PROJECTS
WE SUPPORT YOUR PROJECTS - Scroll down to the index numbers - we made the #'s HUGE so you can find, what you want to read about. Are YOU a RFVHC member? Send us projects you were involved in...
See Below the Index You will soon find the video recordings and PDF's of our 2020-2021 Veterinarian Educational events
See Below the Index You will soon find the video recordings and PDF's of our 2020-2021 Veterinarian Educational events
1. Educational Projects are the projects that may not fit a category yet. Easy to find, hot button issues....
Want to know about the SNOWMASS RODEO ? How was the RFVHC involved in the rebuilding of the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds? Please go to this page: https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/snowmass-rodeo-2022-23-24.html. PLEASE SEE THE SNOWMASS WETLANDS PHOTO ESSAY HERE
2. Equestrian Parking Lots to keep Horses on Trails!
3. YOU - the Horse Owners, Stable Owners, Grooms, Ranch Hands and all horsemen and women involved with
keeping horses in the RFV and beyond
4. Work with Land Managers for Full Winter Closure of Wildlife Habitats
5. Our Local Ranchers by honoring ranches and families in the Roaring Fork Valley. Have a story?
6. Your Local Stables - send us photographs!
7. Roaring Fork Valley Youth - Parents - tell us about your instructor!
8. LOCAL PONY CLUB - WOW!
9. Our Members - we support YOU when it is time to say Goodbye & How We Honor our Older Horses
10. Horse Rescue - we can help!
11. We Support Equine Therapy in the Roaring Fork Valley - who do you admire?
12. Education and Safety for Trail Users
13. We Support Building Trails while Protecting Wildlife
13a. Crown Jewel Horse Trail
13b. Hay Park/Buzzard Basin Trail
13c. Pitkin County Open Space Trails
13d. Glassier Horse Trails
13e. The Rio Grande Trail
13f. Snowmass Village Horse Trails
13g. Crystal River Trail
13h. Thompson Divide
13i. Light Hill Trail
13j. Sky Mountain Park
13j. Mid Valley Trails
and more....to add, and more places to ride. Tell us YOUR stories...
14. Our Wildlife
15. Parking at the Sutey Ranch
16. Global Initiatives
17. We Support Equine Charities
18. We Support National Equestrian Projects -Support the Horse,The Nine Ethical Principles of the True Horseman
19. OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS are www.facebook.com/keephorsesontrails/ and Instagram #rfvhc
Want to know about the SNOWMASS RODEO ? How was the RFVHC involved in the rebuilding of the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds? Please go to this page: https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/snowmass-rodeo-2022-23-24.html. PLEASE SEE THE SNOWMASS WETLANDS PHOTO ESSAY HERE
2. Equestrian Parking Lots to keep Horses on Trails!
3. YOU - the Horse Owners, Stable Owners, Grooms, Ranch Hands and all horsemen and women involved with
keeping horses in the RFV and beyond
4. Work with Land Managers for Full Winter Closure of Wildlife Habitats
5. Our Local Ranchers by honoring ranches and families in the Roaring Fork Valley. Have a story?
6. Your Local Stables - send us photographs!
7. Roaring Fork Valley Youth - Parents - tell us about your instructor!
8. LOCAL PONY CLUB - WOW!
9. Our Members - we support YOU when it is time to say Goodbye & How We Honor our Older Horses
10. Horse Rescue - we can help!
11. We Support Equine Therapy in the Roaring Fork Valley - who do you admire?
12. Education and Safety for Trail Users
13. We Support Building Trails while Protecting Wildlife
13a. Crown Jewel Horse Trail
13b. Hay Park/Buzzard Basin Trail
13c. Pitkin County Open Space Trails
13d. Glassier Horse Trails
13e. The Rio Grande Trail
13f. Snowmass Village Horse Trails
13g. Crystal River Trail
13h. Thompson Divide
13i. Light Hill Trail
13j. Sky Mountain Park
13j. Mid Valley Trails
and more....to add, and more places to ride. Tell us YOUR stories...
14. Our Wildlife
15. Parking at the Sutey Ranch
16. Global Initiatives
17. We Support Equine Charities
18. We Support National Equestrian Projects -Support the Horse,The Nine Ethical Principles of the True Horseman
19. OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS are www.facebook.com/keephorsesontrails/ and Instagram #rfvhc
1. We Support educational and many projects for our members -
Please join in the fun.
Go to the Horse Health Events Page to Register and attend our get-togethers.
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HORSES HEALTH MATTERS!
This is an RFVHC Program sponsored by the Horse Council. Listed below will be the RFVHC Vet Educational Events with Chuck Maker DVM Links to PDF's and YOU TUBE Video recording of these lectures for your resource. December 08, 2020 #1 Trail Riding First Aid PDF (Video) UNFORTUNATELY THE VIDEO IS ONLY ABOUT 15 MINUTES LONG. IT WAS OUR 1ST ZOOM MEET AND WE WERE JUST LEARNING HOW TO ZOOM February 18, 2021 # 2 Lameness and Gastro-intestinal health PDF (Video) April 12, 2021 #3 Inside the Horse - Equine Cushings Disease and Insulin Resistance and Associated Laminitis PDF (Video) June 1, 2021 #4 First Aid Basics for the Barn and Trail PDF (Video) |
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Snowmass Rodeo 2022-23-24 - the entire project. Please go to this LINK: www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/snowmass-rodeo-archive.html
- In May 2023, the Snowmass Rodeo was voted by public opinion as the 6th best rodeo in North America. Here is the link: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-rodeo-2023/
Colic Prevention and Research Through research, we can find the answer to both the cause and prevention of equine colic. More than 64,000 horses die of colic-related problems each year. Horse owners want answers. The 14th International Colic Symposium, Edinburgh, Scotland held July 10th & 12th, 2024. CSU veterinarians, Dr. Yevette Nout-Lomas and Diana Hassel will attend. A RFVHC Members Story: The Galloway Family Judy and Ronnie Galloway have always had horses. Originally, they ranched in the Divide Creek area, where they had a 300 cow/calf operation, sometimes up to 1,000 head of yearlings and 30 horses. Now living near Mesa, Colorado, they use their Percheron horses to work their ranch and put-up hay. Their other horses help move neighbor’s cattle and they enjoy trail riding in the surrounding Grande Mesa National Forest. One of their trail horses had a mystery problem and local veterinarians recommended a CSU diagnosis. Judy had previously been a CSU graduate, so it was like old home week, when they arrived with their mystery candidate. Cervical osteoarthritis was diagnosed as the problem. The Galloway Equine Colic Research Fund was later created to help horses and their owners around the world. Causation of colic is not always understood successfully. We believe through research we can find the answer to both the cause and prevention of Equine Colic.
Snowmass Wetlands. Both the Rodeo Grounds at Town Park and the TOSV Wetlands projects rely on each other. In late August 2022, all parties that were interested in the Snowmass Rodeo Grounds came together and decided on a plan for the rodeo. The planning was delayed and the decision to not go forward in 2023 was decided upon, and left the wetlands project dangling. The orientation of the rodeo grounds still could become an issue if the wetland project is delayed. This photo essay should clarify some concerns and we hope will help show the issues.We want to be involved and help!
Let's Protect the Wetlands Photo Essay LINK
You were invited to a Thursday MARCH 30, 2023 American Trails Webinar featuring the RFVHC
https://www.americantrails.org/training/the-trails-safe-passing-plan-stop-speak-and-stand-back
Click here to find out details https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/trails-safe-passing-plan-tspp.html
Let's Protect the Wetlands Photo Essay LINK
You were invited to a Thursday MARCH 30, 2023 American Trails Webinar featuring the RFVHC
https://www.americantrails.org/training/the-trails-safe-passing-plan-stop-speak-and-stand-back
Click here to find out details https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/trails-safe-passing-plan-tspp.html
Sunday June 13, 2021 Thank you to Aspen Fire leadership and the entire RFV Horse Council membership that donated the funding and their time to making the Leslie Thomas Large Animal Training program a success. We are continuing to accept donations for this program. We are deeply grateful how this will assist in the large animal rescue of livestock, wildlife and horse rescue.
Here is a report: Report by RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo.
ASPEN FIRE LESLIE THOMAS LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM Training Session held by Aspen Fire June 12, 2021 This final day of the training program took place at Cozy Point Ranch, Aspen Co. This day was the hands-on portion of the 3 day training where 6 valley agencies came together to reveal the new equipment in action and learn its use in the field. The training was led by Gina Gonzales of the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority who conducts these trainings nationwide. The first two days covered equipment use and all necessary factors to prepare for this practical field emergency. The scenario was staged in advance by leaders of Aspen Fire and the participating responders were called by radio from nearby to the unknown actual scene as they would in reality. The professionals quickly assessed the situation and acted, not as quickly as they would in future emergency events as they discussed their roles and moves but practicing all they had been taught. The actual equipment consists of a large green animal slide board and 4 wide yellow webbing straps. In the photos, you can see the straps secured beneath the model horse in order to extricate it from the brush and debris where it fell. Leader Gina mentioned how some earlier rescue methods had injured an equine patient badly (example - pulling on neck or tail) resulting in further injuries and necessitating euthanasia.
The technicians commented that using this new equipment would be a huge improvement. The responders had also been trained in basic veterinary skills, assessing vital signs first in determining how to proceed. Safety around the horse was stressed by those participants familiar with horses, where to approach, how to calm, what to expect when the horse was pulled free. Although the technicians pulled the horse out manually in the first scenario, it was explained that some vehicle would be used for a real horse. In the second scenario, a horse and rider had fallen beside a bridge and the rider landed further downstream. “Life safety” was explained as human safety being the initial priority so the team split, part responding to the injured rider. Once the rider was located and paramedic help progressing, attention turned to the horse. Water was an added danger in this second scenario and the team quickly got the horse strapped in position on the creek bank to be extracted by a forklift borrowed from Cozy Point Ranch ( thank you to Cozy Point for your help ).
The participants I observed were eager and professionally curious. They worked so smoothly as a team, very impressive. As our Horse Council representative as well as Leslie’s friend, I was greeted with appreciation and enthusiasm. Having these trained first responders available to rescue a horse and rider is hopefully comforting to our RFVHC membership and our community at large. This is a great step forward in rescue techniques available to all of us! Compliments to all agencies involved and thank you from RFVHC!
Here is a report: Report by RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo.
ASPEN FIRE LESLIE THOMAS LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE PROGRAM Training Session held by Aspen Fire June 12, 2021 This final day of the training program took place at Cozy Point Ranch, Aspen Co. This day was the hands-on portion of the 3 day training where 6 valley agencies came together to reveal the new equipment in action and learn its use in the field. The training was led by Gina Gonzales of the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority who conducts these trainings nationwide. The first two days covered equipment use and all necessary factors to prepare for this practical field emergency. The scenario was staged in advance by leaders of Aspen Fire and the participating responders were called by radio from nearby to the unknown actual scene as they would in reality. The professionals quickly assessed the situation and acted, not as quickly as they would in future emergency events as they discussed their roles and moves but practicing all they had been taught. The actual equipment consists of a large green animal slide board and 4 wide yellow webbing straps. In the photos, you can see the straps secured beneath the model horse in order to extricate it from the brush and debris where it fell. Leader Gina mentioned how some earlier rescue methods had injured an equine patient badly (example - pulling on neck or tail) resulting in further injuries and necessitating euthanasia.
The technicians commented that using this new equipment would be a huge improvement. The responders had also been trained in basic veterinary skills, assessing vital signs first in determining how to proceed. Safety around the horse was stressed by those participants familiar with horses, where to approach, how to calm, what to expect when the horse was pulled free. Although the technicians pulled the horse out manually in the first scenario, it was explained that some vehicle would be used for a real horse. In the second scenario, a horse and rider had fallen beside a bridge and the rider landed further downstream. “Life safety” was explained as human safety being the initial priority so the team split, part responding to the injured rider. Once the rider was located and paramedic help progressing, attention turned to the horse. Water was an added danger in this second scenario and the team quickly got the horse strapped in position on the creek bank to be extracted by a forklift borrowed from Cozy Point Ranch ( thank you to Cozy Point for your help ).
The participants I observed were eager and professionally curious. They worked so smoothly as a team, very impressive. As our Horse Council representative as well as Leslie’s friend, I was greeted with appreciation and enthusiasm. Having these trained first responders available to rescue a horse and rider is hopefully comforting to our RFVHC membership and our community at large. This is a great step forward in rescue techniques available to all of us! Compliments to all agencies involved and thank you from RFVHC!
MUSTANGS MATTER!
Here is a PDF of the Herd Management Areas, that you may recognize as being close to the state where you live, or visit; the dates of the round-ups; the number of horses or burros they are gathering; the method that they are using to run the horses into capture; and the reasons. There is nothing that can be done to explain what is happening, but action by the populations begins with knowledge. Here is our first step in helping you understand an issue that is so distasteful that you must TRY VERY HARD to help. Please help by becoming informed. We are helping the Mustang Rally in Grand Junction on Monday March 29th...here is a link to the EVENTS page ....call up all your friends and meet them - for the sake of the mustangs! https://fb.me/e/5drghEG2f
Here is a PDF of the Herd Management Areas, that you may recognize as being close to the state where you live, or visit; the dates of the round-ups; the number of horses or burros they are gathering; the method that they are using to run the horses into capture; and the reasons. There is nothing that can be done to explain what is happening, but action by the populations begins with knowledge. Here is our first step in helping you understand an issue that is so distasteful that you must TRY VERY HARD to help. Please help by becoming informed. We are helping the Mustang Rally in Grand Junction on Monday March 29th...here is a link to the EVENTS page ....call up all your friends and meet them - for the sake of the mustangs! https://fb.me/e/5drghEG2f
WILDLIFE MATTERS!
LETTER FROM A LIKEMINDED RFV resident: "I hoping my own experience in this valley will compel you and every other decision-maker in authority who reads my letter, to take the opportunity to use to the full extent their influence and power to intentionally protect what is precious and distinctive in our valley. Please preserve and protect the rural and wild areas that are home to the treasured fauna found here in their natural state. We cannot stop change and growth—it’s inevitable! But, we can be smart by reducing negative impacts, identifying critical habitat areas, and construct new hiking and biking trails away from them. If we fail in our job to educate and support measures that will preserve, protect, manage and monitor our summer ranges, winter habitats, calving areas, and migration corridors by allowing them to be compromised and destroyed from thoughtless and careless decisions—simply for the sake of recreational pleasures, whether from intensities of use, and over use; or most especially from the use of motorized vehicles of all kinds, and dogs off leash—they will be lost from us, and for future generations.
