COZY POINT MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE and first reading to the City of Aspen Council and Mayor, for approval.
March 7th, Wednesday, 4:00pm - 2nd item on the agenda.
Where - City Council Chambers -
UPDATE : This is an important part of the process that we are hopeful will gain your attention - bring any questions and concerns and support for the ranch to the meeting. These are the steps in the process that take all of us closer to making Cozy Point Equestrian better and better! Get involved and stay involved !
Please come and support making Cozy Point Equestrian the best for our community!
The following letter was sent to the Mayor and City Council with missing elements in the Final Management Plan -
3/3/2017
Dear City of Aspen Mayor and City Council,
The Cozy Point Management Plan has been a long two-year process. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is happy to be involved and to speak directly to you at this time about the future of the long-term equestrian operations of Cozy Point Ranch.
The following items are missing from the current management plan, and we would like them to be included in the plan and incorporated into the new leases.
· The CSU Equine Experts should confirm acreage needed for horse turn out in paddocks and fields for stall horses.
· The improvement for the drainage, the footing, and the fencing for outdoor paddocks will need to be coordinated at the same time, and the horses removed from this area while this occurs. Again, the amount of acreage, need by horses for turn out, should be qualified by these experts.
· Currently there are trapped orders of mold, mildew, urine, bacteria and dust in the barn and arena. Proper daily, weekly, and monthly housekeeping would prevent these conditions from contaminating the environment. Insulation and ventilation of the barn and arena are mutually exclusive. Once the odors have been properly mitigated, then proper ventilation and insulation will help to maintain a healthy barn.
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council respectfully asks that these items be addendums to this final Cozy Point Ranch Management Plan. We have great hopes and expectations for this wonderful, City owned, public, Open Space property.
Thank You For Your Time and Consideration,
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council Board of Directors
Cozy Point Ranch - Immediate Action
To All Who Support Horses in the Roaring Fork Valley: WE ARE REQUESTING IMMEDIATE ACTION FROM “YOU”.
The RFVHC wants to encourage everyone to respond to the Mayor and the City Council men and women. They need to confirm that we are actively involved by responding to the City of Aspen’s Cozy Point Ranch Draft Management Plan. The deadline for ALL responses is November 18, 2016.
COZY POINT MANAGEMENT PLAN DOES NOT ADDRESS THE HORSE PART OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN WITH EQUAL CONSIDERATION. To read the plan in entirety, go to: aspencommunityvoice.com. Click on Cozy Pont Draft Management Plan, then on the right side – under document library you will find the plan (225 pages) Please read and comment on these pages, where equestrian improvements are discussed Pages 5,6,8,10,11,12,15, 16,17,25,26,28,35,36,38,42,46,47,49,54,55 and then original Management Recommendations found on page 81-83.
At the Cozy Point site visit on October 13th, an Aspen City Councilman recommended immediate action from horsemen and horsewomen. He emphasized several times that the City Council needs to hear directly from the equestrian community. He indicated that the horse community is losing badly in the numbers of respondents and notices to the City. Specifically, he recommended responding by sticky notes at these open houses, and for us to write responses on aspencommunityvoice.com. Please read all of the responses and give your “thumbs up” to comments offered if you agree and thumbs down, if you do not. Get in and stay involved.
In the past the RFVHC submitted many letters to the City of Aspen OST voiced by people in favor of keeping Cozy Point a welcoming public horse facility. We will be resending that batch of letters. Now that the Management Plan has been published we need to respond to their plan. We equestrians are not being heard.
WE NEED TO WRITE NEW letters, individually and directly to the entire council and the mayor. They will make the ultimate decisions for Cozy Point Ranch and they need to hear from everyone who cares about horses in our valley. Please send by e-mail to: [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]
You can also copy & paste to cc:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Please express your thoughts and feelings about the three-phase, 20 year plan, of the city’s vision for improvements at Cozy Point. Explain your connection with horses, how they have affected your life, why Cozy Point Ranch deserves a redesign and renovation enhancement after 34 years, how education with horses at Cozy Point Ranch serves our community, and add any other positive ideas that come to mind.
The farming and TREE supporters are currently doing their outreach very successfully. Let’s get cracking and flood the aspencommunityvoice.com web site with voices from horsemen & horsewomen. Please write new letters to the Aspen City Council.
