Exhibit A CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE APPLICANT INFORMATION Applicant or Organization Name: Southwest Colorado Cycling Association Inc (SWCCA) Mailing Address: PO

Box 1302, Cortez, CO 81321

Applicant Lead Contact Name: Philip

Title: Secretary, Trail Committee Chair

Ayers

Telephone: 970.560.5659 Email: [email protected]

Is this the primary contact for this grant: ✔ YES NO

OFFICIAL USE ONLY – DUNS # (IF REQUIRED): PROJECT MANAGER (this person will have day to day responsibility for the project) Name: Philip

Title: Secretary, Trail Committee Chair

Ayers

Mailing Address: 15652

Road 35, Mancos, CO 81328

Telephone: 970.560.5659

Email: [email protected]

PRIMARY PARTNER INFORMATION (IF APPLICABLE) Name: Mailing Address: Partner Contact Name: Telephone:

Title: Is this the primary contact for this grant: YES NO

Email: ABOUT THE PROJECT

Project Title: Phil's World Trail Expans Grant Request: $ 100,000

Required Match: $ 43,474

Total Project Cost: $

Is this project part of the Colorado Front Range Trail: YES ✔ NO

Does this trail connect to a regional trail system?

YES

✔ NO

If yes which system: Project Description: (Please write 2-3 sentences that describe your project and the expected accomplishments. Be sure to include Who, What, When, and Where.) This section is not the place to talk about the project background, the benefits, the funding, or anything other than the actual work to be accomplished. Please save the WHY for Question 2 of the Selection Criteria. The Phil's World Trail Expansion project will add 28.5 miles of multi-use trail to the existing volunteer-built 30 miles of trail at Phil's World. Some sections of trail will be constructed by the Southwest Conservation Corps, with a focus on the more difficult sections. The remainder will be constructed with volunteers organized by the SWCCA.

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LAND OWNERSHIP 1. Provide the name/s of the property owners: Bureau of Land Management 2. The trail corridor is controlled by: Right-of-Way

Fee Simple

Lease

Easement

License

Other USER INFORMATION (Please check all that apply)

✔

Hiking

Motorcycling

✔

Walking

Four-Wheeling

Motor Boating

✔

Running

All-Terrain Vehicle

Paddling

Skateboarding

Snowmobiling

Accessible Access

In-Line Skating

Snowshoeing

Biking

X-Country Skiing

✔

✔

✔

Equestrian

Other Other

TRAIL SURFACE

✔

Asphalt

Concrete

Other

Natural

Crusher Fines PROJECT LOCATION (For multiple project sites attach a separate list.)

Nearest Town or City: County(ies):

Cortez

Montezuma

Township/Range/Section: State Senate District #:

Township 36 N/Range 15 W/Section 27

06

State Representative District #:

59

Acreage of new trailhead Miles of new trail construction

Miles of trail grooming

28.5

Miles of trail being planned

Miles of trail maintenance

Miles of trail reroute

Miles of trail reconstruction

Miles of inter-connecting trail

Miles of trail to be signed Miles of trail restoration

28.5

Other Other

Authorized Signature: ______________________________________ (From applicant organization)

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Selection Criteria Questions

All applicants must respond to the following selection criteria questions. You are allowed the space below each question to fill in your answer. If you have an answer that does not fill the entire page, do not feel obligated to fill the space. This application will be scored on a 100 point basis. The maximum number of points that can be awarded for each question is shown in parentheses. Each project will be reviewed by outside reviewers and State Trails staff, and projects will be ranked according to reviewer and staff scores. Failure to provide a response to any question (unless otherwise noted) will reduce your project’s score. Please reference all attachments. For the ease of the reviewers reading the applications, please keep font size no smaller than 10 pt. 1. Provide a brief description of your community or organization, highlighting its mission and purpose. Include information regarding the interests you serve, demographics, population, economy, tourism, etc. (5 points) The Southwest Colorado Cycling Association (SWCCA), formerly known as the Kokopelli Bike Club (KBC), is a registered 501 (c)(7) non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving local mountain biking trail opportunities and experiences. The Association is in the process of becoming an International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) affiliated chapter, which will provide additional resources. SWCCA has a track record of working closely with land managers, including the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the State of Colorado, and the City of Cortez, to maintain and improve existing trails. In Fiscal Year 2014 alone SWCCA accumulated 800 volunteer hours specifically for trail construction and re-alignment. SWCCA currently has about 400 general members, an advisory committee, and four officers. Past SWCCA trail work days have attracted up to 70 volunteers/day from around the region including Durango, Monticello, Moab and neighboring tribal lands illustrating the depth of support for local trails. Additionally, the trailhead parking area and part of the existing Phil's World trail system are located on land that SWCCA leases from the State of Colorado. That lease is approximately 500 acres and SWCCA pays the lease, maintains the parking lot, funds porta potties and performs required maintenance. SWCCA recently assembled a package of donations of cash and equipment to improve the access road to Phil's World. One component of SWCCA's commitment to improving access to public lands is a focus on proposing and building approved and sustainable trails for mountain bikers, although the trails are open to all non-motorized users. The trails at Phil's World are highly rated and draw mountain bikers from around the country. In early spring and late fall, the area receives many visitors from Durango (1 hour drive) and Telluride (1.5 hour drive), as well as from the towns in Montezuma County--Cortez, Dolores, Mancos, and Towaoc, due to its longer season. Any day at the trailhead could yield visitors from Utah, California, New Mexico or Switzerland along with a variety of trail users from bikers and hikers to runners. Additionally, a diverse group of tourists from around the state, country and world visit the area for Mesa Verde National Park and other parks and tourist attractions. Local county demographics include a diverse population with a median household income of $43,188 and 27% minority and 13% Native American residents. The population of Montezuma County per the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado as of 2013 was 25,650. According to their base economic analysis, in Montezuma County the largest base employment industry is households that spend money earned elsewhere (37%). Regional services (construction) (19%) is second, followed by tourism (14%). Agribusiness is next (10%), and the remainder is from mining, government, and manufacturing. We recently heard from the Mesa Verde Country Tourism Bureau that their website received more hits from searches for "Phil's World" than for "Mesa Verde National Park", which historically has been the biggest visitor draw in Montezuma County. SWCCA also supports and maintains trails for the annual 12 Hours of Mesa Verde bike race at Phil's World, which generated $50,000 for youth organizations in 2014, and $150,000 cumulatively. Phil's World is popular with families and kids. Last Easter, an Easter egg hunt was organized for young kids and as a fund raiser for the SWCCA. The kids had lots of fun despite the ravens pecking open some of the plastic eggs and stealing the contents.