It will take brave and responsible decision-makers to deny and restrict those things that we already know will destroy our sensitive and precious wildlife. The future and preservation of our exceptional Roaring Fork Valley rests with those noble persons who truly love this land and its wildlife and can muster the courage to defend and protect it. "
LETTER FROM A LIKEMINDED RFV resident: "I hoping my own experience in this valley will compel you and every other decision-maker in authority who reads my letter, to take the opportunity to use to the full extent their influence and power to intentionally protect what is precious and distinctive in our valley. Please preserve and protect the rural and wild areas that are home to the treasured fauna found here in their natural state. We cannot stop change and growth—it’s inevitable! But, we can be smart by reducing negative impacts, identifying critical habitat areas, and construct new hiking and biking trails away from them. If we fail in our job to educate and support measures that will preserve, protect, manage and monitor our summer ranges, winter habitats, calving areas, and migration corridors by allowing them to be compromised and destroyed from thoughtless and careless decisions—simply for the sake of recreational pleasures, whether from intensities of use, and over use; or most especially from the use of motorized vehicles of all kinds, and dogs off leash—they will be lost from us, and for future generations.
It will take brave and responsible decision-makers to deny and restrict those things that we already know will destroy our sensitive and precious wildlife. The future and preservation of our exceptional Roaring Fork Valley rests with those noble persons who truly love this land and its wildlife and can muster the courage to defend and protect it. "
E - BIKES MATTER - Act now
RFVHC ASKS : How do you feel when you share the trails with E-bikes? We are asking for anecdotal stories to share.
The Future of E-Bikes on Public Lands How to Effectively Manage a Growing Trend. Final Report. November 2022
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT
Feb. 6, 2023 How do we feel about them on the trails equestrians use ?
RFVHC Response to all partners on RFVHC Stand on E - Bikes letter with Link to Back Country Horsemen of America Webinar on E-Bikes
June 4, 2020 The link about e-bike's & the RFVHC response to the BLM on E-bikes and trails
The following link is about Bike USE in Arizona - A Survey. aztrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Perceptions-of-Conflict-Surrounding-Future-E-Bike-Use-on-the-Arizona-Trailsmall.pdf
RFVHC ASKS : How do you feel when you share the trails with E-bikes? We are asking for anecdotal stories to share.
The Future of E-Bikes on Public Lands How to Effectively Manage a Growing Trend. Final Report. November 2022
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT
Feb. 6, 2023 How do we feel about them on the trails equestrians use ?
RFVHC Response to all partners on RFVHC Stand on E - Bikes letter with Link to Back Country Horsemen of America Webinar on E-Bikes
June 4, 2020 The link about e-bike's & the RFVHC response to the BLM on E-bikes and trails
The following link is about Bike USE in Arizona - A Survey. aztrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Perceptions-of-Conflict-Surrounding-Future-E-Bike-Use-on-the-Arizona-Trailsmall.pdf
- Electric Bike Incident Reporting Form. The use of electric motorized bicycles (e-bikes) on non-motorized trails is increasing. While e-bike use on non-motorized trails might be authorized by federal land management agencies, few have done so to date given extensive requirements for stakeholder engagement and environmental review. Yet BCHA members continue to describe incidents of illegal e-bike use on trails shared by hikers and equestrians. Federal land managers do not attune to our concerns regarding heightened potential for trail conflict and safety issues associated with fast-moving e-bikes might be persuaded to authorize e-bike use in the absence of documentation of such incidents. In response, BCHA developed a reporting form wherein members can submit reports of e-bike encounters—either positive or negative—while enjoying natural surface trails. Over time, these reports could prove useful in identifying trail conflict “hot spots” and in making a case for land managers to proceed with caution when deciding where to authorize e-bike use. You can access and print out the form here. For mobile phone users, download the form here. Please forward completed forms to [email protected]
- We need to direct our readers to respond immediately to BLM, US Forest Service, and DoI directly and please copy us. These are the email addresses copied on the Wilderness Society letter. We press all horsemen, horsewomen, friends and outdoor recreationalists to write to the following leaders and land managers. We need a ground swell of your voices to help keep trail use organized and in keeping with traditional hiking, horseback riding and human powered bicycle use. The Secretary of the Department of Interior has already made the decision regarding e-bikes being allowed on multi-use trails. Horsemen will most likely see ebikes on the Crown, Redhill, our Historic Sutey Ranch , and other BLM managed lands and possibly on other US Forest Lands . On August 29th 2022 he issued order # 3376. In a nutshell, ebikes could be allowed anywhere on the Department of Interior managed Lands (US Forest, BLM, US Fish & Wildlife Agency) where other types of bikes are allowed including mountain bikes. Unless our voices can be heard. As horsemen and horsewomen, you need to become involved locally and stay informed if you find this concerning. The following link is a letter of protest signed by many agencies including the Back Country Horsemen of America explaining the negative impact this new order will have on our public lands and our enjoyment and safety. Here is the link to the Wilderness Society letter you can use: https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/letter-outdoor-groups-opposes-allowing-e-bikes-non-motorized-trails-public-lands
2. We Support Equestrian Parking Lots to keep Horses on Trails!
The information compiled into this document by the New Hampshire Horse Council and is to be used as a guideline along with seeking advice from expert designers; this document is not considered to be a standard. Information shown in bold print is a suggestion that may be used to adjust any plans shown.The figures mentioned in this document were samples used in other projects around the country. Figure 1 is a good sample of what might be used on properties hosting equine trail use. The samples shown can be easily changed or amenities eliminated as needed. Other design options are also mentioned.
rfvhcequestrianparking-updated_.pdf
We Support Parking at Sutey Ranch - and we GOT IT !
January 2020 During the fall and winter, the BLM working with various user groups is designing a new, enlarged equestrian parking area at the Historic Sutey Ranch. A new survey of the area was being accomplished. On September 27th the BLM received from the RFVHC the attached document that was loaned directly to the RFVHC from the New Hampshire Horse Council. Their 2014 document about the engineering of parking lots is being used by various land manager groups. Please contact the RFVHC with any questions or further insight.
From: Karin Reid Offield
Sent: Friday, September 27, 2019
To: Gurtler, Miles <[email protected]>
Subject: Sutey Ranch Parking -photos, current design specs and NEW ENGINEER DATA FOR YOUR REVIEW.
Good Morning Miles -
Please lets make the parking lot huge - lets take extra time and get this right…. More in-line with the Glassier Parking Lot with an abundance of space, easy for all equestrians, regardless of trailer expertise. The Historic Sutey Ranch as a horseback riding venue deserves it. We did some research and here is some specific information that we found for you to forward to your engineers to read and review. I’d like to see that your designs of this lot answer and fit the requirements spelled out in this document. ( See the link above)
I spoke with Debbie Briscoe the Chairman of the NH Trails Committee, and woman responsible for the report and she sent me the updated 2014 version of the document today. Attached here: The New Hampshire Horse Council made contact with other organizations, horse trailer manufacturers, highway department engineers, and horse councils to find plans for equestrian parking. They compiled the information into this document. If some information was different between the sources, they picked what would make sense and tried to explain them. They added their recommendations as shown in bold print and suggest they be used to adjust any plans shown. The document is sourced and complete.
So that we all remember, the following bullet points below were in the RFVHC submission to the BLM in 2018 for the Sutey Ranch.
For the RFVHC Board of Directors and Membership
The information compiled into this document by the New Hampshire Horse Council and is to be used as a guideline along with seeking advice from expert designers; this document is not considered to be a standard. Information shown in bold print is a suggestion that may be used to adjust any plans shown.The figures mentioned in this document were samples used in other projects around the country. Figure 1 is a good sample of what might be used on properties hosting equine trail use. The samples shown can be easily changed or amenities eliminated as needed. Other design options are also mentioned.
rfvhcequestrianparking-updated_.pdf
We Support Parking at Sutey Ranch - and we GOT IT !
January 2020 During the fall and winter, the BLM working with various user groups is designing a new, enlarged equestrian parking area at the Historic Sutey Ranch. A new survey of the area was being accomplished. On September 27th the BLM received from the RFVHC the attached document that was loaned directly to the RFVHC from the New Hampshire Horse Council. Their 2014 document about the engineering of parking lots is being used by various land manager groups. Please contact the RFVHC with any questions or further insight.
From: Karin Reid Offield
Sent: Friday, September 27, 2019
To: Gurtler, Miles <[email protected]>
Subject: Sutey Ranch Parking -photos, current design specs and NEW ENGINEER DATA FOR YOUR REVIEW.
Good Morning Miles -
Please lets make the parking lot huge - lets take extra time and get this right…. More in-line with the Glassier Parking Lot with an abundance of space, easy for all equestrians, regardless of trailer expertise. The Historic Sutey Ranch as a horseback riding venue deserves it. We did some research and here is some specific information that we found for you to forward to your engineers to read and review. I’d like to see that your designs of this lot answer and fit the requirements spelled out in this document. ( See the link above)
I spoke with Debbie Briscoe the Chairman of the NH Trails Committee, and woman responsible for the report and she sent me the updated 2014 version of the document today. Attached here: The New Hampshire Horse Council made contact with other organizations, horse trailer manufacturers, highway department engineers, and horse councils to find plans for equestrian parking. They compiled the information into this document. If some information was different between the sources, they picked what would make sense and tried to explain them. They added their recommendations as shown in bold print and suggest they be used to adjust any plans shown. The document is sourced and complete.
So that we all remember, the following bullet points below were in the RFVHC submission to the BLM in 2018 for the Sutey Ranch.
- RFVHC would like to see a large ample parking lot to accommodate truck and horse trailer parking at this Crystal Springs Road location. The RFVHC supports horse parking accommodations that would include a wide turning entrance, with an area to maneuver the trucks and horse trails to circle, park facing out, and ready to exit the wide passageway leaving the lot.
- Most trucks and trailer rigs are 40-60 feet in length. Separated parking often works best, when vehicles have designated parking areas. People unfamiliar with horses may not understand that horsemen and horses need extra space by the trailer for tying, saddling and loading.
- The RFVHC as Friends of Sutey will help monitor the parking lot to make sure it remains clean.
For the RFVHC Board of Directors and Membership
3. We Support YOU
the Horse Owners, Stable Owners, Grooms, Ranch Hands and all
horsemen and women involved with keeping horses in the RFV and beyond
Help us learn about our equine members and business members by filling out the Census.The purpose of this census is to educate our members and City and County officials about the income the horse industry generates in the RFV.
Landowners and business owners pay taxes in all three counties, and we want to preserve the heritage of the horse and our western culture in the valley. Visitors come west to enjoy our Western Heritage.
Your information will make a difference to their vacation experiences.
New On-line Census
(Click on this link above for an easy to fill out version)
Adobe PDF (Click here for a printable version to fill out by hand)
Below is an example of the census
the Horse Owners, Stable Owners, Grooms, Ranch Hands and all
horsemen and women involved with keeping horses in the RFV and beyond
Help us learn about our equine members and business members by filling out the Census.The purpose of this census is to educate our members and City and County officials about the income the horse industry generates in the RFV.
Landowners and business owners pay taxes in all three counties, and we want to preserve the heritage of the horse and our western culture in the valley. Visitors come west to enjoy our Western Heritage.
Your information will make a difference to their vacation experiences.
New On-line Census
(Click on this link above for an easy to fill out version)
Adobe PDF (Click here for a printable version to fill out by hand)
Below is an example of the census
4. We Support and Work with Land Managers for
Full Winter Closure of Wildlife Habitats
UPDATES SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 - 2022
Thank you to all that helped ! All three gates would close Dec. 1. The Prince Creek Road gates would open April 15, while Dinkle Lake would open May 15. The total cost of installing all three gates is about $12,000.
The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, the Roaring Fork Horse Council and area ranchers and landowners all support installing the gates, Mattice said. Still, officials plan to do outreach before installing the gates, probably by early December, Pettet said.
“I’m really supportive of this,” said Commissioner George Newman. “We’ve seen impacts on Dinkle Lake Road before. Young people have been doing donuts and destroying (parking) lots we spend a lot of time and energy on.”
Other commissioners wanted to make sure cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and other winter recreationists will still be able to access the roads after the gates are installed.
Here is a link to a newspaper article published September 28, 2019 that results in A BIG win for our wildlife....Thank you to everyone involved for taking the time and making a difference!
In our many letters to the land managers and our wildlife partners, the RFVHC, on behalf of our membership, has been working on this developing story. Thank you all for the leadership needed for your actions that will result in furthering “protected winter refuge”.
This is from the RFVHC August 15, 2018 letter to the County Commissioners: "The RFVHC, local neighbors, and concerned citizens throughout the Roaring Fork Valley ask that Pitkin and Garfield Boards of County Commissioners please consider winter closure for Prince Creek & West Sopris Creek Roads. Gates and signage, placed at the last resident’s driveways on both sides of the Crown, starting December 1, 2018 through * May 15th, 2019, will protect the Crown, one of the most critical winter wildlife ranges in the Roaring Fork Valley. Cameras at gates will also discourage trespasser’s entry. This may not eliminate all human, winter intrusion, however, gates will slow the ambitions of those, who put their own wishes above the needs of our wildlife. At the very least, they will have to work hard at their intent to ride fat tire bikes into the “protected winter refuge”.
Thank you for your consideration and commitment to protect the Crown’s winter wildlife refuge."
Holly McLain for the RFVHC Board of Directors
https://www.postindependent.com/…/closure-gates-proposed-f…/
Click here for Letter 8.15.18 to Pitkin County ty Commissioners
Click here for RFVHC 3.23.18 Letter to Prince Creek Neighbors
5. We Support our Local Ranchers
by honoring ranches and families in The Roaring Fork Valley
Strang Ranch-
The Strang Ranch has been a family run working cattle and horse ranch on Missouri Heights for over 50 years. Mike and Kit Strang have protected the land by placing the lands in a conservation easement. The Aspen Valley Land Trust holds the easement which keep the fields in agriculture and the activities on the land reflecting and preserving the heritage of working ranches in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys.
Nieslanik Ranch
The John Nieslanik Ranch is a working cattle ranch with 200 acres of farmed ground nestled at the base of Mount Sopris in Carbondale, Colorado.