We thank you in advance, RFVHC Board of Directors
March 7th, Wednesday, 4:00pm - 2nd item on the agenda.
Where - City Council Chambers -
UPDATE : This is an important part of the process that we are hopeful will gain your attention - bring any questions and concerns and support for the ranch to the meeting. These are the steps in the process that take all of us closer to making Cozy Point Equestrian better and better! Get involved and stay involved !
Please come and support making Cozy Point Equestrian the best for our community!
The following letter was sent to the Mayor and City Council with missing elements in the Final Management Plan -
3/3/2017
Dear City of Aspen Mayor and City Council,
The Cozy Point Management Plan has been a long two-year process. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is happy to be involved and to speak directly to you at this time about the future of the long-term equestrian operations of Cozy Point Ranch.
The following items are missing from the current management plan, and we would like them to be included in the plan and incorporated into the new leases.
- A Cozy Point Ranch Oversight Committee. It is important that the oversight committee be filled with individuals, who have no conflict of interest.
- A Veterinarian – recommended from CSU – must be from outside the area.
- An AVLT representative.
- A USDA – National Resources Conservation-Service – recommended - Derrick Wyle – soil conservationist
- A Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council Board Representative.
- A Wildlife Specialist –
- An Equestrian Architect – specializing in design and function.
- Due to the immediate infrastructure capital improvement needs, we recommend the Cozy Point Ranch Oversight Committee meet often, perhaps once a month initially, then quarterly, and then semi annually. One of the duties of this committee would be to implement a process for a review of annual performance, and establish a functioning method to handle complaints and incidents, so that resolutions can be remedied. The Cozy Point Ranch Oversight Committee will work together with all participating users at Cozy Point Ranch for the best outcome of the ranch for people, the livestock, the wildlife, and the land. Oversight members may visit the ranch and make notes for their oversight, then have coordinated meetings, phone conferences, supported by email communications. In this manner oversight may be guaranteed.
- Capital Improvements, which are recognized as an important element of the long–term viability of the lease premises shall be accomplished through the City of Aspen Asset Management Plan Process. This comes from Exhibit A, Long Term Stewardship lease Agreement for the Cozy Point Ranch and Equestrian Center page 4, # B. – Capitol Improvements. We ask that the Capitol Asset Plan, the Budget, and the Timeline for construction and completion be more clearly identified. The proposed capital improvements, which are identified in the Cozy Point Management Plan, must be confirmed with the Budget and Timeline, and an ongoing maintenance schedule for Cozy Point Ranch needs to be established.
- The RFVHC ask that the City Parks Department meet with the Equine Specialists from CSU, before capital improvements are budgeted for and implemented. The Veterinarian, the Equine Facility Specialist, and the Horse Management Specialist from CSU will give invaluable information for infrastructure improvements. This needs to happen immediately to keep to the suggested timeline of improvements, and to be fiscally responsible, and produce the best management practices.
· The CSU Equine Experts should confirm acreage needed for horse turn out in paddocks and fields for stall horses.
· The improvement for the drainage, the footing, and the fencing for outdoor paddocks will need to be coordinated at the same time, and the horses removed from this area while this occurs. Again, the amount of acreage, need by horses for turn out, should be qualified by these experts.
· Currently there are trapped orders of mold, mildew, urine, bacteria and dust in the barn and arena. Proper daily, weekly, and monthly housekeeping would prevent these conditions from contaminating the environment. Insulation and ventilation of the barn and arena are mutually exclusive. Once the odors have been properly mitigated, then proper ventilation and insulation will help to maintain a healthy barn.
- The RFVHC asks that RFP process must be open and fair, well publicized with clear parameters, and with real opportunity for new leaseholders. The original lease, named the Cozy Point Ranch and Equestrian Center, described the premises as consisting of 93.5 acres. The interim lease describes the premises as 32.5 acres, thereby reducing the acreage by 2/3. We want clarification that a new RFP lease bidder has the right to expand the acreage of the lease beyond the 32.5 acres without prejudice. The RFVHC asks that the any new lease be for a 5 years period. Five years allows financial stability for a business, but offers more flexibility for change.