Selection Criteria Questions

2. Describe the scope of the project – what exactly will be built. Address each project component separately, specifically mentioning its characteristics (i.e., trail specifications, surface, clearances, grades, passing lanes, materials used, trailhead amenities, etc). Describe the work required to implement each component. Has the trail route been established? Describe the fieldwork that has been completed to date. Describe the scenic, historic and unique features of this trail project that will provide a quality experience for trail users. (10 points) The Southwest Colorado Cycling Association is proposing to add approximately 28.5 miles of new, non-motorized, singetrack trails to the existing Phil's World trail system in Cortez, Colorado, which currently has about 30 miles of trails. About half of the existing trails are located on State Trust and private lands, and are somewhat vulnerable to losing access in the future.. All of the proposed new trails would be located on Bureau of Land Management property where they would not be subject to losing access. The new trails would offer additional non-motorized recreational opportunities to both locals and tourists which would result in a positive economic impact for the local community and promote a healthy active lifestyle. It would also provide multiple access points for local residents to the trail system which would disperse users. The furthest north proposed access point is within riding distance of the town of Dolores. This offers trail access close to the Dolores community and also creates a trail option for commuters between the towns of Dolores and Cortez. The unique topography and year-round mild climate is perfectly suited for the additional routes proposed to this already popular trail system. SWCCA is offering to construct the trails and also enter into a maintenance plan with the BLM for the proposed trails. The existing trail system is noted for having fun, flowy trails. A recent Denver Post article listed the area as one of the top 6 mountain biking destinations in Colorado. The BLM lists Phil's World as one of the top 20 riding destinations on BLM land. The trails have been GPS'd and portions pin flagged. BLM is analyzing alternative alignments which avoid archeological and other sensitive sites. The trails were located to minimize visibility from adjacent homes. We estimate that 70% of the proposed new trails will be located on rolling mesa tops, where trail construction should be quite straight forward. Some of these areas have been fire mitigated-thinned, limber, and masticated/mulched. The other 30% is located in more challenging areas--canyon and draws, with steeper slopes, rocks, and sometimes dense Gambel oak. The latter areas will be best suited for construction by the Southwest Conservation Corps. The trails would be designed to International Mountain Biking Association standards, which will make for sustainable trails that need minimal maintenance. SWCCA will provide the maintenance as needed, of course. · · · · · · · ·

Rolling contour trails characterized by a gentle grade, undulations called grade reversals, and an outsloped tread, avoiding fall lines and flat areas that collect water. Grade reversals rather than water bars or logs for drainage features. Grade not to exceed half the grade of the sideslope Maximum grade 15 percent wherever possible Average grade under 10 percent The trail routed to positive control points (viewpoints, water, and other attractions). Bench-cut construction. Any switchbacks would need to have a wide radius for bikes.

Selection Criteria Questions

3. Describe how the project will be developed, maintained, and managed for long-term sustainability. What planning and design practices were used to ensure that the trail is sustainable? Regarding maintenance, list the responsibility entity, available resources and describe the typical maintenance schedule. (5 points) The trails will be constructed to IMBA standards, which will make for sustainable trails that need minimal maintenance by limiting erosion from water and from users.. ·

Rolling contour trails characterized by a gentle grade, undulations called grade reversals, and an outsloped tread, avoiding flat areas and fall lines.

·

Grade reversals rather than water bars or logs for drainage features.

·

Grade not to exceed half the grade of the sideslope

·

Maximum grade 15 percent wherever possible

·

Average grade under 10 percent

·

The trail routed to positive control points (viewpoints, water, and other attractions).

·

Bench-cut construction.

·

Any switchbacks would need to have a wide radius for bikes.

The trails will be maintained by SWCCA, which has approximately 400 members. In Fiscal Year 2014, the Association tallied 800 hours of volunteer trail construction and maintenance work. Maintenance needs are evaluated and addressed each year in cooperation with the BLM..

