPA assistance, two new motorcycle clubs were started this year in Colorado: The San Carlos MC Club, Pueblo, and Grace Tours of Colorado Springs.

The TPA responded/provided comments on the following land use issues.

Bear Creek
Rollin Pass
Colorado River Valley BLM Protest
Domingez-Escalante NCA RMP
Grand Junction BLM D/RMP’s
Kremmling FO BLM Protest
Left Hand Canyon
San Juan NF TMP protest
Tenderfoot trail
Tres Rios BLM RMP protest
VURB issue

Wildcat canyon area discussions about possible opening of many OHV routes closed by the Haymen fire.

Multiple meetings with selected FS and BLM Land Managers

Significant involvement with the listing of the Greater and Gunnison Sage Grouse – both of which could impact millions of acres of riding areas

BLM Planning Rule Version 2.0 proposal

Arizona, Tonto NF EA

FUTURE PROJECTS

TPA is involved in several significant land usage issues originating from the FS and the BLM. These issues are critical to the future of OHV recreation in Colorado.

The final version of the GJ/BLM Resource Master Plan is expected for the entire Grand Junction area. Draft versions of this document proposed high levels of closures of motorized routes. TPA is optimistic that efforts, since the release of the draft, have resulted in a far more balanced plan for the usage of the area and far lower levels of closures than originally proposed.

The San Juan NF is commencing a travel management plan for the Rico area and TPA is working hard to avoid any unnecessary closures in this area as the area has a long history of motorized usage.

The Rio Grande NF Forest Master Plan, and follow on TMP will be actively worked in conjunction with the local OHV clubs in the RGNF.

TPA will undergo some slight reorganization and our web page will be updated to reflect the current operational position as it relates to saving our sport in Colorado.

TPA continues to work closely with all OHV clubs and organizations in clubs in Colorado.

Donations

TPA supported the following organizations in 2014:

COHVCO
Ride with Respect. Moab Utah
Grace Tours MC, Colorado Springs
RMSR, Eagle
Gunnison/Crested Butte MC club (Goats)
San Carlos MC, Pueblo
MTRA of Grand Junction
San Juan Trail Riders
NMOHVA
Volunteers of Colorado
PAPA, Telluride Colorado
Wyoming Trail Riders

SUMMARY

2014 was a very important year for the TPA as it marked our fourth year of operations. TPA has impacted many OHV issues and 2015 appears to be the most critical year for OHV planning in Colorado. Planned BLM and FS projects will impact future OHV recreation for the next 10-20 years.

The Colorado 600 Trails Awareness Symposium continues to be our primary TPA fund raising operation and your active support of this is event is appreciated.

TPA continues as a volunteer organization, putting a very high percentage of all donations to direct use for SAVING OUR SPORT.

The TPA Board of Directors thanks all of our supporters, individuals, corporate and clubs. Be assured that TPA is constantly striving to promote and preserve OHV recreation on public property.

Please contact us with any suggestions concerning on-going work or to recommend future work in which the TPA can be influential.
Thank you,
The TPA BoD