- Public admittance to Cozy Point Ranch is critical for our community to access the only public equestrian center in the Roaring Fork Valley. Safe public parking must be available for truck and trailer equestrian access.
- The Horse Council and the equestrian community advocates for a trail leading from the Cozy Point Ranch Equestrian Center (public parking area) through the fields, across Brush Creek Road, to the Pitkin County owned Cozy Point South, and Sky Mountain trails. We ask for an immediate timeline for this project within this year. We realize that the Brush Creek Road Crossing may take some time to resolve, but we would like to start the process now. The Horse Council has an idea for a safe, an affordable road crossing option. The RFVHC is ready and able to assist with the truck and trailer parking, the trail, and the crossing to Sky Mountain Park.
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council respectfully asks that these items be addendums to this final Cozy Point Ranch Management Plan. We have great hopes and expectations for this wonderful, City owned, public, Open Space property.
Thank You For Your Time and Consideration,
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council Board of Directors
Cozy Point Ranch - Immediate Action
To All Who Support Horses in the Roaring Fork Valley: WE ARE REQUESTING IMMEDIATE ACTION FROM “YOU”.
The RFVHC wants to encourage everyone to respond to the Mayor and the City Council men and women. They need to confirm that we are actively involved by responding to the City of Aspen’s Cozy Point Ranch Draft Management Plan. The deadline for ALL responses is November 18, 2016.
COZY POINT MANAGEMENT PLAN DOES NOT ADDRESS THE HORSE PART OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN WITH EQUAL CONSIDERATION. To read the plan in entirety, go to: aspencommunityvoice.com. Click on Cozy Pont Draft Management Plan, then on the right side – under document library you will find the plan (225 pages) Please read and comment on these pages, where equestrian improvements are discussed Pages 5,6,8,10,11,12,15, 16,17,25,26,28,35,36,38,42,46,47,49,54,55 and then original Management Recommendations found on page 81-83.
At the Cozy Point site visit on October 13th, an Aspen City Councilman recommended immediate action from horsemen and horsewomen. He emphasized several times that the City Council needs to hear directly from the equestrian community. He indicated that the horse community is losing badly in the numbers of respondents and notices to the City. Specifically, he recommended responding by sticky notes at these open houses, and for us to write responses on aspencommunityvoice.com. Please read all of the responses and give your “thumbs up” to comments offered if you agree and thumbs down, if you do not. Get in and stay involved.
In the past the RFVHC submitted many letters to the City of Aspen OST voiced by people in favor of keeping Cozy Point a welcoming public horse facility. We will be resending that batch of letters. Now that the Management Plan has been published we need to respond to their plan. We equestrians are not being heard.
WE NEED TO WRITE NEW letters, individually and directly to the entire council and the mayor. They will make the ultimate decisions for Cozy Point Ranch and they need to hear from everyone who cares about horses in our valley. Please send by e-mail to: [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]
You can also copy & paste to cc:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Please express your thoughts and feelings about the three-phase, 20 year plan, of the city’s vision for improvements at Cozy Point. Explain your connection with horses, how they have affected your life, why Cozy Point Ranch deserves a redesign and renovation enhancement after 34 years, how education with horses at Cozy Point Ranch serves our community, and add any other positive ideas that come to mind.
The farming and TREE supporters are currently doing their outreach very successfully. Let’s get cracking and flood the aspencommunityvoice.com web site with voices from horsemen & horsewomen. Please write new letters to the Aspen City Council.
We thank you in advance, RFVHC Board of Directors
COZY POINT RANCH
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is working to create a concept for a beautiful, orderly, functional, and productive Cozy Point Ranch. We want to promote and enhance the historic use of the ranch as an equestrian center and riding school. The educational opportunities of the ranch including: agriculture such as TREE or ACES, riparian restoration, archery, and Western Heritage awareness, which corresponds beautifully with the educational opportunities offered by the equestrian facility.
We would like to conserve our resources & pool our knowledge and collaborate with private, non-profit, City & County entities to come up with a well-planned, thoughtful, functional management plan for sustainable use of this property, which will benefit our community.