The family has farmed this property since the 1960’s. Today, John, as well as his four sons, Mark, Marty, Mike, and Matt, are still living in the Carbondale community and are all active in ranching lifestyle. Nieslanik Ranch is part of the AVLT, sustaining beautiful open space ranch lands and ranch lifestyles, for this generation and into the future.
Please send us an email so we can interview you or a family member for information of your Western Heritage.
6. We Support our Local Stables
by honoring ranches and families in The Roaring Fork Valley
Strang Ranch-
The Strang Ranch has been a family run working cattle and horse ranch on Missouri Heights for over 50 years. Mike and Kit Strang have protected the land by placing the lands in a conservation easement. The Aspen Valley Land Trust holds the easement which keep the fields in agriculture and the activities on the land reflecting and preserving the heritage of working ranches in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys.
Nieslanik Ranch
The John Nieslanik Ranch is a working cattle ranch with 200 acres of farmed ground nestled at the base of Mount Sopris in Carbondale, Colorado.
The family has farmed this property since the 1960’s. Today, John, as well as his four sons, Mark, Marty, Mike, and Matt, are still living in the Carbondale community and are all active in ranching lifestyle. Nieslanik Ranch is part of the AVLT, sustaining beautiful open space ranch lands and ranch lifestyles, for this generation and into the future.
Please send us an email so we can interview you or a family member for information of your Western Heritage.
6. We Support our Local Stables
Photography by Roberta McGowan
Like ranchers everywhere, Colorado cowboys care about the state's natural resources. It is not uncommon for these men and women to spend a week or more herding cattle and sheep from mountain range to mountain range to prevent them from causing damage to fragile ecosystems by staying in a single area too long.
Like ranchers everywhere, Colorado cowboys care about the state's natural resources. It is not uncommon for these men and women to spend a week or more herding cattle and sheep from mountain range to mountain range to prevent them from causing damage to fragile ecosystems by staying in a single area too long.
Cozy Point Ranch Management Plan Response
To all supporters of horses, Western Heritage and Cozy Point Ranch,
Finally, we have RFVHC Board consensus for presenting our Management Plan Response document. Our intention was to get this done earlier but the time for analysis was longer than we anticipated. We are proud of the information presented, and we hope that you will review our efforts and take this document as a true attempt at honest helpful criticism to make Cozy Point Ranch better for everyone. Our belief is that planning for future expansion and growth must be considered for the sake of both Cozy Point Equestrian and Aspen TREE.
Please accept these reports with our kindhearted intentions to help bring Cozy Point Ranch up to the standards befitting a City of Aspen Open Space property.
Upload this Link Cozy Point - May 2018. PDF - 5/1/2018. RFVHC Letter To the City of Aspen, Parks and Recreation Department, and Pitkin Planning and Zoning: Response for - DRAFT April 28, 2018. RE: COZY POINT P & Z PLAN,
Link to RFVHC Compilation Cozy Point Ranch document - Written by the RFVHC team December 1 2016
How to Have a Clean and Efficient Barn by Karin Reid Offield and Brek-n-Ridge Farm
We are working on galvanizing the resolve for continued equestrian use of the existing facility, enhancing & restoring the natural riparian areas, supporting the open pastures and hay fields to continue a sustainable equine amenity for our communities public use. We want to support renovation of the existing barn, paddocks, and arenas. We can foresee the construction of a safe & beautiful cross-country course, with bridle paths leading from Cozy Point Equestrian Center to trails on site. We embrace the idea of connecting Cozy Point and the Sky Mountain trail system, with an equestrian, safe, crossing of Brush Creek Road.
Click here for past history on Cozy Point Ranch
7. We Support our Roaring Fork Valley Youth
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Thank you to Karen Kelly for the use of this beautiful photograph. See another photo by Karen on the Classified Tab
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Aspen Equestrian Team is a registered IEA Team with both middle and high school levels based at Cozy Point Ranch.
Aspen Equestrian Team Cozy Point Ranch February 2020
What a way to end our regular season!! Our middle school team ended up high point team for the day and qualified for regionals! Our middle team also qualified for regionals, and overall 8 riders qualified individually!! Everyone rode great today and we are so proud of this team!!
Local Equestrians - Qualifies for IEA National Finals
In 2017, Cozy Point Ranch was in the spotlight, hosting the Aspen Equestrian Team, part of the national organization, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), established 2002. We hope that in the years to come, students, riders, instructors and stables will post their good news here on the RFVHC website. .
Aspen Equestrian Team Cozy Point Ranch February 2020
What a way to end our regular season!! Our middle school team ended up high point team for the day and qualified for regionals! Our middle team also qualified for regionals, and overall 8 riders qualified individually!! Everyone rode great today and we are so proud of this team!!
Local Equestrians - Qualifies for IEA National Finals
In 2017, Cozy Point Ranch was in the spotlight, hosting the Aspen Equestrian Team, part of the national organization, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), established 2002. We hope that in the years to come, students, riders, instructors and stables will post their good news here on the RFVHC website. .
Zoe Guthrie, father David Guthrie, and Trainer Lisa Hall Flynn
The IEA is based in Melrose, Massachusetts. No rider needs to own a horse, and is open to public school, private schools, or barn teams for student riders in grades 6-12. Their slogan is “It’s your future. Take the reins.”
Please click here to read the article.
8. We Support our LOCAL PONY CLUB
In 2022, the Roaring Fork Hounds Pony Club celebrated their 52th Year in the Roaring Fork Valley. Find out how YOU can help, donate and join the conversation. RFHPC was founded in 1970 in the Roaring Fork Valley. Young equestrians from Aspen to Eagle to Grand Junction.
Go to our Gallery for pictures, stories and more! https://www.facebook.com/RoaringForkHoundsPonyClub/
In 2022, the Roaring Fork Hounds Pony Club celebrated their 52th Year in the Roaring Fork Valley. Find out how YOU can help, donate and join the conversation. RFHPC was founded in 1970 in the Roaring Fork Valley. Young equestrians from Aspen to Eagle to Grand Junction.
Go to our Gallery for pictures, stories and more! https://www.facebook.com/RoaringForkHoundsPonyClub/
9. We Support our Members, when it is time to say Goodbye and we support and honor our friends who take good care of their animal friends
A LifeTime Friendship - How it works for Deborah Hord - A story by Holly McLain CLICK HERE
A LIFETIME FRIENDSHIP
The story of keeping a horse through longevity. In 1991, Deborah Hord moved from crowded California to the Roaring Fork Valley. She was a beach girl who discovered the mountains and she was starting over. Debra grew up riding horses on her grandparents Missouri farm. Her Colorado dream would include a horse. In 1992, Deborah married Jody Mack, who helped her buy “Tonto” a two year old Paint/ Arabian cross gelding. Tonto (reg. name – Prince Scipio) is now 38 years old and his health and wellbeing is due to the love and care that Debra gives him........ .
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We Support helping our members with the difficult decisions of Horse Care: WHEN IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE -
During the difficult “end of life” time for our animal partners, your veterinarian and organizations specializing in animal welfare can help owners through the final resolution. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse council is in the position to help horse owners with the difficult decisions of Horse Care: When should we decide to let them go? Common wisdom says: When any animal no longer wants to eat; when they no longer have the strength to get up from the ground and when they are obviously in pain. These apparent struggles tell the owner there is no question, it is time to let them go. Sometimes older horses can take time to exhibit their slow decline. Many owners think horses can live forever. As the older horses near their end of life, owners have a responsibility to plan ahead for them. How will we let them leave this earth with dignity and kindness? Where will we bury them, or will we have them cremated? So many humans hold onto their animal friends past the time of kindness. For humans, the thought of life without their dear animal friends is inconceivable. The decision is a hard reality, but euthanasia is a kind offering for a suffering creature. Contact your veterinarian for information, guidance and support to help you resolve a gentle conclusion for your animal partner.
Cremation –
Horse Cremation – Five Lights Pet Crematory – Grand Junction, Colorado
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Pet-Service/Five-Lights-Pet-Crematory
(970) 858-9062
Small Animal Cremation – Alpine Animal Hospital - https://alpinehospital.com/
(970) 963 2371
Remembering our dearly departed horses & mules –
Many people cut a shank of their horse’s mane or tail to remember them:
Memorials | Horse Hair Mementos - www.horsehairmementos.com/Memorials/index.html
Equine Keepsakes – https://equinekeepsakes.com/
Go to: rfvhorsecouncil.org on the “Project Page” for a member’s testimonial.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. ”
– Anatole Franc
How can the RFVHC help you ? Here is a story from a local gal....Link Below:
A LIFETIME FRIENDSHIP
The story of keeping a horse through longevity. In 1991, Deborah Hord moved from crowded California to the Roaring Fork Valley. She was a beach girl who discovered the mountains and she was starting over. Debra grew up riding horses on her grandparents Missouri farm. Her Colorado dream would include a horse. In 1992, Deborah married Jody Mack, who helped her buy “Tonto” a two year old Paint/ Arabian cross gelding. Tonto (reg. name – Prince Scipio) is now 38 years old and his health and wellbeing is due to the love and care that Debra gives him........ .
==========================================================================================
We Support helping our members with the difficult decisions of Horse Care: WHEN IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE -
During the difficult “end of life” time for our animal partners, your veterinarian and organizations specializing in animal welfare can help owners through the final resolution. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse council is in the position to help horse owners with the difficult decisions of Horse Care: When should we decide to let them go? Common wisdom says: When any animal no longer wants to eat; when they no longer have the strength to get up from the ground and when they are obviously in pain. These apparent struggles tell the owner there is no question, it is time to let them go. Sometimes older horses can take time to exhibit their slow decline. Many owners think horses can live forever. As the older horses near their end of life, owners have a responsibility to plan ahead for them. How will we let them leave this earth with dignity and kindness? Where will we bury them, or will we have them cremated? So many humans hold onto their animal friends past the time of kindness. For humans, the thought of life without their dear animal friends is inconceivable. The decision is a hard reality, but euthanasia is a kind offering for a suffering creature. Contact your veterinarian for information, guidance and support to help you resolve a gentle conclusion for your animal partner.
Cremation –
Horse Cremation – Five Lights Pet Crematory – Grand Junction, Colorado
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Pet-Service/Five-Lights-Pet-Crematory
(970) 858-9062
Small Animal Cremation – Alpine Animal Hospital - https://alpinehospital.com/
(970) 963 2371
Remembering our dearly departed horses & mules –
Many people cut a shank of their horse’s mane or tail to remember them:
Memorials | Horse Hair Mementos - www.horsehairmementos.com/Memorials/index.html
Equine Keepsakes – https://equinekeepsakes.com/
Go to: rfvhorsecouncil.org on the “Project Page” for a member’s testimonial.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. ”
– Anatole Franc
How can the RFVHC help you ? Here is a story from a local gal....Link Below:
10. We Support Horse Rescue
Stories of compassion , sometimes a good ending or not. Each teaches our RFVHC membership more about horses and our world we live in. Click here for Kathys story\
SURRENDER PROGRAM: RE-HOME YOUR HORSE THROUGH COLORADO HORSE RESCUE
SURRENDER PROGRAM: RE-HOME YOUR HORSE THROUGH COLORADO HORSE RESCUE
- CHR’s Surrender Program is designed to help responsible horse owners who have run into a long-term life changing situation, resulting in their inability to provide continued to care for their equine friend. Generally, these owners are facing issues such as the death of a spouse, chronic debilitating medical problem, loss of home, or other catastrophic event.
- If you have found yourself in a difficult position, we encourage you to fill out a Surrender Application with CHR. This is the first step in the process.
- We cannot guarantee the acceptance of all horses in need of homes, as our facility is always running at or near full capacity. Each surrender is considered on a case-by-case basis and we accept horses as possible.
- Submit an online Surrender Application now. Online forms not for you?
11. We Support Equine Therapy in the Roaring Fork Valley
For Adults and Children with disabilities toward Grand Junction,
and on toward the Vail Valley
For Adults and Children with disabilities toward Grand Junction,
and on toward the Vail Valley
Equine activities can develop self-awareness, build self-confidence and improve concentration and self-discipline. Horses give a disabled rider a feeling of freedom and independence. The experience provides an incentive for learning. The rider seated on a horse is gently and rhythmically moved in a manner that is similar to human walking.
Introducing you to RIDE Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians -
The Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians is a private, nonprofit organization. We proudly provide equine-assisted activities through therapeutic programs to developmentally and physically disabled children and adults and offer equine-facilitated mental health activities.
These activities are designed to exercise a rider's muscles, increase the mobility of the pelvis, hips, and spine, and create an experience for the rider of walking on their own. Contact Dee: 970.876.2987 [email protected]
Windwalkers - Smiling Goat - Please go to our DIRECTORY on our website to learn more about our Equine Therapy Partners.
Introducing you to RIDE Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians -
The Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians is a private, nonprofit organization. We proudly provide equine-assisted activities through therapeutic programs to developmentally and physically disabled children and adults and offer equine-facilitated mental health activities.
These activities are designed to exercise a rider's muscles, increase the mobility of the pelvis, hips, and spine, and create an experience for the rider of walking on their own. Contact Dee: 970.876.2987 [email protected]
Windwalkers - Smiling Goat - Please go to our DIRECTORY on our website to learn more about our Equine Therapy Partners.
www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/trails-safe-passing-plan-tspp.htmlwww.rfvhorsecouncil.org/trails-safe-passing-plan-tspp.html
12. We Support Education and Safety for Trail Users - Nationally
and Internationally
12. We Support Education and Safety for Trail Users - Nationally
and Internationally
- RFVHC Signage in National News: The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is proud to have built this sign, now ABA & ADA compliant. We ask for your participation here in the RFV and beyond to share the Trails Safe Passing Plan to help make us all better trail partners. Share with all your friends!
- The Trails Safe Passing ACTION Plan: Stop! Speak and Stand Back will help both equestrian and other trail users better understand how the horse has evolved to use its extraordinary senses to understand the world around them and how the horses react to perceived threats in their environment.
- The "Trails are Common Ground Initiative" (TaCG), Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) in Lexington Ky. and Michigan Equine Trail Representative, Jenny Cook, collaborated with the RFVHC on a new educational resource entitled "Trails Safe Passing Plan: Stop! Speak and Stand Back" to help both equestrian and other trail users better understand how the horse has evolved to use its extraordinary senses to understand the world around them and how the horses react to perceived threats in their environment.
