The Forest Service has come out with an Environmental Assessment for the proposed Chicken Creek area trails.  (See map above). Comments are being accepted until July 15 so please go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55794 to have your say. You can read the whole draft EA there. 

The proposal includes approximately 10 miles of new, mostly singletrack non-motorized multi-use trails in the area of Chicken Creek Nordic Ski Area. These trails would be open to non-motorized users including hikers, bikers and equestrians. The proposal also includes 1.25 miles of motorized trails up in the Golconda area. These trails would mostly connect existing motorized trails to form loop options.

This is a great opportunity for trail users to provide input on these new, proposed trails. Please submit your comments by July 15! 

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After a long hard winter your local trails need some love. Join Mancos Trails Group on Fathers Day, Sunday June 16 for a family work day on the West Mancos Trail. A MTG scouting party went out on Tuesday and found the trail is mostly dry, but there are still a few wet, slick spots. There are two ¾ mile sections that need brushing and several drainage features that need cleaning. MTG began work on this section of trail in 2017. When brushing is complete, it will be the first time in at least a decade that this trail corridor will be clear from Transfer Campground to Golconda!

We will meet at 8:30am at the West Mancos Trailhead just east of the Transfer Campground. Look for the Mancos Trails banner. Depending on the number of volunteers, we’ll divide into groups. Maximum round trip mileage for the day will be about 4 ½, but shorter options may be available.

Don’t worry, we will take rest breaks for food and water as needed and there is no obligation to complete a certain amount of work. We are required to have fun, socialize, and enjoy a day in the woods with like minded folks and improvement our trails along the way!

We’ll plan on being back at the trailhead between 1 and 2PM for burgers and refreshments.

Weather:
The weather forecast for our location, in the vicinity of Transfer Campground, calls for a high of 70 with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Please come prepared! 

Check the forecast yourself on Sunday morning at this link:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?
lon=-108.20887193031376&lat=37.468101107243285

What to wear:
Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, sunglasses or safety glasses, work gloves and bring rain gear. You know what Southwest Colorado weather can be like, so it's best to be prepared for anything!  

What to bring:

• Water - We'll be out on the trail for several hours
• Snacks - We're providing burgers and drinks but we won't be back to our vehicles till around 1 or 2pm. If you'll be hungry before then, pack some snacks or a sandwich. 
• Work gloves
• Tools - Bring loppers and pruning saws if you have any. We'll be providing some tools, but if you have any please bring them!

Where, when and what:
We'll meet at 8:30am at the West Mancos Trailhead just east of the Transfer Campground. Look for the Mancos Trails banner.

If you're late:
Start hiking down the Transfer Trail then head upriver (east) on the West Mancos Trail. We'll be 2-4 miles from the trailhead.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Mark your calendars - Mancos Trail Group's first trail work day of the season will be Sunday June 16. We had to postpone it due to the wet conditions and high runoff. Hours will be approximately 8am to 1pm. Lunch will be served afterwards. Location of trail work, exact times and meeting place are all TBA based on trail conditions.

We'll be scouting the trails this week but if you've been up in the La Platas, please let us know what you've seen! We'd love to do some work on the West Mancos trail so if you've been there we're interested in hearing what you've seen. Just email us at mancostrailsgroup@gmail.com to report conditions & location info. 

In addition, we have a great volunteer opportunity for several members. MTG would like to host an aid station at the Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon and 5K on June 22 from 6:30-8:30am. Email us if you'd like to help out at this fun event.