LET’S REVIEW THE HISTORY OF COZY POINT
Jotham (Jote) and his son True A Smith were prominent ranchers where Cozy Point Ranch stands today. General land office records indicate that Jotham Smith settled the land on Cozy Point Ranch in 1885, he received a patent for 154.75 acres of land, with a 2nd patent in section 21 under the desert land act in 1907 to expand the acreage up to 300. According to the Rocky Mountain Sun Newspaper, Oct 3, 1885; “the largest ranch and perhaps the most profitable, is that of Jote Smith, at the mouth of Brush Creek. Mr. Smith purchased this ranch in 1883, of several parties, and has over 300 acres of land. He has this year 90 acres of oats, of heavy yield, part of which will go 60 bushels to the acres. He will have between 3,500 and 4,000 bushels from this field. This crop is worth $6000 at least.”
True A Smith was a true horseman and horse breeder and was a member of the Roaring Fork Percheron Horse Breeders Association. True put an advertisement in the Aspen Daily Times, April 3, 1906 reads; “Wanted at once. A first Class horseman to handle the percheron stallion “ Boston” for the season 1906. None but a sober, competent man need apply. See True A Smith, Rathbone.”
See attached article in the Aspen Daily Times dated 1905, about the famous French imported percheron stallion, ”Boston”. Obviously the Smiths spent their profit from the land for this famous breeding stallion, and were very committed to raising outstanding horses. The history of horses goes back to the beginning of ranching on this property.
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is working to create a concept for a beautiful, orderly, functional, and productive Cozy Point Ranch. We want to promote and enhance the historic use of the ranch as an equestrian center and riding school. The educational opportunities of the ranch including: agriculture such as TREE or ACES, riparian restoration, archery, and Western Heritage awareness, which corresponds beautifully with the educational opportunities offered by the equestrian facility.
We would like to conserve our resources & pool our knowledge and collaborate with private, non-profit, City & County entities to come up with a well-planned, thoughtful, functional management plan for sustainable use of this property, which will benefit our community.
LET’S REVIEW THE HISTORY OF COZY POINT
Jotham (Jote) and his son True A Smith were prominent ranchers where Cozy Point Ranch stands today. General land office records indicate that Jotham Smith settled the land on Cozy Point Ranch in 1885, he received a patent for 154.75 acres of land, with a 2nd patent in section 21 under the desert land act in 1907 to expand the acreage up to 300. According to the Rocky Mountain Sun Newspaper, Oct 3, 1885; “the largest ranch and perhaps the most profitable, is that of Jote Smith, at the mouth of Brush Creek. Mr. Smith purchased this ranch in 1883, of several parties, and has over 300 acres of land. He has this year 90 acres of oats, of heavy yield, part of which will go 60 bushels to the acres. He will have between 3,500 and 4,000 bushels from this field. This crop is worth $6000 at least.”
True A Smith was a true horseman and horse breeder and was a member of the Roaring Fork Percheron Horse Breeders Association. True put an advertisement in the Aspen Daily Times, April 3, 1906 reads; “Wanted at once. A first Class horseman to handle the percheron stallion “ Boston” for the season 1906. None but a sober, competent man need apply. See True A Smith, Rathbone.”
See attached article in the Aspen Daily Times dated 1905, about the famous French imported percheron stallion, ”Boston”. Obviously the Smiths spent their profit from the land for this famous breeding stallion, and were very committed to raising outstanding horses. The history of horses goes back to the beginning of ranching on this property.
WHERE DID THE NAME COZY POINT COME FROM?
Gladyce Hart Christiansen reported that the True Smith Ranch was noted for it’s big barn, and that the True Smith family lived here for many years. She noted that the railroad stop at Shale Bluffs was called Cozy Point, and that is how the ranch came to keep the name it has today. Legend has it, according to Ellamae Huffine Phillips, in the book “Aspen, The Quiet Years”, is quoted as saying that Cozy Point got it’s name from a railroad tunnel that was located a the base of shale bluffs.
“The boys would get their girl friends and buggies ……. And get together and a bunch of them would go in that tunnel and smooch. They would drive their buggies in. That’s how it got the name Cozy Point.”
Gladyce Hart Christiansen reported that the True Smith Ranch was noted for it’s big barn, and that the True Smith family lived here for many years. She noted that the railroad stop at Shale Bluffs was called Cozy Point, and that is how the ranch came to keep the name it has today. Legend has it, according to Ellamae Huffine Phillips, in the book “Aspen, The Quiet Years”, is quoted as saying that Cozy Point got it’s name from a railroad tunnel that was located a the base of shale bluffs.