- The Trails Safe Passing Plan: Stop, Speak and Stand Back is not just about etiquette. The Plan is a guide to the rule of thumb for multiple trail users. If trail users read the Plan, and see our sign – equestrians will be safer - bottom line.
- There is not another recreationalist that carries the same amount of personal risk, when out on the trail, as equestrians do.
- Here's a personal story about a boarder at my horse stable. An older guy and his horse went out for an afternoon trail ride and met a hiking neighbor on the trail. Our neighbor was carrying some equipment and was standing behind a couple trees when my trail rider approached. Instead of speaking up right away and saying hello to the horseback rider, he stayed hidden until the horse suddenly spied him, whirled away, and dumped my guy. The rest of his summer was ruined convalescing, and we had to locate the horse. So, it is stories like these that can be avoided if we are educated. written by Karin Reid Offield
- For permission to use this copyrighted sign, please go to www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/trails-safe-passing-plan-tspp.html. or email us at [email protected] - you will receive a quick reply! All trail sign artwork is available to you or your organization in high resolution, scalable, and professional.
- Trail safety signs produced in 2015 in partnership with the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association, explaining - “What a Horse Sees” and “What to do when Mountain Bikes and Horses meet on a multi-use trail”. BLM has posted these signs at some trailheads.
13. We Support Building Trail, protecting Wildlife and Safety
Some of our membership has asked for safe and predictable horseback rides, without mountain bikes. In order to make the multiple user areas equestrian friendly, we work with the BLM, the US Forest Service and local city and county land managers and private landowners to carve out trails that are looped especially for horses and hikers for shorter and longer rides.
- The 2021-2022-24 RFVHC Survey Monkey is about 12 RFV Trails For Equestrians and Hikers - YOUR OPINION MATTERS... With the first release of the RFVHC sponsored Trails Survey Monkey Questionnaire for hikers and horseback riders, we want to thank the respondents to date - a cross representation of trail users that are helping the community land managers and saving them time by giving feedback. Every single piece of advice in the written comments will be carefully considered to help make our trails, parking. safety and signage better. Trails will become more fun. A critical component is the community’s interest is keeping wildlife safe and able to thrive. What are your ideas? If a trail area doesn't interest you, skip it...go on to the next. Please take the Survey: Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JL23DN3.
August 9, 2023
GLASSIER OPEN SPACE and a NEW HORSE & HIKE ACCESS TRAIL - A three day work session by volunteers hosted by PC OST and RFOV July 25, Aug 1, and Aug 8, 4-8pm each day was a huge success. This new trail will be available next spring and will connect two parking lots for trail access. More information to come! Here's our story LINK
June 22, 2023, Published June 28, 2023
https://SoprisSun.com LINK Here is the LINK to the RFVHC Summer 2023 work report
June 11 through the 16th, the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) partnered with the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) for a 5-day trail improvements project. Trail management teams from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); the United States Forest Service (USFS); and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PC OST) joined the RFVHC to maintain and improve some of valley’s most important hiking and horseback trails. RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo was the RFVHC host. Removal of Barbed Wire - Sutey Ranch for BLM; Perham Trail Work for US Forest Service; Crown Jewel Equestrian Trail for BLM; Glassier Equestrian Trail and a connection trail from Emma Open Space to the Rio Grande Trail for PC OST and RFTA. RFVHC Trails Chair Susan Cuseo was the RFVHC host.
March 2022 THE CROWN: BLM has asked the public about more mountain bike trails on the Crown. The cost of building these bike trails now well over $200,000.00. The RFVHC Here are the comments we shared ....Here is the link More Trails on the Crown PDF
June 4, 2020
Dear Partners and Land Managers,
Last week we delivered this RFVHC Board of Directors' response to the BLM's request for comment on allowing Electric Bikes to share our equestrian trails.Our letter is short and to the point. We have a membership of over 500 diverse members - many of whom have differing opinions on these matters. Horseback Trail Riding is the true essence of our Western Heritage. When we ride our horses across open lands and high country trails we discover the spirit and attraction of the West. As a board we want to protect our western heritage, mandate safety on trails and encourage a safe and peaceful trail experience for all users.
13 Basalt Mountain - more information to follow. Caution:Barbed wire
13a. Crown Jewel Horse Trail on Crown Mountain History of the Crown Click for PDF
The 2019-2020 Work Project
on the Crown Jewel Horse Trail begins at dawn with a scouting trip, and the late June work session.
Report of the trip : LINK
The Rocky Mountain Youth Corps working on the Crown Jewel Trail 2019 - It was awesome - Thank you all so much!
December 10, 2019. FUNDRAISER FOR THE CROWN JEWEL HORSE TRAIL ON CROWN MOUNTAIN
Dear Friends and Members of the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council,
We are writing to you, our valued members in hopes of raising funds, earmarked specifically for the “Crown Jewel Horse Trail”. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is involved with the BLM and other partners in building a 12 mile horse and hiking only trail, the beautiful “Crown Jewel Horse Trail”. This spectacular trail will connect the Glassier Parking Lot off of Hooks Spur Lane in Emma and will traverse Crown Mountain to the Divide Parking Lot at the top of Prince Creek Road and West Sopris Creek Road. The views are breathtaking, there are looped rides if you prefer a shorter distance and the parking is easy to access, safe and excellent. This trail is not open to bicycles or 4-wheelers.
We are pursuing various avenues for grants, and no matter our source of funding the Horse Council will provide a minimum of $3000.00 this year adding to the $4000.00, which we spent last year on trails. We are proud to announce that we worked with partners Rocky Mountain Youth Corps; the RF Outdoor Volunteers; and the Roundup Riders of the Rockies; with additional supporters Pitkin County Open Space and Trails; Bob and Sue Pietrzak; Diana and Howard Vagneur and Western Adventures Inc.
We have accomplished the work on the first phase of this new equestrian and hiking trail. The “Crown Jewel Horse Trail” on the 9,100 acres of “The Crown” Carbondale, Colorado was made possible by partnership with the BLM and endowed by contributions from RFVHC members like you. Thank you.At the beginning of this holiday season, we hope to fundraise the $ 7000.00 to cover the costs of these two years of work, to help the RFVHC remain a strong financial partner by helping us and our partners deliver to you, horseback riders and hikers, a trail we can all be proud to call our own.
Help us keep our Western Heritage alive by keeping horses on trails. The fundamental premise of walking softly on our earth atop our beautiful horses is a gift of timeless joy, to experience trails that will be available for our future generations of children to cherish. We want to provide predictable and safe trail riding environments with signage, gates, favorable footing and wayfinding among the improvements, providing a fun and enjoyable trail experience for all.
Sincerely and thank you,
RFVHC Board of Directors
Karin Reid Offield – President & Marketing/Promotion
Rheta Fulton – Vice President & Event Chairman
Susan Cuseo – Secretary & Trails Chairman
Alexandra Anwyl - Davies - Treasurer
Jasmine Pierce – Membership Chairman
Dr. Sam Johnson DVM – Horse Health & Education Chairman
Marty Schlumberger – Western Heritage Chairman
Holly McLain – Communication Chairman
Leslie Thomas – Special Projects Chairman
The Crown Jewel Horse Trail BLM Support letter: September 24, 2019
To whom it may concern,
In 2019 BLM completed EA # DOI-BLM-CO-N040-2019-0041-EA. This EA authorized, among other things, the designation of an approximately 12 mile long equestrian trail. This trail is linked together from existing two track trails that had been designated as open to mountain bikes in our 2015 RMP. The above EA changed the designation to exclude mountain bikes and encourage horse use. BLM staff installed new signage and gates in the summer of 2019 to encourage this new horse use. More work is needed though. BLM is working towards improving the main parking lot on the south end of the trail. this will be a large capital improvement made as funds become available. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council has also expressed interest and a commitment in making improvements to the trail its self. These include trail tread grooming to remove cobbles, large amounts of trimming of trees along the trail, brush hogging (BLM is working on a solution) and drainage improvement. All of these actions are NEPA approved from the same EA and can happen as funding allows. The BLM CRVFO wholeheartedly supports the Horse Council in its application for grants to help accomplish these actions. The Horse Council would also like to see several small reroutes to add switchbacks in on the steepest sections of trail. these actions will require NEPA at some point in the future if the reroutes are deemed necessary. Any help the grant committee can offer will help to make this unique trail that came out of a burgeoning partnership better for the people using the trail.
Thanks!
Miles Gurtler | Recreation Planner
Colorado River Valley Field Office
Silt, CO - 970-876-9068
September 2019
Our thanks go out to the BLM for putting the final touches on the Crown Jewel Trail, a trail for equestrians and hikers only on the Crown. Thanks to the entire RFVHC membership, your memberships dollars went toward helping us this summer, along with the Youth Core and the Round - Up Riders of the Rockies create this wonderful trail. Your membership dollars helped clear brush, organize the terrain for better riding....and we are not yet done! We hope to receive a work grant to participate again next summer. Stay tuned for an update and fundraising plans. We are holding a January dinner to keep off the project.
JULY 13, 2019
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council's Crown Jewel Horse Trail on BLM Crown Mountain
There is a new 12 mile Horse Trail which includes hikers from the Emma side of the Crown to the Divide Parking Lot at the top of Price Creek Road and West Sopris Road.
The trail travels through the vast 9000 acres of the Crown BLM Lands. Every turn on the trail brings you into a different microcosm of abundant wildflowers and plant variety, geology and spectacular vistas.
The new trail has several loop rides, is signed horse and hiking only and ridable. When the entire 12 mile trail has directional signage it will be easier to find your way.
The loop closest to Emma has recently been hand cleared in great detail except for some cobble removal on a short sections.
To access this loop, park at the Glassier Parking area off Hooks Spur Road and follow the signs. Once on the Glasssier Horse Trail the Crown Jewel Horse Trail Loop begins when you leave through either gate entering the BLM and returns through the other gate entering the Glassier Ranch Property.
Refer to the map and follow the signs. Remember no dogs on the Glassier Ranch and please practice good trail etiquette.
The entire trail will need further work in sections for smooth riding. We are grateful to the Round Up Riders of the Rockies for the grant to make the first Loop possible through the Rocky Mountain Youth Core. These enthusiastic young adults arrived from all over the US and camped on the Crown and worked their hearts out!
Special thank you to: The BLM and especially Miles Gurtler. The Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers and Olivia. Pitkin County Open Space and Ted. Bob and Sue Pietrzak . Diana and Howard Vagnuer and Western Adventures.
All the Horse Trail supporters who have written tons of letters, attended meetings, offered their ideas, made donations and joined the Roaring Fork Horse Council. Go for a ride and have fun!!
June 6, 2019
The History of The Crown, written for the young men and women who are volunteering in 2019 and 2020 to work on the Crown, to "keep horses on trails' and to allow the hikers the same priveledge of a safe and peaceful walk in the woods.
WILDLIFE
The Crown is a 9,100 acre foot hill of Mount Sopris. This beautiful area has always been the largest contiguous, winter, wildlife habitat area in the Roaring Fork Valley. Elk and deer pass in early spring from this protected, closed, winter sanctuary across Prince Creek Road to calving grounds in the low alpine, aspen groves around Mt. Sopris.
RANCHING
The Homestead Act of 1862 opened up settlement in the western United States, allowing any American, including freed slaves, to put in a claim for up to 160 free acres of federal land. During this time many homestead families settled in and around Carbondale, Colorado. Ranchers made many of the trails on the Crown as they drove their cattle up into the higher alpine country for summer grazing. In the 1960s, the Crown Road 8320 was constructed for cattle rancher access and water tank installation. The livestock water tanks still serve the BLM permitted livestock on the Crown. Early ranching families, such as Turnbull, Cerise and Nieslanik still run their cattle every summer on the Crown.
HUNTING
The BLM continues to improve the Crown Road 8320 and the many connecting two track trails for recreational use on the Crown. Hikers, equestrians, hunters, cross country skiers, snow shoe enthusiasts and mountain bikers enjoy vast landscapes encompassing the Crown.
MOUNTAIN BIKES
Many mountain bikers had used the Crown for recreation enjoyment riding ditch trails, wildlife paths and in some cases making their own trails on the Crown.
In 2015, the Crown was designated as a SRMA (Special Recreation Management Area) for mountain bikes.
THE CROWN JEWEL TRAIL
Horseback riders continue our Western Heritage traditions by keeping horses on trails. This “Crown Jewel Trail”, which is being improved today is designated specifically for hikers and horseback riders. We are thankful to the BLM for including these recreational users in their overall plan on the Crown. Great thanks to all of you, who are volunteering your time and effort today.
13b. Hay Park/Buzzard Basin Trail / Thomas Lakes Trail Head
Work - Summer 2020
Click here: The RFVHC report with lots of photos! 8.25.2020 by Susan Cuseo Trail Chair
Work - Summer 2019
Letter from Susan Cuseo, October 2019 RFVHC Trail Chair
Dear RFVHC Members,
This season’s high mountain trail project spearheaded by Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers was a total success. The goal of the project was to reroute a portion of the high trail traversing East Sopris Creek basin from the Capitol Creek/Hay Park trailhead to Hay Park itself in order to avoid violating the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness boundary. This became important in recent years since bikes had begun using the trail and are not allowed in the Wilderness.The project drew about 25 participants and took place in great weather and finished the beautiful new trail construction within our weekend time frame.
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council's (RFVHC) role was to obtain the services of Capitol Peak Outfitters (thank you, John Howe!) and provide the cooking crew. The packers hauled in the camp kitchen, fuel, tools, provisions and the cooks themselves - RFVHC Board member, Susan Cuseo and Horse Council member Eileen Boyle. We reached the previously chosen campsite, that was perfect for our crowd of volunteers, who arrived by hiking/backpacking and settled into camp. RFOV staff that organized the project, both long in advance as well as during the actual trail work, were Olivia Deish, the RFOV Program Manager; Ben Sherman, Education Director and Shea Courtney, the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for RFOV. Their experience and expertise made it all work.
United States Forest Service (USDF) had their Aspen-Sopris Trail Crew on site to add guidance, strength, knowledge to the actual trail work as well as great stories, campfire music and lots of laughs! Thank you to Wylie, Joe, Allegra, Brie and Nick for all their participation! Wilderness Workshop was represented by Adam Zuehlke, Membership and Operations and Juli Slivka, Conservation Director. Adam showed not only his organizational prowess but put his chef background to use with Dinner #1 - Fancy Pasta! Juli had recently joined WW, and I was very glad to get to know her as we will be working with her on our next projects.