Selection Criteria Questions

4. Will a youth organization be used to plan, implement, and/or maintain the project? If so, name the organization and describe the collaboration you’ve had with them. Describe the work they will be doing. Submit a letter of support from the organization that you will be collaborating with. If there will not be youth involvement in this project, provide an explanation of why. (5 points) We will contract with the Southwest Conservation Corps for 8 weeks in each of years 2016 and 2017. They will primarily be working on more difficult sections of trailbuilding for which they have the expertise. These would typically be steep and/or real rocky areas. The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) serves a diverse group of young men and women and completes important conservation projects for the public benefit. Founded as a non-profit organization in 1998 to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, SCCs service and educational projects are sponsored primarily by land management agencies and municipalities throughout the southwest region of the U.S. The organization is headquartered in Durango, CO with locations in Salida, CO, Gallup, NM and Acoma Pueblo, NM. In 2014 SCC provided jobs and service opportunities for more than 750 young people, over 75% of whom come from the Southwestern states. SCC will devote its Regional Conservation Crew (RCC) to the program. These crews, comprised primarily of young adults 18-25, complete mostly trail projects for their term of service. Crews work 8 days at a time to maximize productivity on the ground in remote areas, camping on site or nearby to both minimize a daily commute and to fully engage as a team in a “backcountry” setting. SCC's RCC crews have been very successful in both trail maintenance and new trail construction projects. SCC also offers staff capacity to spend 8 weeks each spring training its crew leaders and staff to help support the crews during the busy field season in summer and fall. In the fall of 2014, an SCC crew built a section of the new McPhee Overlook Trail above the town of Dolores through some extremely challenging terrain. SWCCA had a trail work day after the SCC left to finish that section of trail. During October, 2015, an SCC crew performed some tread and water diversion maintenance at Phil's World, along with some brush trimming. Additionally, Cortez High School students complete their required community service hours by volunteering for trail work days. The SWCCA collaborates by providing the tools, crew leaders, and instruction to these seniors, while providing opportunities for local youth to help implement and maintain the proposed trail expansion project.

Selection Criteria Questions

5. Describe how the proposed trail will accommodate multiple uses within the region. Estimate the number of existing and/or expected users of the proposed trail. List each use and the estimated number of users for each use. How did you arrive at those estimates? (5 points) Currently the only trailhead is on State Trust Land, where horses are not allowed by the State. The new trails will incorporate two new trailheads which will facilitate access by equestrians. The amount of equestrian use is hard to quantify in advance. With the current trail mileage, the number of bikers per mile seems to discourage hikers and runners. It is expected that nearly doubling the trail mileage will provide more room and a feeling of solitude for pedestrians. The increased numbers of pedestrain users are also hard to quantify in advance. During peak times in the spring and fall, it is not unusual to see up to 100 cars at the trailhead. If we assume 1.5 riders average per vehicle, and an average stay of 2 hours (typical ride time, over an 8-hour period, the trails probably see 600 riders on a peak day. The current trailhead is only 4 miles east of Cortez, so the trails are regularly used during the week by locals and visitors. Currently many visitors can ride all or most of the trails in one day, so they tend to move on after one day. Doubling the trail mileage would provide options for a second day of riding, thus creating a significant positive economic impact for Montezuma County, as well as providing a more memorable visit. The existing trail system was listed in the top 6 mountain biking destinations in Colorado by the Denver Post. It is also listed in the top 20 BLM biking destinations. So visitors find the riding really flowy and fun, but limited in mileage.

Selection Criteria Questions

6. Clearly address unmet recreational trail needs and specifically explain how this project will meet those needs (i.e., trail demands, deteriorating conditions, etc). Discuss the ways in which the community currently is or is not compensating for the lack of the proposed project components. Do participants visit neighboring trails? Is there a proliferation of social trails? Are there safety issues? Are there resulting health, quality of life, and physical activity issues? (10 points) Phil's World has the longest season of any trail system in the area. In the spring it is used by a large number of visitors from Durango and Telluride, as well as from locations farther away. And the trails typically remain usable later in the fall than elsewhere. The Phil's World Trail Expansion Project specifically addresses unmet recreational trail needs by adding trail mileage to meet the increased tourism and trail user numbers that have significantly increased over the last 10 years. The high number of trail users necessitates the need for 28.5 miles of new trail construction and new tail signage. Any day at the trailhead could yield visitors from Utah, California, New Mexico or Switzerland along with a variety of trail users from bikers and hikers to runners. Additionally, a diverse group of tourists from around the state, country and world visit area trails in Mesa Verde National Park, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, and Boggy Draw. Fortunately the area does not have proliferation of social trails thus indicating a trail user responsibility deserving of formally created new trails in the area. Trail expansion at Phil's World will result in increased tourism and economic stimulation in the area along with increasing opportunities for diverse community members and tourists to improve their quality of life, health and overall possibilities for physical activity, including walking, hiking, running, biking and equestrian activities. The trail construction process also provides a community service and community building opportunities that bring together many local agencies and factions to improve recreation opportunities in the area. Equestrians cannot use the existing trailhead on State Trust Land, and pedestrians seem to be discouraged by the volume of riders per mile. Trail expansion would allow for equestrians by incorporating two new trailheads that will facilitate access by equestrians. Nearly doubling the trail mileage will decrease the number of bikers per mile and encourage more pedestrian useage.. Currently many visitors can ride all or most of the trails in one day, so they tend to move on after one day. The existing trail system was listed in the top 6 mountain biking destinations in Colorado in a recent article in the Denver Post. It is also listed in the top 20 BLM biking destinations. So visitors find the riding really flowy and fun, but limited in mileage. Adding more mileage would encourage longer visits, and overnight stays in the area, which depends heavily on tourism. The trails are popular with kids and families. Often parents will take turns staying at the trailhead with younger kids while other parents take the somewhat older kids riding. .