“The boys would get their girl friends and buggies ……. And get together and a bunch of them would go in that tunnel and smooch. They would drive their buggies in. That’s how it got the name Cozy Point.”
Photograph in 1913 of Lewis and Mary Vagneur in a carriage in Aspen, with Smuggler Mountain in the background. There is a mining structure that is also visible. Perhaps they were on their way to or from the favored sweetheart tunnel?
HOW LONG HAVE HORSES BEEN HERE?
Aspen Journalism
September 29, 2014 Ice Age discovery project picks up momentum
By Madeleine Osberger/Aspen Journalism
HOW LONG HAVE HORSES BEEN HERE?
Aspen Journalism
September 29, 2014 Ice Age discovery project picks up momentum
By Madeleine Osberger/Aspen Journalism
More than mammoths and mastodons
A common element found in studies completed by former Field Museum director John McCarter in 2013, and the recently released Amaze Design feasibility report, is the scientific significance of the Ziegler Reservoir find. It’s well beyond the unearthing of a 16-foot-tall mastodon, many mammoths and the relatively rare ground sloth.
Research gleaned from the project already has upended some previous theories on climate and species that roamed this area between 40,000 and 135,000 years ago.
Three dozen mastodons, 18 tusks, ancient horses, ground sloth, salamanders, deer and tree pollen are some of the remnants that were preserved within the peat and clay layers of the moraine lake.
LET’S STAY TRUE TO OUR HISTORY - MOVING FORWARD
Conservation easements held by AVLT insure that these lands will remain unchanged in perpetuity. The AVLT Conservation easement recorded in Book 484726, page 6 of 19, filed 06/30/2003, specifically describes Cozy Point Ranch:
To erect, maintain- or replace one single-family home of up to 4,000 square feet, to erect, maintain or replace five Employee Dwelling Units of up to 1,000 square feet each and to maintain and redevelop an equestrian center, barns and other accessory buildings for the operation of a horse ranch and equestrian facility, with all enclosed buildings (excluding horse pasture shelters) limited to a building envelope not to exceed ten acres, as shown in Exhibit A. (below showing 11 acres)
A common element found in studies completed by former Field Museum director John McCarter in 2013, and the recently released Amaze Design feasibility report, is the scientific significance of the Ziegler Reservoir find. It’s well beyond the unearthing of a 16-foot-tall mastodon, many mammoths and the relatively rare ground sloth.
Research gleaned from the project already has upended some previous theories on climate and species that roamed this area between 40,000 and 135,000 years ago.
Three dozen mastodons, 18 tusks, ancient horses, ground sloth, salamanders, deer and tree pollen are some of the remnants that were preserved within the peat and clay layers of the moraine lake.
LET’S STAY TRUE TO OUR HISTORY - MOVING FORWARD
Conservation easements held by AVLT insure that these lands will remain unchanged in perpetuity. The AVLT Conservation easement recorded in Book 484726, page 6 of 19, filed 06/30/2003, specifically describes Cozy Point Ranch:
To erect, maintain- or replace one single-family home of up to 4,000 square feet, to erect, maintain or replace five Employee Dwelling Units of up to 1,000 square feet each and to maintain and redevelop an equestrian center, barns and other accessory buildings for the operation of a horse ranch and equestrian facility, with all enclosed buildings (excluding horse pasture shelters) limited to a building envelope not to exceed ten acres, as shown in Exhibit A. (below showing 11 acres)
See attached map.
This recorded statement is very specific.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
The RFVHC is hoping to work with the staff and other stakeholders for a collaborative Cozy Point Management Plan. We put forward this expectation in good faith and with a generous heart.
Sincerely,
RFVHC Board Of Directors
We are asking membership to support Cozy Point for continue equestrian use.
Click below to see our letter to Austin Weiss, City of Aspen Open space & Trails executive in charge of the Cozy
Point Management Plan.