RFOV, RFVHC, Wilderness Workshop and RFMBA were the partners promoting the project and helping to gather volunteers plus contributing a portion of the outfitter’s expenses. And, besides being personally satisfying to participate, I rode the trail with friends and found it absolutely marvelous. Try it, you’ll like it whether hiking, biking or riding your horse!
Respectively submitted by Susan Cuseo RFVHC Trail Chair
13c. Pitkin County Open Space Projects
The Pitkin County and City of Aspen – Open Space &Trails Board members have identified The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) as the equestrian entity they will work with, regarding any horse related issues. Projects such as the Cozy Point Equestrian Center, Glassier Open Space Management, Rio Grande Trail, the Village of Snowmass and Prince Creek. We need YOU to renew old memberships, become members, and find friends who love horses to join our membership ranks. Help us keep a voice in the land use management plans, for trails, truck & trailer parking and equine landscape in our Roaring Fork Valley.
Pitkin County is always taking public comment on "Habitat Preservation and Use" for all Pitkin County Open Space properties. This affects the wildlife. It is critical that everyone makes a comment on the Pitkin OST web site. We appreciate that Pitkin OST is purchasing land for open space. Oversight and enforcement of these areas is critical to keep them verdant, natural, and a place of peace and safety for wildlife.
Go to pitkinostprojects.com for more information.
Pitkin County Open Space, the RFVHC and the RFMBA joined up in 2018 and created a Trail Safety Campaign. Running on radio and in the local papers, we are proud of the success of the messaging.
December 10, 2019. FUNDRAISER FOR THE CROWN JEWEL HORSE TRAIL ON CROWN MOUNTAIN
Dear Friends and Members of the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council,
We are writing to you, our valued members in hopes of raising funds, earmarked specifically for the “Crown Jewel Horse Trail”. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is involved with the BLM and other partners in building a 12 mile horse and hiking only trail, the beautiful “Crown Jewel Horse Trail”. This spectacular trail will connect the Glassier Parking Lot off of Hooks Spur Lane in Emma and will traverse Crown Mountain to the Divide Parking Lot at the top of Prince Creek Road and West Sopris Creek Road. The views are breathtaking, there are looped rides if you prefer a shorter distance and the parking is easy to access, safe and excellent. This trail is not open to bicycles or 4-wheelers.
We are pursuing various avenues for grants, and no matter our source of funding the Horse Council will provide a minimum of $3000.00 this year adding to the $4000.00, which we spent last year on trails. We are proud to announce that we worked with partners Rocky Mountain Youth Corps; the RF Outdoor Volunteers; and the Roundup Riders of the Rockies; with additional supporters Pitkin County Open Space and Trails; Bob and Sue Pietrzak; Diana and Howard Vagneur and Western Adventures Inc.
We have accomplished the work on the first phase of this new equestrian and hiking trail. The “Crown Jewel Horse Trail” on the 9,100 acres of “The Crown” Carbondale, Colorado was made possible by partnership with the BLM and endowed by contributions from RFVHC members like you. Thank you.At the beginning of this holiday season, we hope to fundraise the $ 7000.00 to cover the costs of these two years of work, to help the RFVHC remain a strong financial partner by helping us and our partners deliver to you, horseback riders and hikers, a trail we can all be proud to call our own.
Help us keep our Western Heritage alive by keeping horses on trails. The fundamental premise of walking softly on our earth atop our beautiful horses is a gift of timeless joy, to experience trails that will be available for our future generations of children to cherish. We want to provide predictable and safe trail riding environments with signage, gates, favorable footing and wayfinding among the improvements, providing a fun and enjoyable trail experience for all.
Sincerely and thank you,
RFVHC Board of Directors
Karin Reid Offield – President & Marketing/Promotion
Rheta Fulton – Vice President & Event Chairman
Susan Cuseo – Secretary & Trails Chairman
Alexandra Anwyl - Davies - Treasurer
Jasmine Pierce – Membership Chairman
Dr. Sam Johnson DVM – Horse Health & Education Chairman
Marty Schlumberger – Western Heritage Chairman
Holly McLain – Communication Chairman
Leslie Thomas – Special Projects Chairman
The Crown Jewel Horse Trail BLM Support letter: September 24, 2019
To whom it may concern,
In 2019 BLM completed EA # DOI-BLM-CO-N040-2019-0041-EA. This EA authorized, among other things, the designation of an approximately 12 mile long equestrian trail. This trail is linked together from existing two track trails that had been designated as open to mountain bikes in our 2015 RMP. The above EA changed the designation to exclude mountain bikes and encourage horse use. BLM staff installed new signage and gates in the summer of 2019 to encourage this new horse use. More work is needed though. BLM is working towards improving the main parking lot on the south end of the trail. this will be a large capital improvement made as funds become available. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council has also expressed interest and a commitment in making improvements to the trail its self. These include trail tread grooming to remove cobbles, large amounts of trimming of trees along the trail, brush hogging (BLM is working on a solution) and drainage improvement. All of these actions are NEPA approved from the same EA and can happen as funding allows. The BLM CRVFO wholeheartedly supports the Horse Council in its application for grants to help accomplish these actions. The Horse Council would also like to see several small reroutes to add switchbacks in on the steepest sections of trail. these actions will require NEPA at some point in the future if the reroutes are deemed necessary. Any help the grant committee can offer will help to make this unique trail that came out of a burgeoning partnership better for the people using the trail.
Thanks!
Miles Gurtler | Recreation Planner
Colorado River Valley Field Office
Silt, CO - 970-876-9068
September 2019
Our thanks go out to the BLM for putting the final touches on the Crown Jewel Trail, a trail for equestrians and hikers only on the Crown. Thanks to the entire RFVHC membership, your memberships dollars went toward helping us this summer, along with the Youth Core and the Round - Up Riders of the Rockies create this wonderful trail. Your membership dollars helped clear brush, organize the terrain for better riding....and we are not yet done! We hope to receive a work grant to participate again next summer. Stay tuned for an update and fundraising plans. We are holding a January dinner to keep off the project.
- Public access to parking with truck and trailer accommodations – to access the 9,100 acres of Pitkin County and BLM trails on “The Crown”. This process took over two years to complete.
- A separate equestrian specific trail in 2016 leading from the parking area, with soft track separate from the RFTA paved bike path, across Glassier Open Space Land, leading to the BLM two track trails on "The Crown”.SEE UPDATE ON THIS PROJECT, ABOVE
JULY 13, 2019
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council's Crown Jewel Horse Trail on BLM Crown Mountain
There is a new 12 mile Horse Trail which includes hikers from the Emma side of the Crown to the Divide Parking Lot at the top of Price Creek Road and West Sopris Road.
The trail travels through the vast 9000 acres of the Crown BLM Lands. Every turn on the trail brings you into a different microcosm of abundant wildflowers and plant variety, geology and spectacular vistas.
The new trail has several loop rides, is signed horse and hiking only and ridable. When the entire 12 mile trail has directional signage it will be easier to find your way.
The loop closest to Emma has recently been hand cleared in great detail except for some cobble removal on a short sections.
To access this loop, park at the Glassier Parking area off Hooks Spur Road and follow the signs. Once on the Glasssier Horse Trail the Crown Jewel Horse Trail Loop begins when you leave through either gate entering the BLM and returns through the other gate entering the Glassier Ranch Property.
Refer to the map and follow the signs. Remember no dogs on the Glassier Ranch and please practice good trail etiquette.
The entire trail will need further work in sections for smooth riding. We are grateful to the Round Up Riders of the Rockies for the grant to make the first Loop possible through the Rocky Mountain Youth Core. These enthusiastic young adults arrived from all over the US and camped on the Crown and worked their hearts out!
Special thank you to: The BLM and especially Miles Gurtler. The Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers and Olivia. Pitkin County Open Space and Ted. Bob and Sue Pietrzak . Diana and Howard Vagnuer and Western Adventures.
All the Horse Trail supporters who have written tons of letters, attended meetings, offered their ideas, made donations and joined the Roaring Fork Horse Council. Go for a ride and have fun!!
June 6, 2019
The History of The Crown, written for the young men and women who are volunteering in 2019 and 2020 to work on the Crown, to "keep horses on trails' and to allow the hikers the same priveledge of a safe and peaceful walk in the woods.
WILDLIFE
The Crown is a 9,100 acre foot hill of Mount Sopris. This beautiful area has always been the largest contiguous, winter, wildlife habitat area in the Roaring Fork Valley. Elk and deer pass in early spring from this protected, closed, winter sanctuary across Prince Creek Road to calving grounds in the low alpine, aspen groves around Mt. Sopris.
RANCHING
The Homestead Act of 1862 opened up settlement in the western United States, allowing any American, including freed slaves, to put in a claim for up to 160 free acres of federal land. During this time many homestead families settled in and around Carbondale, Colorado. Ranchers made many of the trails on the Crown as they drove their cattle up into the higher alpine country for summer grazing. In the 1960s, the Crown Road 8320 was constructed for cattle rancher access and water tank installation. The livestock water tanks still serve the BLM permitted livestock on the Crown. Early ranching families, such as Turnbull, Cerise and Nieslanik still run their cattle every summer on the Crown.
HUNTING
The BLM continues to improve the Crown Road 8320 and the many connecting two track trails for recreational use on the Crown. Hikers, equestrians, hunters, cross country skiers, snow shoe enthusiasts and mountain bikers enjoy vast landscapes encompassing the Crown.
MOUNTAIN BIKES
Many mountain bikers had used the Crown for recreation enjoyment riding ditch trails, wildlife paths and in some cases making their own trails on the Crown.
In 2015, the Crown was designated as a SRMA (Special Recreation Management Area) for mountain bikes.
THE CROWN JEWEL TRAIL
Horseback riders continue our Western Heritage traditions by keeping horses on trails. This “Crown Jewel Trail”, which is being improved today is designated specifically for hikers and horseback riders. We are thankful to the BLM for including these recreational users in their overall plan on the Crown. Great thanks to all of you, who are volunteering your time and effort today.
13b. Hay Park/Buzzard Basin Trail / Thomas Lakes Trail Head
Work - Summer 2020
Click here: The RFVHC report with lots of photos! 8.25.2020 by Susan Cuseo Trail Chair
Work - Summer 2019
Letter from Susan Cuseo, October 2019 RFVHC Trail Chair
Dear RFVHC Members,
This season’s high mountain trail project spearheaded by Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers was a total success. The goal of the project was to reroute a portion of the high trail traversing East Sopris Creek basin from the Capitol Creek/Hay Park trailhead to Hay Park itself in order to avoid violating the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness boundary. This became important in recent years since bikes had begun using the trail and are not allowed in the Wilderness.The project drew about 25 participants and took place in great weather and finished the beautiful new trail construction within our weekend time frame.
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council's (RFVHC) role was to obtain the services of Capitol Peak Outfitters (thank you, John Howe!) and provide the cooking crew. The packers hauled in the camp kitchen, fuel, tools, provisions and the cooks themselves - RFVHC Board member, Susan Cuseo and Horse Council member Eileen Boyle. We reached the previously chosen campsite, that was perfect for our crowd of volunteers, who arrived by hiking/backpacking and settled into camp. RFOV staff that organized the project, both long in advance as well as during the actual trail work, were Olivia Deish, the RFOV Program Manager; Ben Sherman, Education Director and Shea Courtney, the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for RFOV. Their experience and expertise made it all work.
United States Forest Service (USDF) had their Aspen-Sopris Trail Crew on site to add guidance, strength, knowledge to the actual trail work as well as great stories, campfire music and lots of laughs! Thank you to Wylie, Joe, Allegra, Brie and Nick for all their participation! Wilderness Workshop was represented by Adam Zuehlke, Membership and Operations and Juli Slivka, Conservation Director. Adam showed not only his organizational prowess but put his chef background to use with Dinner #1 - Fancy Pasta! Juli had recently joined WW, and I was very glad to get to know her as we will be working with her on our next projects.
RFOV, RFVHC, Wilderness Workshop and RFMBA were the partners promoting the project and helping to gather volunteers plus contributing a portion of the outfitter’s expenses. And, besides being personally satisfying to participate, I rode the trail with friends and found it absolutely marvelous. Try it, you’ll like it whether hiking, biking or riding your horse!
Respectively submitted by Susan Cuseo RFVHC Trail Chair
13c. Pitkin County Open Space Projects
The Pitkin County and City of Aspen – Open Space &Trails Board members have identified The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) as the equestrian entity they will work with, regarding any horse related issues. Projects such as the Cozy Point Equestrian Center, Glassier Open Space Management, Rio Grande Trail, the Village of Snowmass and Prince Creek. We need YOU to renew old memberships, become members, and find friends who love horses to join our membership ranks. Help us keep a voice in the land use management plans, for trails, truck & trailer parking and equine landscape in our Roaring Fork Valley.
Pitkin County is always taking public comment on "Habitat Preservation and Use" for all Pitkin County Open Space properties. This affects the wildlife. It is critical that everyone makes a comment on the Pitkin OST web site. We appreciate that Pitkin OST is purchasing land for open space. Oversight and enforcement of these areas is critical to keep them verdant, natural, and a place of peace and safety for wildlife.
Go to pitkinostprojects.com for more information.
Pitkin County Open Space, the RFVHC and the RFMBA joined up in 2018 and created a Trail Safety Campaign. Running on radio and in the local papers, we are proud of the success of the messaging.
Pitkin OST Draft Policy:
The Open Space and Trails Program seeks to rely on the best available science for property-specific study of natural habitat conditions as the starting point for optimal allocation of use of funds or county open space lands across habitat, agricultural, recreational, scenic and other authorized open space purposes.
If such study reveals specialized habitat management needs, the program will seek to restore to healthy, natural function any degraded habitat, and will employ spatial or temporal closures or other appropriate mitigation to protect sensitive habitat from recreational or agricultural use impacts. Sensitive habitat may include those habitats used by rare and endangered species, Colorado Natural Heritage Program-ranked habitat types and protected conservation areas, as well as, habitat types used by more common species that have special needs such as critical winter or summer range, breeding/nesting areas and migration corridors.
Human uses will be planned and managed to minimize intrusion in breeding/nesting areas and migration corridors. Human uses will be planned and managed to minimize intrusion into the time periods and/or places of special habitat concern.