Selection Criteria Questions

7. Discuss how this project expands trail loops or links, or improves access to other trails, scenic corridors, greenways, forests, sports complexes, nature centers, local and regional gathering places (i.e., recreation centers, community centers, schools, etc.), and/or park areas and the connectivity that the trail will provide to those locations. If the project is connected to a larger trail system, describe the size, extent, and predominate uses of that system. (10 points) The existing trails are listed in BLM's top 20 mountain biking destinations on BLM land. A recent Denver Post article listed Phil's World as one of Colorado's top 6 mountain biking destinations. The new trails should add to the popularity of Phil's World, since they will incorporate the type of flowy, fun types of riding on the current trails. Some trails will be a bit more technical for those looking for more challenge. By expanding the current trail system by 28.5 miles, the proposed Phil's World Trail Expansion Project would allow for increased, multiple trail access points and new trail connectivity from Cortez to Dolores, Colorado, connecting scenic, historical and cultural attractions for a diversity of local and tourist trail users. Both communities receive daily visitors from Southwest Colorado and beyond and the proposed trail expansion could potentially connect parks, schools and recreation centers. For example, trail user groups could leave the Cortez Recreation Center, or Kepler Elementary School, and connect to the Phil's World Trail Expansion. Similarly, trail users could connect to the trail expansion from the Dolores Town Park or Dolores High School. The current Phil's World Trail System includes 30 miles of trails used by a diversity of trail users including locals and tourists engaged in biking, hiking, walking, running and equestrian activities. The current trail system has seen significantly increased activity over the last 10 years by mountain bikers and has landed Cortez on the list of must do mountain bike rides in the area along with Moab, Crested Butte, Durango and Fruita/Grand Junction. The extent of the current trail system includes the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde Bike Race and about half of the trails are located on State Trust and private lands. As with the existing trails, there will be optional loops so that users can pick and choose. The existing signage at all trail intersections will be expanded to include the new intersections. Scenic locations and viewpoints will be included in the proposed trails. The trails will become more accessible with 2 additional access points. If access to the existing trails on private lands or State land is lost in the future, there will still be plenty of trails to recreate on. SWCCA constructed a large shade/picnic shelter at the current trailhead parking lot, which has enhanced its desirability as a community meeting place. The BLM has determined that the area is suited for non-motorized recreation, and has designated it as a Recreation Management Zone. "The RMZ (Recreation Management Zone) would provide opportunities primarily to Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos area residents to engage in strenuous to easy exercise in a predominantly natural appearing environment. The area provides opportunities for primary targeted activities, including moderately challenging mountain biking, hiking, trail running, dog walking, and similar activities through diverse terrain on trails that are close to the local communities." This trail proposal would help implement the vision of the Resource Management Plan for this area. Historically the area has been used for dumping trash and unsanctioned off-road vehicle use. The BLM dug a ditch around large portions of the area to discourage these activities. Apparently trash now gets dumped in the ditch, and off-road vehicle types are finding ways to circumvent the ditch. Trail construction will include cleanup or trash, and it is expected that the presence of recreational users will discourage such activities in the future.

Selection Criteria Questions

8. Describe how your project will meet at least 3 (or more) of the following State Trails Program’s goals and objectives as stated in On Nature’s Trail: A Guide to the future of Colorado’s Statewide Trails System, and Colorado’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). (5 points) • • • • • • •

•

Contributes to an integrated, statewide trail system. Helps balance development priorities among urban, rural, and backcountry, while providing a variety of trail activities and types so a diverse, integrated trail system develops. Promotes an environmentally appropriate trail design, construction and management. Increases the availability of, and improves, trails information and education. Encourages trail stewardship in the State of Colorado through partnerships, volunteerism and youth programs. Invests in outdoor infrastructure through well-planned, on-going commitments to meeting a growing population’s expectations for a wide range of safe, maintained trails to enjoy the outdoors. Continues and expands efforts to embrace new funding opportunities available through resourceful and creative leveraging of private and public funds. Manages trails within the constraints of sustainable landscapes, acknowledging the dependence of recreational opportunities and economic factors on healthy ecological system, and cultural and community integrity.

The proposed Phil's World Trail Expansion Project meets several of the State Trails Program's goals and objectives including 1) Contributes to an integrated, statewide trail system, 2) Promotes an environmentally appropriate trail design, construction and management, and 3) Encourages trail stewardship in the State of Colorado through partnerships, volunteerism and youth programs. There is currently a dearth of trail connectivity in rural, Southwest Colorado and there is a compelling need for community trails and recreation opportunities that also incorporate environmentally appropriate trail design, construction and management while encouraging trail stewardship through partnerships, volunteerism and youth programs. It's also significant that this trail expansion project not only addresses unmet recreational trail needs that will result in improved health and quality of life for a diversity of trail users, but this project will improve trail access and connectivity. The proposed trail expansion will add two new trail access points and connect the towns of Cortez and Dolores and provide connectivity and access from the Cortez Recreation Center, Kepler Elementary School, Dolores High School, and the Dolores Town Park thus contributing to an integrated, statewide trail system. The proposed trail expansion also meets environmentally appropriate trail design, construction and management by incorporating the IMBA standards to create sustainable trails that need minimal maintenance by limiting weather and trail use erosion. Through community collaboration with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, BLM, SWCCA, Southwest Conversation Corps, Colorado State Trust, Kokopelli Bike and Board, and Cortez High School, this proposed expansion project addresses an unmet trail need while increasing trail connectivity and promoting environmentally appropriate trail design intended to impact diverse trail users and increase community health and wellness. Additionally, on National Public Lands Day (September 26, 2015), the BLM and San Juan Mountain Association sponsored a volunteer trash collection at Phil's World that included 50 volunteers and resulted in 2000 pounds of garbage collection in the proposed trail expansion area. The local Girl Scouts, Baker Sanitation, Osprey Packs and Montezuma County all donated to this collaborative community volunteer effort, which included local youth, to restore the scenic lands and enhance the natural, historical and cultural value of the area. SWCCA works with the local high school to have high school seniors complete their required community service hours by volunteering for trail work days. The club provides the tools, crew leaders, and instruction to these seniors.

