Alright here we go. Got to talk with Terry Savery today and got to discuss what I can release as far as trail information goes.
First off lets cover the
new trail(s)/trail expansion that is being planned. They will be releasing maps during the commenting period for people to preview what is planned for the Trail System. I wasn't given an exact time frame on this but as soon as I know I will let you guys know. So not only do we get a
new trail(s)/trail expansion, we will get time to comment on their plans to make changes etc.
2nd we have trail re-routes that will be taking place. The big re-routes will be covered in the comment period. The closest one to bet implemented is for Saw Mill, they will be laying out the re-route next month in July. So the re-route may be done as early as the end of summer, we will see though. Other trails have re-routes planned, BUT the details aren't set in stone for these trails so I was told not to release anything about them yet. Just know Saw Mill won't be the only trail undergoing re-routes.
3rd we have major trail construction will be going on starting after the July 4th weekend. Rocky Mountain Loop and Falls Dam will be the subjects of this work. She didn't have the contract details but there will be some fairly large changes going on. Due to the extensive work being done, the current plan is to close those 2 trails during the week, and have them re-open during the weekend until the trail work is complete. Which is better than what happened in 2008 when Falls Dam was closed for a couple months for the Art L. Memorial Campground construction.
4th is the bridge that will be going in. Most of you know the little tiny stream crossing before the "easy rock climb" on Dickey Bell (aka Streams Ledge). For those looking at a map the section between roads 553 and 6584. A bridge will be going in across the little stream to avoid sedimentation/runoff issues. So this section of Dickey Bell will also be closed in the post 4th of July weekend time frame. This is the smallest closure because that little section only accounts for maybe 5% of the Dickey Bell trail.
That part of the trail is technically an ATV Only section of Dickey Bell. If you have driven it before you probably noticed its a tight fit in areas with some sharp/close turns. This is why. It originally wasn't meant for ORV travel. But over time more and more rigs (ORVs) have been on it, so not many even know that its ATV only. So to keep this section of Dickey Bell open to ORV and ATV use, the bridge is going in.
That covers it for now. There is a lot more information out there concerning the trail system, it just hasn't all been cleared for public release yet. As more information is marked for public release I will post it up!