RFVHC Statement to Pitkin OST
Our Pitkin County Open Space land is precious, and paid for by the general public through our land taxes. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) is concerned about the biodiversity and compatible human use on these lands, and also the BLM holdings. Thank you for protecting the natural habitat in our valley.
RFVHC Board of Directors
The Open Space and Trails Program seeks to rely on the best available science for property-specific study of natural habitat conditions as the starting point for optimal allocation of use of funds or county open space lands across habitat, agricultural, recreational, scenic and other authorized open space purposes.
If such study reveals specialized habitat management needs, the program will seek to restore to healthy, natural function any degraded habitat, and will employ spatial or temporal closures or other appropriate mitigation to protect sensitive habitat from recreational or agricultural use impacts. Sensitive habitat may include those habitats used by rare and endangered species, Colorado Natural Heritage Program-ranked habitat types and protected conservation areas, as well as, habitat types used by more common species that have special needs such as critical winter or summer range, breeding/nesting areas and migration corridors.
Human uses will be planned and managed to minimize intrusion in breeding/nesting areas and migration corridors. Human uses will be planned and managed to minimize intrusion into the time periods and/or places of special habitat concern.
RFVHC Statement to Pitkin OST
Our Pitkin County Open Space land is precious, and paid for by the general public through our land taxes. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) is concerned about the biodiversity and compatible human use on these lands, and also the BLM holdings. Thank you for protecting the natural habitat in our valley.
RFVHC Board of Directors
Protecting our wildlife habitats is part of our RFVHC stewardship initiative. When horseback riding, we share these open space and wilderness lands with the creatures that depend upon these biodiverse habitats for survival.
13d. Glassier Open Space.
See above regarding the Crown Jewel Trail 13A
RFVHC Response to the Glassier Survey. 8.17.2020
See above regarding the Crown Jewel Trail 13A
RFVHC Response to the Glassier Survey. 8.17.2020
RFVHC Members Newsletter regarding 2020 Update to Glassier Management Plan 8.15.20.
Glassier Open Space - Access to The Crown (9100 acres crisscrossed with existing two track trails, located between Emma and Carbondale) Our goal is to ensure that there is secure, ample, equestrian truck and trailer parking, with safe bridle path access to the trailhead, where ascending trail from the valley floor, would be climbing trails, with switchbacks, so that horses would not stress their stifles or hocks when descending. We will work with the Roaring Fork Valley Mountain Bike Association to design a trail where bikes and horses can see each other from far off, to avoid sudden encounters.
On the steeper grades the horses may have their own tracks. If it is done properly, it will be safe, and a great cross training, change of scenery, alternative to the arena.
Click here for past history on Glassier Open Space
Glassier Open Space - Access to The Crown (9100 acres crisscrossed with existing two track trails, located between Emma and Carbondale) Our goal is to ensure that there is secure, ample, equestrian truck and trailer parking, with safe bridle path access to the trailhead, where ascending trail from the valley floor, would be climbing trails, with switchbacks, so that horses would not stress their stifles or hocks when descending. We will work with the Roaring Fork Valley Mountain Bike Association to design a trail where bikes and horses can see each other from far off, to avoid sudden encounters.
On the steeper grades the horses may have their own tracks. If it is done properly, it will be safe, and a great cross training, change of scenery, alternative to the arena.
Click here for past history on Glassier Open Space
13e. The Rio Grande Trail
Please go to the TRAILS tab on the website to read more about the Rio Grande Trail. Building and improving for a very long time!
Please go to the TRAILS tab on the website to read more about the Rio Grande Trail. Building and improving for a very long time!
Link to Letter from RFVHC 2.12.19 to RFTA 's Trails & Corridor Manager
Another important issue to help the RFVHC acquire more soft track for our equestrian use.
History: The Rio Grande Trail traces a 42-mile transportation corridor between Aspen and Glenwood Springs that has functioned as a key connector in the Roaring Fork Valley since the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad raced to lay tracks to Aspen more than a century ago.
Unique Qualities: The Rio Grande Trail is a long Rails-Trail multi-use connector through the spectacular Rocky Mountains. The Rio Grande Trail links our mountain communities together. It provides access on both side of the Roaring Fork River to a multitude of beautiful trails offering jaw dropping vistas and right up close interaction with wildlife and wildlife habitat.
RFTA Soft Track – We are lobbying to have RFTA put in soft track, 8 feet wide trail with safe footing for
horses from Aspen, (some already existing) to Glenwood Springs. Some existing soft track sections are too
narrow with drop, off, side shoulders, which are not safe. Our mission is to make all equestrian trails safe,
especially where multi use with bicycles will occur. The busy asphalt Rio Grande bike paths are not compatible for
metal horseshoes, and are dangerously slippery. Add the bike traffic, and disaster ensues. The horse community is
now galvanized, with a strong membership base. All of the green pastures that you see, while driving down Valley
from aspen to Glenwood, are most likely kept open and undeveloped by landowners for their horses. Our
equestrian community is asking RFTA for equal consideration, along with the bicycles and hikers.
Letter to RFTA - Soft Track For Horses (2/11/2015)
Rio Grande Trail Management Plan Update Letter (4/10/2015)
Pitkin County is responsible for the Rio Grande Trail from Aspen to the Emma School area. To make the entire Rio Grande Trail with a soft track alternative for horses, we need to contact and encourage our land managers.
RFVHC will let you know about upcoming meetings for your support, or contact us with schedules. Thanks!
13f. Snowmass Village Horse Trails
Please go to the TRAILS tab on the website to read more about the Snowmass trails.
Letter regarding the Tom Blake Trail 11.14.18 - click on this link...
Here is a 2020 Map of all trails for TOSV
https://www.snowmassrecreation.com/163/Maps. and https://bike.gosnowmass.com/trails/
Please go to the TRAILS tab on the website to read more about the Snowmass trails.
Letter regarding the Tom Blake Trail 11.14.18 - click on this link...
Here is a 2020 Map of all trails for TOSV
https://www.snowmassrecreation.com/163/Maps. and https://bike.gosnowmass.com/trails/
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Tom Blake Equestrian Trail https://bike.gosnowmass.com/trails/tom-blake/
Closure: April 25th to June 21st
Uses: Equestrian ( Some parts are shared with bikes, pls be careful!)
Surface: Dirt
Length: 1.47 miles
The Tom Blake Equestrian Trail, is just that, an Equestrian only trail. Enjoy a mellow trail ride entirely shaded in deep Aspen groves. There are sections of the Tom Blake Equestrian Trail that are shared with the Tom Blake Trail, so please be cautious and aware of possible oncoming foot and bike traffic. Dogs must be on leash at all times on all Town trails, and please be courteous and clean up after your dog. Leash law strictly enforced.
Upper North Mesa Equestrian Trail - This summer 2020 we rode the North Mesa trail and were escorted to the trail head since there is so much construction right now between parking at the rodeo lot and the trail head. There is an upcoming "work day" and it’s nice of them to put it into consideration anyways. The trail is a great 2 hour horseback ride with breathtaking 360 degree views of Snowmass Village, Aspen, and the surrounding mountains. Guided Horseback rides are available through Snowmass Creek Outfitters. Visit their website to reserve a guided ride. Dogs must be on leash at all times on all Town trails, and please be courteous and clean up after your dog. Leash law strictly enforced.
Closure: December 1st to May 16th
Uses: Equestrian and Hiking
Surface: Dirt
Length: 2.52 miles
History about horses on trails in Snowmass
In the state of Colorado, if you have carried out the same work with access on the land for 18 years or more, you then have the legal right to continue use. (Colorado Rev. Stat. § 38-41-10). Horses and ranchers made most of the trails in the Roaring Fork Valley starting with the Homestead Act of 1862. The fact is that horse/owners/riders established and used these public trails for 156 years.
Many ranchers made trails on public lands and within the wilderness to access high country pastures for their livestock. Most of our local trails were created by men and women on horseback. The following is an example of historical evidence.
Snowmass history: The ‘Cattle Queen of Snow Mass’
In newspaper articles from 1905, Miss Catherine, better known as Kate Lindvig, was referred to as the "Cattle Queen of Snow Mass." In the late 1890s, she moved to Colorado from Denmark and ran a boardinghouse in Aspen. Around 1898, she relocated to a ranch at the base of Snowmass Divide and registered her stock brand, a backward L with a 2 on its front side, with the county clerk. She made many of the trails within the wilderness boundary in Snowmass Creek for her cattle’s summer grazing.
By 1906, Kate made her final proof that she was working her land to satisfy the 1862 Homestead Act, making the land officially hers. She worked the land, which was referred to as Snowmass Falls Ranch, and raised cattle along with hay and oats as a lone woman. She never married. She made the papers showing up to classes on ranching as the only woman, but she also took classes on what was traditionally "women's work." In 1943, Kate sold the ranch to the Perry family and moved to California to live with relatives at a lower elevation. She passed away in 1957 at the age of 93.
It would benefit equestrian access if the Aspen Skiing Company would allow truck and trailer parking in the top lot at Two Creeks. Horseback riders could then ride up the existing two-track trail into the meadow near Gracie’s Cabin and cut through to the Tom Blake Equestrian Trial. This loop is of great importance to our RFVHC members and other equestrians, who have ridden all of these trails for many years prior to the urban explosion and take-over of our horseback riding trails.
HISTORY OF THE SNOWMASS TRAILS PROJECT - 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 - (Need new 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.
Closure: April 25th to June 21st
Uses: Equestrian ( Some parts are shared with bikes, pls be careful!)
Surface: Dirt
Length: 1.47 miles
The Tom Blake Equestrian Trail, is just that, an Equestrian only trail. Enjoy a mellow trail ride entirely shaded in deep Aspen groves. There are sections of the Tom Blake Equestrian Trail that are shared with the Tom Blake Trail, so please be cautious and aware of possible oncoming foot and bike traffic. Dogs must be on leash at all times on all Town trails, and please be courteous and clean up after your dog. Leash law strictly enforced.
Upper North Mesa Equestrian Trail - This summer 2020 we rode the North Mesa trail and were escorted to the trail head since there is so much construction right now between parking at the rodeo lot and the trail head. There is an upcoming "work day" and it’s nice of them to put it into consideration anyways. The trail is a great 2 hour horseback ride with breathtaking 360 degree views of Snowmass Village, Aspen, and the surrounding mountains. Guided Horseback rides are available through Snowmass Creek Outfitters. Visit their website to reserve a guided ride. Dogs must be on leash at all times on all Town trails, and please be courteous and clean up after your dog. Leash law strictly enforced.
Closure: December 1st to May 16th
Uses: Equestrian and Hiking
Surface: Dirt
Length: 2.52 miles
History about horses on trails in Snowmass
In the state of Colorado, if you have carried out the same work with access on the land for 18 years or more, you then have the legal right to continue use. (Colorado Rev. Stat. § 38-41-10). Horses and ranchers made most of the trails in the Roaring Fork Valley starting with the Homestead Act of 1862. The fact is that horse/owners/riders established and used these public trails for 156 years.
Many ranchers made trails on public lands and within the wilderness to access high country pastures for their livestock. Most of our local trails were created by men and women on horseback. The following is an example of historical evidence.
Snowmass history: The ‘Cattle Queen of Snow Mass’
In newspaper articles from 1905, Miss Catherine, better known as Kate Lindvig, was referred to as the "Cattle Queen of Snow Mass." In the late 1890s, she moved to Colorado from Denmark and ran a boardinghouse in Aspen. Around 1898, she relocated to a ranch at the base of Snowmass Divide and registered her stock brand, a backward L with a 2 on its front side, with the county clerk. She made many of the trails within the wilderness boundary in Snowmass Creek for her cattle’s summer grazing.
By 1906, Kate made her final proof that she was working her land to satisfy the 1862 Homestead Act, making the land officially hers. She worked the land, which was referred to as Snowmass Falls Ranch, and raised cattle along with hay and oats as a lone woman. She never married. She made the papers showing up to classes on ranching as the only woman, but she also took classes on what was traditionally "women's work." In 1943, Kate sold the ranch to the Perry family and moved to California to live with relatives at a lower elevation. She passed away in 1957 at the age of 93.
It would benefit equestrian access if the Aspen Skiing Company would allow truck and trailer parking in the top lot at Two Creeks. Horseback riders could then ride up the existing two-track trail into the meadow near Gracie’s Cabin and cut through to the Tom Blake Equestrian Trial. This loop is of great importance to our RFVHC members and other equestrians, who have ridden all of these trails for many years prior to the urban explosion and take-over of our horseback riding trails.
HISTORY OF THE SNOWMASS TRAILS PROJECT - 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 - (Need new 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.
13g. Crystal River Trail
Link to RFVHC Letter to Garfield and Pitkin County 7/26/18.
Link from Kevin Wright draft letter to OST 6.6.18
13h. The Thompson Divide
The area is defined by abundant wildlife and wildlife habitat, essential watersheds, and environmental, economic, agricultural, recreational and social values. The area’s clean water, clean air, rural and agricultural heritage, and recreational and sporting activities would be negatively impacted by oil and gas development. Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, a species of special concern in Colorado, can be found in two forks of Thompson Creek. Additionally, the area has been recognized by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife as high-value habitat and critical migration corridor for lynx, moose, bear, deer, elk, and mountain lions. Lastly, the area is one of the last great swaths of undeveloped mid-elevation forest land in Colorado which is a connecting block between three wilderness areas.
Recreation activities in the Thompson Divide are a critical source of the economic prosperity for our local communities. Since 2008, recreation in the Thompson Divide supports 138 jobs and generates $12.6 million in annual economic impact in Colorado. Recreational opportunities in the Thompson Divide include:
The area is defined by abundant wildlife and wildlife habitat, essential watersheds, and environmental, economic, agricultural, recreational and social values. The area’s clean water, clean air, rural and agricultural heritage, and recreational and sporting activities would be negatively impacted by oil and gas development. Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, a species of special concern in Colorado, can be found in two forks of Thompson Creek. Additionally, the area has been recognized by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife as high-value habitat and critical migration corridor for lynx, moose, bear, deer, elk, and mountain lions. Lastly, the area is one of the last great swaths of undeveloped mid-elevation forest land in Colorado which is a connecting block between three wilderness areas.