Selection Criteria Questions

9. Public Comment: Public notification is mandatory for all projects. Projects without public involvement are not eligible for rating. Describe the methodology used (public meetings, survey, petitions, etc.), to determine the need for the proposed project reflective of the general public, adjacent landowners, and other interested parties. Describe the public planning process that identified this specific project as a priority. Is the project listed as a priority in an adopted planning document or other agency documents? If so, describe that plan including when it was adopted, the opportunities the public had to comment on it, and the priority this project is listed as within it. If this project is not the top priority in that plan; discuss why it is being pursued at this time. OR Was this project identified through an independent planning process? If so, describe the specific opportunities the public had to comment on this project. If public meetings were held, include the number of meetings, when they were held, how they were advertised and the number of people that attended. If a survey was distributed, how many people and what groups were surveyed? How many people responded? Provide one copy of a blank survey. (10 points) The 2015 Resource Management Plan identified the Phil's World area as part of a Special Recreation Management Area, “The RMZ (Recreation Management Zone) would provide opportunities primarily to Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos area residents to engage in strenuous to easy exercise in a predominantly natural appearing environment. The area provides opportunities for primary targeted activities, including moderately challenging mountain biking, hiking, trail running, dog walking, and similar activities through diverse terrain on trails that are close to the local communities." This trail proposal would help implement the vision of the Resource Management Plan for this area. The RMP was developed over the past 15 years and signed on Feb 27, 2015. Of special note for this planning process, the USFS and BLM conducted a broad, thorough, and innovative community-based public input process that far exceeded the typical efforts of a federal lands scoping process. Between January 2005 and January 2006, the agencies coordinated 21 professionally facilitated public meetings with a total of more than 450 registered attendees. Open to all participants, these meetings were heavily advertised with local and regional media. More than 3000 comments were collected pertinent to the specific landscapes discussed in each meeting. Using the information and the public input generated throughout the scoping period and early planning stages, the USFS and the BLM completed the Draft LRMP/EIS, for which the EPA published a Notice of Availability (NOA) in December 2007. The NOA initiated the 90 day public comment period required for planning actions The USFS and BLM further refined the Draft LRMP/EIS based upon public comment, and issued the Proposed LRMP/Final EIS in September 2013. As described in Section 2.1.1 and the “Director's Protest Resolution Report, Proposed Tres Rios Field Office Land and Resource Management Plan & Final Environmental Impact Statement, a protest period was provided for the BLM land use plan decisions contained in the Proposed LRMP/Final EIS. Twenty-five timely letters of protest were received by the BLM's Washington Office, the office responsible for resolving the protests on behalf of the BLM Director. Of the 25 letters, 14 were determined to have standing as participants in the planning process and to contain valid protest issues. The BLM granted one protest in part, resulting in the BLM's commitment to complete a future plan amendment to address additional potential areas of critical environmental concern."-pages 1-13 and 1-14 from the 2015 Record of Decision for the RMP.

Selection Criteria Questions

10. Summarize the feedback received from the public and how it was determined that your constituents want and will use the project? What did you learn from the processes discussed above? (5 points) Regarding this specific trail expansion proposal: Formal Scoping letter mailed out to Interested Public mailing list: Dec 15th,2014 Article including scoping notice in Cortez Journal: Jan 7th, 2015. Formal Scoping notice on BLM NEPA website: Jan 8th, 2015 Various notices on the KSJD, local radio station out of Cortez. Update letter sent to Interested Public mailing list: May 1, 2015. Scoping response: roughly 4:1 in favor of trail development of those who have individually commented. The included letters of support show support from the Board of County Commissioners, the City of Cortez, the BLM, and some local businesses. Scoping response Issue summary: Cultural: How would cultural sites (such as alcove, rock art, rubble, lithic scatter, and historic sites) be impacted from recreational trail use? Soils/Hydrology/Riparian: How would streams and riparian areas be impacted by proposed trail locations in canyon bottoms? How would trails adjacent to streams and alcoves affect water availability? Would trails built on steep slopes and sensitive soils result in increased erosion? How would trails in canyon bottoms affect riparian vegetation? Invasive Species/Noxious Weeds: How would trail construction and use impact the spread and establishment of noxious weeds species? Vegetation: How would new trail construction impact existing vegetative communities? Access: How would trail development and use affect use of county roads? How would trail development and use affect safety of users accessing the trail systems (access available away from highway 160, new access/egress along county roads). How would adjacent private lands be impacted by increased use of currently `undeveloped' portions of the landscape? Wildlife: How would trail construction and use impact federally listed Threatened and Endangered and Sensitive, species? How would trail construction and use impact other wildlife such as migratory bird and big game species, and raptors? Socio-Economics: How would development of new trails impact the local (Montezuma County) economy? How would development of new trails impact property values (adjacent properties and local area)? How would development of new trails impact economic impact associated with other existing or potential uses of the project area (hunting, wildlife viewing)? Recreation: How would trail development and use impact dispersed use of the area by other recreational users (hikers, walkers, hunters)? How would trail development and use enhance existing riding opportunities (new terrain, views, challenge, social interactions, connectivity to communities)? How would trail development and use affect amount of trash on landscape? How would trail development and use affect existing motorized riding opportunities? How would trail development and use affect personal and community benefits associated with non-motorized trail use? How would trail and trailhead development affect use by other non-motorized single track users (equestrian, hiking)? Visual Resources: How would trail and trailhead development and use affect the visual setting of the landscape? The BLM is in the process of conducting an Environmental Assessment with alternative actions designed to address the issues identified during scoping, which should be completed by Spring, 2016. They are working with CPW on wildlife concerns, and with their archeologist on cultural concerns.