Austin Weiss Letter
Access from Cozy Point to Sky Mtn. & Rio Grande soft track
RF Hounds Pony Club Letter
Equestrian Trails in and around Snowmass Village - October 2015
The RFVHC is excited to be working with Andy Worline and the Parks and Recreations Dept. Steering for Equestrian Trail Connectivity throughout the Town of Snowmass Village. Here is the map (showing in pink) the existing equestrian Trails at this time.
RFVHC members will be riding and exploring the TOSV trail systems this summer and will work with Andy to suggest loops and connectivity for our equestrian community.
Click here to view the equestrian trails map.
The Town of Snowmass Village has formed a steering committee to explore trail use, connectivity, and safety for all users. The RFVHC is well represented and the letter below was generated by Suzie Karlinski, to express the equestrian interest, and hold a key voice in the process.
Memo to: Andy Worline
From: Suzy Karlinski
Date: 10-23-15
RE: Snowmass Village Equestrian Trails
I am writing this on behalf of the equestrian members of the POSTR Steering Committee, as a member of the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council and as a 16- year equestrian resident of Snowmass Village.
Goals for the equestrian community are:
1. To have safe ‘shared’ trails throughout the Village. What are ‘safe’ shared trails? Bikes and horses can safely share trails when trail design allows a horse sufficient visual advance of oncoming bikes (in other words, straight-aways are generally safe whereas repeated hairpin turns are not). Another aspect of safety is that horses have a flat place to move off the trail in order to allow for passing bikes. In areas of the trail where there exists steepness on both sides of the trail, that is considered unsafe for horses.
2. To specifically identify unsafe equestrian trails. For example, parts of Sky Mountain (which is a shared trail) are safe for shared traffic and certain parts are not. We must identify the unsafe parts of Sky Mountain (and all other shared trails).
3. To create separate, dedicated equestrian trails where current shared trails are determined unsafe for horses.
4. To have connectivity of all trails.
5. To create, where necessary, new trails that meet our connectivity goals. We would like to see an entire loop from rodeo grounds, over Sky Mountain to Tom Blake, to the Mall, to the Rim Trail, back to rodeo grounds.
6. To open Cozy Line Trail, Tom Blake, Ditch Trail, Sleigh Ride Trail, Government Trail officially to horses and/or create parallel alternates where it is deemed unsafe for horses to share those trails with bikers.
7. To ensure adequate parking and turn-around for horse trailers at trail access points throughout the Village.
In review:
Snowmass Village has a long history of equestrian activity. Horses are a distinct part of our Village heritage. Horses were using trails and in fact, creating most of the existing trails, long before bikes, or for that matter, skiing, came to Snowmass Village. We understand the popularity of mountain biking and the financial impact it has on the community. However, which group has a perceived greater value or sense of importance must not be drawn. As well, which group is greater in numbers should not enter into the planning of trails. We believe that bikers and horses can and should co-exist. It’s just that with the emergence of mountain biking on our trails, the dynamics of trail use has changed. Not so many years ago, equestrians rode Snowmass Village trails and rarely saw a biker. Now that trail use
and design is being discussed, it is critical that the equestrian piece be included.
Now is the time!
The City of Aspen is taking public comment now for Cozy Point Ranch. We need the community to weigh in on the Importance of keeping Cozy Point an Equestrian Center / Horse Ranch, with ample space for horse exercise, pasture turn out, trails, and please support the RFVHC mission for a new sustainable, clean, functional, and verdant facility for horses and the generations of equestrians to come.
Click here to view the timeline
Click here to download the questionnaire (PDF)
This recorded statement is very specific.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
The RFVHC is hoping to work with the staff and other stakeholders for a collaborative Cozy Point Management Plan. We put forward this expectation in good faith and with a generous heart.
Sincerely,
RFVHC Board Of Directors
We are asking membership to support Cozy Point for continue equestrian use.
Click below to see our letter to Austin Weiss, City of Aspen Open space & Trails executive in charge of the Cozy
Point Management Plan.
Austin Weiss Letter
Access from Cozy Point to Sky Mtn. & Rio Grande soft track
RF Hounds Pony Club Letter
Equestrian Trails in and around Snowmass Village - October 2015
The RFVHC is excited to be working with Andy Worline and the Parks and Recreations Dept. Steering for Equestrian Trail Connectivity throughout the Town of Snowmass Village. Here is the map (showing in pink) the existing equestrian Trails at this time.