Recreation activities in the Thompson Divide are a critical source of the economic prosperity for our local communities. Since 2008, recreation in the Thompson Divide supports 138 jobs and generates $12.6 million in annual economic impact in Colorado. Recreational opportunities in the Thompson Divide include:
- Game Management Unit #43 is considered one of the best and most sought after hunting units in the state, and along with #521, #42 and #421 generate more than 20,000 big game hunting licenses every year;
- The pristine and remote creeks in the area support ecologically significant populations of fish, including the endangered Colorado River cutthroat trout, and supports more than 10,000 annual fishing days;·
- Hikers, mountain bikers, dirt bikers, horseback riders, campers and anglers all enjoy the area;
- The Sunlight to Powderhorn snowmobile route traverses more than 250 miles of trail system from east to west;
- The Thompson Creek Finns are a well-known sport-climbing destination. Ice climbing is a popular winter activity in the Hay Creek and Coal Basin watersheds;
- Spring Gulch, a public Nordic ski area just outside Carbondale, is an enormous asset to the local economy as is Ski Sunlight, an alpine resort, near Glenwood Springs.
13i. Light Hill Trail
In 2023, the RFVHC worked diligently on a plan to complete the Light Hill Trail for Horse Back riders and hikers.
Encouragement to my Light Hill report to get more RFVHC members to help with 10/3/2020 trail project. The trail will get horsemen to the beautiful ridge line for a fantastic ride. Please go to the TRAILS tab on our website - Light Hill Trail to follow our progress.
In 2023, the RFVHC worked diligently on a plan to complete the Light Hill Trail for Horse Back riders and hikers.
Encouragement to my Light Hill report to get more RFVHC members to help with 10/3/2020 trail project. The trail will get horsemen to the beautiful ridge line for a fantastic ride. Please go to the TRAILS tab on our website - Light Hill Trail to follow our progress.
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May17,2020 To RFVHC Board - Yesterday I attended RFOV’s hike up Light Hill from Basalt High School and it was well worth my joining. The group gathered at 8am, headed by Ron Rash who explained the agenda. Also present were Ben Sherman and Jacob Baker from RFOV staff, RFOV Board Member Jonathon Feldman, Basalt mayor Bill Kane, BLM Silt Rec Manager Justin Jones and several others totaling about 15. Ron Rash introduced everyone and, after an explanation of the trail’s history (ranch roads and bandit trails) the the scope of the project, we began hiking up past the large water tank with stops to explain various approaches to improving different parts of the trail to RFOV standards. Some sections are very steep and most will be managed by creating suitable switchbacks. The actual trail work will be a long term project beginning with RFOV Trail Crew Leader training in the near future, no work during the hot summer period and ending this season’s efforts with a public trail project Oct 3rd. Our group reached the ridge-line which has a road that heads both ways from where we reached it as it looks directly down on the T where East and West Sopris Creek roads split. That ridge-line road heads west to a point above Emma/82 intersection and east to the top of Gateway subdivision above Old Snowmass. That would be the best part of a ride for us, definitely. The really productive part of my presence was for the RFVHC participation and horse use to be affirmed. At the first mention of trail users, I raised my hand and was recognized, after which, horseback riders were included in every mention of trail users and I was questioned about suitability when prospective changes were shown. Really good outcome in that respect! So, good outcome. Let’s strive to have participation Oct 3 besides me. I’mask our Board members to find other volunteers!!! Reported by: Board member Trail Chairman Susan Cuseo |
13 j. Sky Mountain Trail 13 k
13 k. Mid Valley Trails
Link to: RFVHC Response to Mid Valley planning 2.23.2020
The Final Draft Mid Valley Plan 8.2020
13 l. Sutey Ranch See # 15 below
Click here for a WILDERNESS WORKSHOP report https://wildernessworkshop.org/sutey-ranch-restoration-2-2/
Bike Restrictions (To address use and safety concerns between other visitors and mountain bikers, BLM will monitor mountain bike use to achieve the following compliance standard. There will be no more than eight violations documented by BLM personnel and/or no more than four citations issued by a BLM law enforcement ranger per year to separate individuals or groups for mountain bike use on or south of route 8296F. If that standard is exceeded, BLM would implement indirect measures such as increased signing, public outreach, education or staff/volunteer presence the following year. If four citations per year are exceeded in a subsequent year, BLM would temporarily or permanently redirect mountain bike access to the north side of the Red Hill SRMA through the original access trail - Elk Traverse from Mushroom Rock). (I)
Link to: RFVHC Response to Mid Valley planning 2.23.2020
The Final Draft Mid Valley Plan 8.2020
13 l. Sutey Ranch See # 15 below
Click here for a WILDERNESS WORKSHOP report https://wildernessworkshop.org/sutey-ranch-restoration-2-2/
Bike Restrictions (To address use and safety concerns between other visitors and mountain bikers, BLM will monitor mountain bike use to achieve the following compliance standard. There will be no more than eight violations documented by BLM personnel and/or no more than four citations issued by a BLM law enforcement ranger per year to separate individuals or groups for mountain bike use on or south of route 8296F. If that standard is exceeded, BLM would implement indirect measures such as increased signing, public outreach, education or staff/volunteer presence the following year. If four citations per year are exceeded in a subsequent year, BLM would temporarily or permanently redirect mountain bike access to the north side of the Red Hill SRMA through the original access trail - Elk Traverse from Mushroom Rock). (I)
14. We Support our Wildlife
12.1.2020 Trail Closures Letter to our community Give Money on Giving Tuesday!
December 2019/January 2020
Letter to the Newspapers
“Save all the pieces” advised conservation scientist Aldo Leopold in 1949; It is “the first rule of intelligent tinkering.”
On October 22, 2019, at the Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) open membership meeting, Tom Cardamone of the Roaring Fork Watershed Biodiversity & Connectivity Initiative presented an important review of his scientific data gathering project. Twenty eight members shared a pot luck, sit down dinner and learned how this study will support a plan to protect and preserve our valley’s dwindling wildlife.
https://www.watershedbiodiversityinitiative.org/
Thomas Jefferson , Founding Father said - “If one link in nature's chain might be lost, another might be lost, until the whole of things will vanish by piecemeal.” The Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR) is threatened by oil and gas exploration and exploitation. Our treasured Thompson Divide outside of Carbondale, Colorado is in constant turmoil as oil and gas companies try to renew leases to extract the dark money, leaving a wasteland as their remains.If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and we destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us. – David Suzuki
The Roaring Fork Watershed Biodiversity Initiative is collecting scientific data for a million-acres (923,640 acres: Frying Pan, Roaring Fork & Crystal drainages) for a science-based strategy to protect and restore the natural biodiversity and habitat connectivity on a landscape scale.
Partners and stakeholders are as follows: U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Aspen Valley Land Trust, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Aspen Global Change Institute, Roaring Fork Conservancy, and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, Roaring Fork Audubon, Wilderness Workshop, Caucuses, Counties, and Cities are anticipated to participate as stakeholders as well.
The highest priority species for study are mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Other species of significant interest are black bear, beaver, and birds. Pollinators are of great interest to the Science Team and methods for assessment will be identified. Data is being collected and is on-going now.
My take away from Tom Cardomone’s presentation is that “We” humans must assume responsibility to protect certain pockets of our planet from human trespass and degradation.
“Leave No Trace” was once a well-known and highly applauded regimen. In many places, the new millennium has forgotten this practice! (ie – Conundrum, Maroon Bells – Snowmass wilderness) Thankfully the US Forest Service is requiring permits in these areas now. Eduction is paramount.
BLM has identified Sutey Ranch a critical wildlife habitat area. We are thrilled about BLM’s “Sutey Ranch” wildlife protection with no human access during the winter wildlife closure Dec 1st through April 15th. Bravo!
Thanks to Pitkin County BOCC & Pitkin Road and Bridge for closing Prince Creek Road with gates for winter access to vehicles, preventing easy motorized human access into the 9,100 acres of “critical winter wildlife range” of “The Crown.” “The value of biodiversity is that it makes our ecosystems more resilient, which is a prerequisite for stable societies: Its’ wanton destruction is akin to setting fire to our lifeboat.” – Johan Rockstrom
Respectfully Submitted,
Holly McLain – RFVHC Communication Chairman
https://www.rfvhorsecouncil.org/
15. We Support allowing horseback riding on the Sutey Ranch and Haines, Prince Creek Parcels in the RFV.
Read thru this material to learn how the RFVHC helped to get bills, legislation, decisions and more done when dealing with land managers. This was a huge challenge and reserving the rights for horseback riders and hikers on this incredibly special parcel is an achievement we are proud to talk about!
History
Letters to support, thanking the BLM for their listening to the equestrians may be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to BLM,
2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652,
April 29, 2019
BLM approves Sutey Ranch Plan to Increase Recreational Access to Public Lands
Balance of conservation, recreation create new opportunities for range of outdoor activities
Click here to view news release
February 15, 2019
Sutey Ranch. Alternative 4 proposes to manage the Sutey Ranch for the benefit of wildlife especially during the critical winter season balanced with improved access for hunting, horseback riding and mountain biking, as well as agricultural use. Alternative 4 would allow seasonal equestrian use from April 16st to November 30th and mountain biking access through the ranch to the north side of the Red Hill SRMA from June 1 to September 30. The irrigated lands would be managed to provide forage for wildlife. The Sutey Ranch would be made available for livestock grazing as a reserve allotment, and management would be enhanced by combining the Sutey Ranch Allotment with the adjacent Sutey Allotment. Visitor use would be managed to avoid the irrigated fields. Subsequent implementation decisions will address development of equestrian parking facilities, designated trail locations, agricultural management as well as management of cultural resources. By designating seasons of use and a mountain bike access route to the Red Hill SRMA, Alternative 4 strives to reduce conflicts between recreation users as well as reducing impacts on concentration of winter wildlife. Alternative 4 would not add additional rules and/or regulations beyond the guidance established in the 2015 CRVFO Approved RMP.
This is the discussion on RECREATION for Alternative 4 &4A
OUR LETTERS OF SUPPORT IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.
February 23,2019
BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office
2300 River Frontage Road,
Silt, CO 81652
Attn.: Sutey Ranch Management Plan.
To Larry Sandoval – Acting Field Manager,
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is pleased and supports the new Management Plan for Sutey Ranch (combining Alternatives 4 & 4A), which offers protection for the wildlife, while giving equestrians new parking and a safe dependable trail experience. The RFVHC believes that the BLM has listened to comments from everyone and they have come up with a fair plan that will work. We believe this plan will support trail safety and keep the majority of the Sutey Ranch Homestead property peaceful and protected.
Thank you for recognizing the Sutey Ranch as a special place by designating it as a Priority Wildlife Habitat area. And, thank you for identifying and including Alternative 4A, which eliminates surface disruption and mineral leasing by oil, gas & coal exploration and development.
The RFVHC is excited to partner with the BLM as “Friends of Sutey Ranch” for the future of the Sutey Ranch Homestead Property, a very special place in “The Heart Of The Horse Country.”
Kindest Regards,
The RFVHC Board of Directors
[email protected]
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization
February 20, 2019
Dear RFVHC Members –
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is pleased and supports the new BLM response for the Sutey Ranch Management Plan. We are currently reviewing the entire document and will respond to the BLM shortly.
The BLM has recognized the Sutey Ranch as a special place and designated it as a Priority Wildlife Habitat area with recreation use for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. This is the time to read about the Sutey Ranch located in the Heart of Horse Country on Missouri Heights.
The RFVHC believes that the BLM has listened to the comments from our equestrian community. Write your comments about supporting 4 and 4A to keep Sutey Ranch Homestead peaceful and undisturbed for the wildlife and for limited recreation.
Below is the link to all their documents
LINK: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/96648.
Go to the left side green column and click Documents & Reports
Scroll down to: Final EA Sutey Haines Proposed RMPA 2.15.2019
On page 13 - TABLE 2 - MANAGEMENT ACTION ALTERNATIVES
Your supportive comments to the BLM will make a difference.
Send your letters to: [email protected] or mailed to BLM, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, Attn: Sutey Ranch Management Plan.
February 16, 2019
The RFVHC received the BLM response to the summer long public comment period that ended in November. This is now our final chance to speak up about the Sutey Ranch located in the Heart of Horse Country on Missouri Heights. We have until March 18th to respond to their Preliminary Management Plan. This response period is called the “protest period” because the public can speak up and ask for a Management Plan that better suits their perceived needs. Here is the LINK to all their documents. Please be careful and only read the February 15th, 2019 documents!
LINK: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/96648. Go to the left green column and click to choose Documents & Reports. We are asking all interested groups, hikers, outdoor lovers, clubs, animal lovers and individuals to participate in the process.
Link to 8.1.18 RFVHC Letter to The Colorado River Valley Field Office - BLM (PDF)the RFVHC submitted this document for the Historic Sutey Ranch and the Haines Parcel to the BLM as our Public Comment. Please read.
Link to 7.30.18 RFVHC Letter to BLM Gloria Tibbetts The Historic Suety Ranch on behalf of our members, with member letters, photographs and maps.
Link to 7.2.18 RFVHC Letter to BLM Erin Jones, NEPA Co-ordinator
Link to 2.26.18 RFVHC Letter to Pitkin County OST and staff regarding horse trailer parking for the Middle Crown/Haines Meadow
February 17, 2018 A PETITION SENT TO ALL MEMBERS
To our RFVHC Members:
With new land use changes on BLM and Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield County lands, it appears that horseback riding can be wiped off the map for historical recreational use on our surrounding lands. The Horse Council is working on acquiring truck and trailer parking to access our valley trails.
We are losing access to horseback trails because the parking areas have been eliminated or the land managers have not planned for additional, designated truck and trailer parking. Many of equestrian’s pull off areas along County Roads are being eliminated. Tickets are being issued to anyone parked illegally. Many existing parking lots are too small for trucks and trailers to maneuver and turn around, and many are taken up by cars leaving no space for equestrians.
To learn more -Go to: www.facebook.com/keephorsesontrails/
Below is a link to a petition for you to have family and friends sign to help preserve and protect our access through equestrian parking. The BLM, Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield Counties need to include equestrians as multi-user trail users and partners.
Please print one cover page, then as many additional signature pages as you wish, staple them together, and get as many people as you can to sign to support this important initiative.
Mail to:
Holly McLain
1844 Upper Cattle Creek Road
Carbondale, CO 81623
or call me with questions –- 970 948 2151
Thank you,
Holly McLain
RFVHC Communication Chairman
Prince Creek Petition Forms (Word Document)
CREATED 2.17.18
January 24, 2018
To the Pitkin BOCC and Pitkin OST Board and Staff:
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) would like to thank the Pitkin BOCC and Pitkin OST Board for supporting the historic precedent of including equestrians on public open space trails, most specifically on the new Prince Creek Trail, as stipulated in the adopted Prince Creek Management Plan. Thank you for defending the historic rights of equestrians and future generations for continued use on the many trails that were established by horses/owners/riders, and which equestrians continue to use now, and wish to use into the future.