Selection Criteria Questions

11. Who is opposed to the project? Have neighbors, user groups, or other parties objected to the project? Include any letters, petitions, news articles, or other documents evidencing opposition. What has been done to address the concerns of those opposing and how has the opposition responded? (5 points) A petition was circulated by an adjacent landowner which had 69 signatories against the trail development. BLM won't release the petition without the proper process as it has a lot of personal information on it. The SWCCA hosted a meeting with local landowners, including the originator of the petition, as well as some that had signed the petition, to answer questions and address concerns. All three of the Montezuma County Commissioners were present at this meeting, and interacted with landowners as well as with the SWCCA. A number of adjacent landowners are in favor of the proposed trails, or neutral. The proposed trails were routed to minimize visibility from adjacent homes. The Commissioners made strong statements to the effect that public lands belong to all citizens. The concerns that came out of that meeting were: 1.) Wildlife - the landowners are worried that the proposed bike trails will negatively effect the wildlife in the area. BLM has been working with CPW to address this issue. 2.) Cattle - a simple concern that we may need to install fencing in one location to keep cattle from wandering off on the trails 3.) Additional traffic on County Roads that are in poor condition - This was a big one and we mostly deferred this to the County Commissioners as the club really can't take on responsibility for maintaining County roads just because we have a bike trail close by. The County Commissioners agreed with this, and mentioned that the County had just acquired three roller/compactors to use on the dirt roads so that they hold up better. 4.) Spread of noxious weeds - there is a concern that the bikers will bring in non-native weeds and they will spread in the area. 5.) Hunting- this one was harder to understand but it seemed like for the most part the landowners wanted hunting to continue to be allowed in the area.

Selection Criteria Questions

12. Is the project “shovel ready?” Provide evidence that it will be completed in approximately two years of the award date. Will construction begin upon receipt of a State Trails Grant Award? If not, explain why. Is the design and engineering complete or is there work yet to be done to get this project ready for construction? (5 points) BLM is doing an Environmental Assessment, which should be finalized by Spring 2016. The proposed trails have been GPS'd and in some cases pin flagged. Minor adjustments have been made by BLM to avoid archeological and sensitive wildlife sites. The Southwest Conservation Corps Regional Director has stated that they can have crews available for 8 weeks in 2016 and for 8 weeks in 2017. SWCCA tallied 800 hours of volunteer trailwork in 2014, and we expect that we can provide at least that many hours each year of the two-year period. Trails 2000 out of Durango, with about 3500 members, have said that they would like to help, as well.. Substantial sections of the proposed trails are on flat to rolling terrain, that has been fire mitigated, pinions and junipers thinned and limbed, and ground vegetation has been masticated/mulched. These areas will require much less effort to build the trails. The design and engineering of the more challenging sections will be determined with the Southwest Conservation Corps, who has the expertise.

Selection Criteria Questions

13. Describe your ability to complete the specific transaction(s) that will be necessary to accomplish this project. How have you demonstrated your ability with similar transactions? Describe your staff expertise and financial resources that will be used to complete this project, and similar information about partners who will assist you in completing the project. Please provide a list of projects from the last three years; including the project title, award, and year the project was funded (5 points) This year the SWCCA put together a package to improve the access road to Phil's World. The road was really rough, with exposed sandstone outcrops. SWCCA received $8190 of in-kind contributions for a D-8 (large) bulldozer for rock ripping and a road grader to spread aggregate base course (gravel), We also received $5500 of cash donations for 30 truckloads of aggregate base course. The project became more challenging when the Colorado Department of Transportation insisted that an Access Permit was needed for access to Highway 160 before any construction could take place. Research and discussion showed that the road was in a right-of-way owned by the BLM, crossing State Trust Land. SWCCA put together the application and all of the documentation as the applicant, and coordinated with the BLM as the owner, to acquire the Access Permit. Our Secretary Philip Ayers was the project manager for this project, which has been completed. Philip Ayers, as a Firewise Ambassador, applied for and received a $7500 grant for neighborhood fire mitigation work last year. This project required a 25% match of cash and/or in-kind, which was successfully completed by meeting the 25% match with in-kind volunteer work. Mr. Ayers worked for the National Park Service for 27 years as a civil engineer and project manager, during which time he designed and managed numerous utility projects of up to $500,000. He was also the project manager for an approximately $3.5 million visitor center at the Florrisant Fossil Beds National Monument, and for an $8 million employee housing project at the Grand Canyon National Park. The existing 30 miles of singletrack at Phil's World were built and are maintained by volunteers organized by the SWCCA.