RFVHC members will be riding and exploring the TOSV trail systems this summer and will work with Andy to suggest loops and connectivity for our equestrian community.
Click here to view the equestrian trails map.
The Town of Snowmass Village has formed a steering committee to explore trail use, connectivity, and safety for all users. The RFVHC is well represented and the letter below was generated by Suzie Karlinski, to express the equestrian interest, and hold a key voice in the process.
Memo to: Andy Worline
From: Suzy Karlinski
Date: 10-23-15
RE: Snowmass Village Equestrian Trails
I am writing this on behalf of the equestrian members of the POSTR Steering Committee, as a member of the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council and as a 16- year equestrian resident of Snowmass Village.
Goals for the equestrian community are:
1. To have safe ‘shared’ trails throughout the Village. What are ‘safe’ shared trails? Bikes and horses can safely share trails when trail design allows a horse sufficient visual advance of oncoming bikes (in other words, straight-aways are generally safe whereas repeated hairpin turns are not). Another aspect of safety is that horses have a flat place to move off the trail in order to allow for passing bikes. In areas of the trail where there exists steepness on both sides of the trail, that is considered unsafe for horses.
2. To specifically identify unsafe equestrian trails. For example, parts of Sky Mountain (which is a shared trail) are safe for shared traffic and certain parts are not. We must identify the unsafe parts of Sky Mountain (and all other shared trails).
3. To create separate, dedicated equestrian trails where current shared trails are determined unsafe for horses.
4. To have connectivity of all trails.
5. To create, where necessary, new trails that meet our connectivity goals. We would like to see an entire loop from rodeo grounds, over Sky Mountain to Tom Blake, to the Mall, to the Rim Trail, back to rodeo grounds.
6. To open Cozy Line Trail, Tom Blake, Ditch Trail, Sleigh Ride Trail, Government Trail officially to horses and/or create parallel alternates where it is deemed unsafe for horses to share those trails with bikers.
7. To ensure adequate parking and turn-around for horse trailers at trail access points throughout the Village.
In review:
- There is no connectivity from Owl Creek to the rodeo grounds.
- Sky Mountain trail is shared with bikers and is unsafe in some places.
- Trailer parking at the cemetery is an option that needs to be explored but we need equestrian trails that can take us from cemetery parking to Tom Blake and to the rodeo grounds. Perhaps Highline or Lowline need to be a dedicated equestrian only trail.
- The current Tom Blake equestrian trail only goes so far. We need a trail that will take us to the Mall, connect with Government and down to the Ditch Trail.
- The entire Rim Trail should somehow be made open to horses. Again, new adjunct trails may need to be constructed.
- Parking at the rodeo grounds is excellent but the lot is frequently closed.
- Parking at Tom Blake is very congested in the summer and rarely allows for trailer parking.
- Parking at Two Creeks is very good but trail access & connectivity are bad.
- Parking at the Divide is congested in the summer and not always conducive to trailer parking, but is a great place for horses to access trails.
- Parking at Cozy Point is good but we would like to be able to access Sky Mountain trail via Cozy Line.
Snowmass Village has a long history of equestrian activity. Horses are a distinct part of our Village heritage. Horses were using trails and in fact, creating most of the existing trails, long before bikes, or for that matter, skiing, came to Snowmass Village. We understand the popularity of mountain biking and the financial impact it has on the community. However, which group has a perceived greater value or sense of importance must not be drawn. As well, which group is greater in numbers should not enter into the planning of trails. We believe that bikers and horses can and should co-exist. It’s just that with the emergence of mountain biking on our trails, the dynamics of trail use has changed. Not so many years ago, equestrians rode Snowmass Village trails and rarely saw a biker. Now that trail use
and design is being discussed, it is critical that the equestrian piece be included.
Now is the time!
The City of Aspen is taking public comment now for Cozy Point Ranch. We need the community to weigh in on the Importance of keeping Cozy Point an Equestrian Center / Horse Ranch, with ample space for horse exercise, pasture turn out, trails, and please support the RFVHC mission for a new sustainable, clean, functional, and verdant facility for horses and the generations of equestrians to come.
Click here to view the timeline
Click here to download the questionnaire (PDF)