Selection Criteria Questions

14. How much of your planned cash match is secured? How much of it is yet to be raised and what are your plans for raising those additional funds? What is your “Plan B” if you are unable to raise those funds? Describe fundraising efforts and the cash or in kind partnerships established for this project. This does not include cash or in kind partners who have contributed to previous phases or will contribute to future phases. If cash or in-kind partnerships for this project were not possible, explain why. List, quantify and describe the volunteer contributions to be provided to the project. Include volunteer work with state agencies, municipalities, environmental organizations, schools, businesses, individuals and/or non-governmental groups. The current rate is $23.07/hour, found on: (www.independentsector.org/programs/research/volunteer_time.html. This link also has valuable information from the Financial Accounting Standards Board regarding quantifying volunteer time). (10 points) All of the cash shown on the budget form has been committed. The BLM is particularly excited to see this project proceed, as it will be constructed on BLM designated for recreational uses. The area was historically used for dumping trash and unsanctioned ATV use. The trail construction will include trash cleanup, and it is expected that the presence of recreational users will discourage these types of activities in the future. BLM is not able to fund the construction, but they have committed $4000 to the project, and turned to the SWCCA to get the trails constructed. SWCCA is contributing $3000, as well as 1600 hours of volunteer trailwork. Kokopelli Bike and Board is contributing $1000, as they are obviously enthusiastic about encouraging bike riding. The Southwest Conservation Corps has cash and in-kind matching as well. They charge $6300/week for their crews. Americorps provides and additional $1644/week, which supplements the income the crews receive, and which is considered a cash contribution. In addition, the crews work at a rate below private entities for the type of work. and it has been determined that this amount is $3619/week, and is considered an in-kind contribution.

Selection Criteria Questions

15. What is compelling about your community’s need for State Trail’s funds? Will the project (or components of it) get done if State Trail’s funds are not available? Will applicant and/or partner funds dedicated to this project be lost of State Trails doesn’t award a grant now? (5 points) While SWCCA is dedicated to improving local trail opportunities and experiences, the proposed Phil's World Trail Expansion Project would most likely not happen without state funding. The proposed 28.5 mile trail expansion and addition of two new trail access points would allow for equestrian trail use and address the currently unmet need for additional trails to address the current high use of the area by mountain bikers. In a high traffic tourist area that includes Mesa Verde National Park and other scenic, historic and cultural attractions, the expansion of the current trail system would increase trail opportunities for a diverse population of local and tourist trail users. State funds would allow the project to be completed in the next 2 years and the project will be developed, maintained and managed for long-term sustainability using IMBA construction standards. Additionally, local organizations and youth will be included in the trail expansion project and facilitate community development and opportunities to increase community health and wellness and physical recreation opportunities for a variety of trail users, including bikers, hikers, runners, walkers and equestrians. It's also significant that this trail expansion project not only addresses unmet recreational trail needs that will result in improved health and quality of life for a diversity of trail users, but this project will improve trail access and connectivity. The proposed trail expansion will add two new trail access points and connect the towns of Cortez and Dolores and provide connectivity and access from the Cortez Recreation Center, Kepler Elementary School, Dolores High School, and the Dolores Town Park. There is currently a dearth of trail connectivity in rural, Southwest Colorado and there is a compelling need for community trails and recreation opportunities that also meet the State Trails Program's goals and objectives of contributing to an integrated, statewide trail system, which incorporates environmentally appropriate trail design, construction and management while encouraging trail stewardship through partnerships, volunteerism and youth programs. Through community collaboration with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, BLM, SWCCA, Southwest Conversation Corps, Colorado State Trust, Kokopelli Bike and Board, and Cortez High School, this proposed expansion project addresses an unmet trail need while increasing trail connectivity and promoting environmentally appropriate trail design intended to impact diverse trail users and increase community health and wellness. Without state funding, this trail expansion project would most likely not be completed any time soon.

Exhibit B Budget Form Source of Funds

CPW Trails Total Project Total Funding Grant Request Match ($) [C] [A] [B]

Date Secured

CASH CPW-Trails Southwest Colorado Cycling Association BLM Kokopelli Bike & Board (cash)

$ 100,000.00

Americorps Subsidy for SCC

IN-KIND SWCCA Volunteers Trailwork

$ 36,912.00 $ 36,912.00 $ $ $ $ 57,904.00 $ 57,904.00 $ $ $ $ $ 100,000.00 $ 129,120.00 $ 229,120.00

SCC discount

TOTAL SOURCES OF FUNDS CASH

$ 100,000.00 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ $ 26,304.00 $ 26,304.00 $ $ $ $ $ $

Quantity/Cost per Unit

Qty

Cost

Total

CPW Funds

Total Project Total Funding Match ($) ($)

Insert Budget Line Item Category Southwest Conservation Corps 2016 Southwest Conservation Corps 2017

$6300/wk $6300/wk

Mini excavator 2016 Mini excavator 2017

$2250/month $2250/month

Supplies and materials Trail tools Trail signs

$1500/lump sum $600/lump sum $600/lump sum

Americorps Subsidy for SCC 2016 Americorps Subsidy for SCC 2017

$1644/week $1644/week

$ $ 8 $ 6,300.00 $ 50,400.00 $ 50,000.00 $ 400.00 $ 8 $ 6,300.00 $ 50,400.00 $ 50,000.00 $ 400.00 $ $ $ $ $ 1 $ 2,250.00 $ 2,250.00 $ 2,250.00 $ 1 $ 2,250.00 $ 2,250.00 $ 2,250.00 $ $ $ 1 $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 1 $ 600.00 $ 600.00 $ 600.00 $ 1 $ 600.00 $ 600.00 $ 600.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 8 $ 1,644.00 $ 13,152.00 $ 13,152.00 $ 8 $ 1,644.00 $ 13,152.00 $ 13,152.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 100,000.00 $ 34,304.00 $

USE OF FUNDS - CASH SUBTOTAL IN-KIND

Quantity/Cost per Unit

Qty

Cost

50,400.00 50,400.00 2,250.00 2,250.00 1,500.00 600.00 600.00 13,152.00 13,152.00 134,304.00

Total Funding ($)

Total

Insert Budget Line Item Category SWCCA Volunteer trailwork 2016

$23.07/hr

436

$

$ 23.07 $ 10,058.52

Exhibit B Page 1 of 2

$

$ 10,058.52 $ 10,058.52

(Award probably not until 7/2016) SWCCA Volunteer trailwork 2017 SWCCA Volunteer trailwork 2018

SCC Discount 2016 SCC Discount 2017

$23.07/hr $23.07/hr

$3619/week $3619/week

USE OF FUNDS - IN-KIND SUBTOTAL

$ 23.07 $ 23,485.26 23.07 $ 3,368.22 $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,619.00 $ 28,952.00 $ 3,619.00 $ 28,952.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1018 $ 146 $

8 8

TOTAL PROJECT COST 30% REQUIRED MATCH

-

-

$ - $ $ 23,485.26 $ $ 3,368.22 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 28,952.00 $ $ 28,952.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 94,816.00 $

23,485.26 3,368.22 28,952.00 28,952.00 94,816.00

$ 100,000.00 $ 129,120.00 $ 229,120.00 $ 30,000.00

Exhibit B Page 2 of 2

State Map

Vicinity Map-Phil’s World Trail Expansion

Detailed Map of the proposed trails with reference names. (Existing trails are black)

ID

Task Name

Duration

Start

Finish

Predecessors

1 day

Fri 4/29/16

Fri 4/29/16

2 mons

Mon 5/2/16

Fri 6/24/16 2

uarter 1st Quarter 3rd Quarter 1st Quarter 3rd Quarter 1st Quarter Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jan Mar May

1

2

CPW Commission Decision

3

FHWA Review

4

State of Colorado Award

1 mon

Mon 6/27/16

Fri 7/22/16 3

5

SWCCA Volunteer Work

3 mons

Mon 7/25/16

Fri 10/14/16 4

6

SCC Crew Work

8 wks

Mon 8/22/16

Fri 10/14/16 4

7

Winter Shutdown

6 mons

Mon 10/17/16

Fri 3/31/17 5

8

SWCCA Volunteer Work

7 mons

Mon 4/3/17

Fri 10/13/17 7

9

SCC Crew Work

8 wks

Mon 8/21/17

10

Winter Shutdown

6 mons

Mon 10/16/17

11

SWCCA Volunteer Work

4 wks

Mon 4/2/18

Fri 4/27/18 10

12

Administrative Closeout

2 wks

Mon 4/30/18

Fri 5/11/18 11

13

Grand Opening

1 day?

Sat 6/2/18

Sat 6/2/18

1 day

Wed 6/13/18

Wed 6/13/18

Fri 10/13/17

Fri 3/30/18 8

14

15

16

2 Years from Award

Project: Timeline (Phil's World Trail Ex Date: Wed 10/28/15

Task

Milestone

External Tasks

Split

Summary

External Milestone

Progress

Project Summary

Deadline

Page 1

View of Creek Crossing

Trash To Be Cleaned Up

View From Proposed Trail

View of Cash Canyon

Descent Into Cash Canyon

Typical Mesa Top Conditions

Typical Mesa Top Conditions

Gambel Oak Section

Challenging Section-May Require Short Hike for Bikers

Rock Work for Challenging Section

October 28, 2015 Colorado State Parks State Trails Program 13787 S. Hwy 85 Littleton, CO 80125 Dear State Trails Committee Members: Please accept this letter of support for the Phil’s World Trail Expansion Trails Project. The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is very excited to partner with the Southwest Colorado Cycling Association and is prepared to provide 8 crew weeks at a rate of $6300 per week for a total of $50,400, for each year in 2016 and 2017. SCC will provide a cash match, passed along as cost savings, of $13,152 acquired through other grants that support our program. SCC will also provide an in kind volunteer match with an equivalent value of $28,954 (based on the independent sector rate value for volunteers in 2014), for each year of the project. SCC is prepared to assist with tasks that include: trail layout, clearing and grubbing, constructing tread, drainage structure construction and trail maintenance. SCC serves a diverse group of young men and women and completes important conservation projects for the public benefit. Founded as a non-profit organization in 1998 to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, SCCs service and educational projects are sponsored primarily by land management agencies and municipalities throughout the southwest region of the U.S. The organization is headquartered in Durango, CO with locations in Salida, CO, Gallup, NM and Acoma Pueblo, NM. In 2014 SCC provided jobs and service opportunities for more than 750 young people, over 75% of whom come from the Southwestern states. SCC believes by partnering with the Southwest Colorado Cycling Association on this project, we will fully realize our mission which is, “To empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities, and their environment.” This project represents an excellent opportunity to invest in youth with paid opportunities to engage in local resource and community development. SCC wholly supports this application for grant funding. Please contact me at 970-403-0145 or by email at [email protected] if you have any questions about SCC’s support for the Phil’s World Trail Expansion Trails Project. Sincerely,

Kevin Heiner Regional Director Southwest Conservation Corps

Four Corners *Los Valles *Ancestral Lands www.sccorps.org