The Bull Pen Parking area has historically been used as a holding area for livestock, including horses for generations. Historically Prince Creek Road had many pull outs, where equestrians parked and accessed the Crown’s many trails.
Pitkin County has indicated that all pull outs on Prince Creek County Road will be closed and all parking on Prince Creek Road will be illegal. Without the proposed Bull Pen parking area, or a comparable parking alternative near the Prince Creek Trail head, historical horseback rider’s access is threatened.
The following data supports our position:
History about horses on trails . In the state of Colorado, if you have carried out the same work with access on the land for 18 years or more, you then have the legal right to continue use. (Colorado Rev. Stat. § 38-41-10). Horses and ranchers made most of the trails in the Roaring Fork Valley starting with the Homestead Act of 1862. The fact is that horse/owners/riders established and used these public trails for 156 years.
Many ranchers made trails on public lands and within the wilderness to access high country pastures for their livestock. Most of our local trails were created by men and women on horseback. The following is an example of historical evidence.
Snowmass history: The ‘Cattle Queen of Snow Mass’ In newspaper articles from 1905, Miss Catherine, better known as Kate Lindvig, was referred to as the "Cattle Queen of Snow Mass." In the late 1890s, she moved to Colorado from Denmark and ran a boardinghouse in Aspen.
Around 1898, she relocated to a ranch at the base of Snowmass Divide and registered her stock brand, a backward L with a 2 on its front side, with the county clerk. She made many of the trails within the wilderness boundary in Snowmass Creek for her cattle’s summer grazing. By 1906, Kate made her final proof that she was working her land to satisfy the 1862 Homestead Act, making the land officially hers.
She worked the land, which was referred to as Snowmass Falls Ranch, and raised cattle along with hay and oats as a lone woman. She never married. She made the papers showing up to classes on ranching as the only woman, but she also took classes on what was traditionally "women's work." In 1943, Kate sold the ranch to the Perry family and moved to California to live with relatives at a lower elevation. She passed away in 1957 at the age of 93.
End of Trail - Western Horseman
“Across the United States, riding trails are at risk. More than ever, backcountry horsemen must compete with hikers, mountain bikers, ATV riders ... the trail, destroying signs and trail markers, erecting gates and fences, and even threatening horseback riders and trail volunteers who try to access the loop.”
CLARIFICATION
We appreciate that horses are included in the approved Prince Creek Management Plan as recreational trail users, by document statements and by showing equestrian icons on the original, approved map for the Prince Creek Trail. Page 25 of the approved and adopted Prince Creek Management Plan has two sections. In section 4.2.1, Recreation, “the trail is intended to be natural surface and accommodate all abilities and users, including mountain bikers, pedestrians, and equestrians.” However, in section 4.2.3 of the new Prince Creek Trail and Parking document, the needs of hikers and bikers are only addressed, with no mention of equestrians. Pitkin County is assuming no responsibility for providing parking for equestrians to access the approved Prince Creek Trail.
The new Prince Creek Trail and Parking document requesting public comment may have contradicted and confused the public during the public comment period. The Prince Creek/Crown Mountain Parking map, which is included on the comment page, has also removed all equestrian icons from this new, Pitkin County, Open Space, Prince Creek Trail map. We are aware that the BLM recognizes equestrian use on the Crown. Removing any potential equestrian parking and access through Prince Creek will virtually eliminate horses from using their historic access through Pitkin County Open Space to all the middle trails on the Crown. By removing both the statement and the icon, it appears that historic equestrian trail use is being jeopardized.
Please restore equestrian use in the trail use statement, and reinstate the icon on the maps for the Prince Creek Trail and Parking document, which is published on the Pitkin OST web site for the Prince Creek Trail and Parking project for public comment. This will make it clear to the public that horses are included as trail users. The RFVHC is concerned that this lack of clarity may have interfered with the public comment process for parking.
The RFVHC holds that horses must have equal recreational access to trails based on historical land use rights. In all instances, public parking gives public access. Horsemen and horsewomen are part of our public recreational fabric.
Thank you for clarifying Pitkin County’s intent to preserve and protect these historic equestrian rights, as stipulated in the Prince Creek Management Plan to use the Prince Creek Trail. Now, please help us park for access to the middle part of the Crown.
We formally request truck and trailer parking for equestrians within the proposed Bull Pen area, or in a comparable parking alternative area near the Prince Creek Trail Head. A site visit to this area, as was done for the Glassier Parking area, would help clarify possibilities for all recreational trail partners.
The Glassier Parking and trail solution was an excellent idea and a resounding success. We look forward to hearing about a future site visit.
Respectfully Submitted,
RFVHC Board of Directors
1.24.18
HISTORY: The FIRST public comment period for the Preliminary Draft Sutey Ranch Land Use Plan Amendment ended on November 5, 2018.regarding the Historic Sutey Ranch recreational plan.
We are asking all interested groups, hikers, outdoor lovers, clubs, animal lovers and individuals to continue to participate in the process. Posted here on October 6, 2018 the link to the BLM EA/RMPA and the Appendix A-H is below. These supplemental documents/appendix are important to read through, and do contain many maps and pictures.
HERE IS THE MAILING ADDRESS:
Comments may still be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to BLM, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, Attn: Sutey Ranch Management Plan. Please send your comments to the addresses listed above and cc a copy of your letter to the Horse Council at [email protected]
ANOTHER LINK FOR MORE BLM INFORMATION: More information about the parcels and the planning process is available at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/96648.
Here are the 3 alternatives originally suggested by the BLM . The RFVHC will be responding following the meeting, (See our letter of response above) and we welcome any contributions and involvement.
Alternative 1 WILDLIFE AND HUNTING EMPHASIS
Sutey Ranch. Alternative 1 proposes to manage the Sutey Ranch predominantly for the benefit of wildlife and wildlife-related activities such as hunting and wildlife viewing. Seasonal equestrian use (and trailer parking facilities) and mountain biking access to the north side of the Red Hill SRMA would be provided. The irrigated lands would be managed to provide forage for wildlife and temporary, limited livestock grazing. The surrounding ranchlands would be improved through vegetation treatments. The ranch would be closed to mechanized, foot, and horse use in the winter. The BLM would add the Sutey Ranch to stipulation CRVFO-NSO-7 - Priority Wildlife Habitat and prohibit surface occupancy and surface- disturbing activities to protect vegetation cover and forage for wildlife. The BLM would combine the Sutey Ranch with the adjacent Sutey Allotment and manage the Allotment as a reserve allotment that allows limited livestock grazing through a temporary non-renewable permit.
Alternative 2 EQUESTRIAN ACCESS EMPHASIS
Sutey Ranch. Alternative 2 proposes to manage the Sutey Ranch with an emphasis on equestrian activities. The Sutey Ranch would be added as a separate recreation management zone (RMZ) to the Red Hill SRMA. No routes would be designated for mountain biking. To benefit wildlife, visitor use would avoid the irrigated fields and habitat treatments would be implemented. Foot and horse travel would be allowed year-round. The Sutey Ranch would not be available for grazing. The adjacent Sutey Allotment would not be available for grazing due to lack of access through the Sutey Ranch.
Alternative 3 MOUNTAIN BIKING AND HIKING EMPHASIS
Sutey Ranch. Alternative 3 proposes to manage the Sutey Ranch as part of the Red Hill SRMA and managed under the Red Hill SRMA Management Framework outlined in Appendix E. To benefit wildlife, recreation use would be seasonally restricted from December 1 to April 15, visitor use would avoid the irrigated fields and habitat treatments would be implemented. Foot and horse travel would be allowed year-round. Under this alternative, the Sutey Ranch would be managed as part of the Sutey grazing allotment and the irrigated fields would be managed primarily for the benefit of livestock
2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652,
April 29, 2019
BLM approves Sutey Ranch Plan to Increase Recreational Access to Public Lands
Balance of conservation, recreation create new opportunities for range of outdoor activities
Click here to view news release
February 15, 2019
Sutey Ranch. Alternative 4 proposes to manage the Sutey Ranch for the benefit of wildlife especially during the critical winter season balanced with improved access for hunting, horseback riding and mountain biking, as well as agricultural use. Alternative 4 would allow seasonal equestrian use from April 16st to November 30th and mountain biking access through the ranch to the north side of the Red Hill SRMA from June 1 to September 30. The irrigated lands would be managed to provide forage for wildlife. The Sutey Ranch would be made available for livestock grazing as a reserve allotment, and management would be enhanced by combining the Sutey Ranch Allotment with the adjacent Sutey Allotment. Visitor use would be managed to avoid the irrigated fields. Subsequent implementation decisions will address development of equestrian parking facilities, designated trail locations, agricultural management as well as management of cultural resources. By designating seasons of use and a mountain bike access route to the Red Hill SRMA, Alternative 4 strives to reduce conflicts between recreation users as well as reducing impacts on concentration of winter wildlife. Alternative 4 would not add additional rules and/or regulations beyond the guidance established in the 2015 CRVFO Approved RMP.
This is the discussion on RECREATION for Alternative 4 &4A
- Sutey Ranch. Within the recreation and visitor services program the impacts to recreation visitation would be the similar as those described for Alternative 1. The BLM would not manage or monitor for specific recreation outcomes for visitors as in Alternatives 2 and 3 where it is designated an SRMA. Visitors and the community still would realize recreation outcomes but management will not strive to achieve specific recreation experiences or benefits.
Activities. Alternative 4 and 4A is different from Alternative 1 in that it would allow equestrian access from April 16 to November 30 and mountain biking access to the north side of the Red Hill SRMA from June 1 to September 30. The extended season of use would benefit equestrians because it allows horseback riding in the spring and fall without any potential interaction with mountain bikers. In addition, the BLM is proposing a monitoring standard on the designated mountain bike route to reduce potential conflicts between mountain bikers and equestrians. Hiking use would occur from April 16 through November 30. Hunting would occur within the various hunting seasons. The recreation management approach would offer seasonal recreation opportunities for various users within the context of sustaining wildlife habitat.
Recreation Outcomes. Sutey Ranch would not be managed for specific recreation experiences and benefits as in Alternatives 2 and 3 which would designate the Sutey Ranch as an SRMA. Recreation activity participants would still realize a variety of undefined recreation experiences and benefits.
Recreation Setting Characteristics. Sutey Ranch would not be managed to maintain desired recreation setting characteristics (RSCs) for specific recreation activities or recreation outcomes as in Alternatives 2 and 3. There would be a few changes in the physical setting due to changes at the trailhead and the development of some designated trails. The social recreation setting characteristics (i.e., contacts with others, group size and evidence of visitor use) would be higher based on the increased numbers of people visiting the Sutey Ranch in the spring, summer and fall. Visitor use regulations and seasonal closures would be implemented to reduce recreation conflicts and disturbance to wintering wildlife from recreation.
OUR LETTERS OF SUPPORT IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER.
February 23,2019
BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office
2300 River Frontage Road,
Silt, CO 81652
Attn.: Sutey Ranch Management Plan.
To Larry Sandoval – Acting Field Manager,
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is pleased and supports the new Management Plan for Sutey Ranch (combining Alternatives 4 & 4A), which offers protection for the wildlife, while giving equestrians new parking and a safe dependable trail experience. The RFVHC believes that the BLM has listened to comments from everyone and they have come up with a fair plan that will work. We believe this plan will support trail safety and keep the majority of the Sutey Ranch Homestead property peaceful and protected.
Thank you for recognizing the Sutey Ranch as a special place by designating it as a Priority Wildlife Habitat area. And, thank you for identifying and including Alternative 4A, which eliminates surface disruption and mineral leasing by oil, gas & coal exploration and development.
The RFVHC is excited to partner with the BLM as “Friends of Sutey Ranch” for the future of the Sutey Ranch Homestead Property, a very special place in “The Heart Of The Horse Country.”
Kindest Regards,
The RFVHC Board of Directors
[email protected]
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization
February 20, 2019
Dear RFVHC Members –
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is pleased and supports the new BLM response for the Sutey Ranch Management Plan. We are currently reviewing the entire document and will respond to the BLM shortly.
The BLM has recognized the Sutey Ranch as a special place and designated it as a Priority Wildlife Habitat area with recreation use for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. This is the time to read about the Sutey Ranch located in the Heart of Horse Country on Missouri Heights.
The RFVHC believes that the BLM has listened to the comments from our equestrian community. Write your comments about supporting 4 and 4A to keep Sutey Ranch Homestead peaceful and undisturbed for the wildlife and for limited recreation.
Below is the link to all their documents
LINK: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/96648.
Go to the left side green column and click Documents & Reports
Scroll down to: Final EA Sutey Haines Proposed RMPA 2.15.2019
On page 13 - TABLE 2 - MANAGEMENT ACTION ALTERNATIVES
Your supportive comments to the BLM will make a difference.
Send your letters to: [email protected] or mailed to BLM, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, Attn: Sutey Ranch Management Plan.
February 16, 2019
The RFVHC received the BLM response to the summer long public comment period that ended in November. This is now our final chance to speak up about the Sutey Ranch located in the Heart of Horse Country on Missouri Heights. We have until March 18th to respond to their Preliminary Management Plan. This response period is called the “protest period” because the public can speak up and ask for a Management Plan that better suits their perceived needs. Here is the LINK to all their documents. Please be careful and only read the February 15th, 2019 documents!
LINK: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/96648. Go to the left green column and click to choose Documents & Reports. We are asking all interested groups, hikers, outdoor lovers, clubs, animal lovers and individuals to participate in the process.
Link to 8.1.18 RFVHC Letter to The Colorado River Valley Field Office - BLM (PDF)the RFVHC submitted this document for the Historic Sutey Ranch and the Haines Parcel to the BLM as our Public Comment. Please read.
Link to 7.30.18 RFVHC Letter to BLM Gloria Tibbetts The Historic Suety Ranch on behalf of our members, with member letters, photographs and maps.
Link to 7.2.18 RFVHC Letter to BLM Erin Jones, NEPA Co-ordinator
Link to 2.26.18 RFVHC Letter to Pitkin County OST and staff regarding horse trailer parking for the Middle Crown/Haines Meadow
February 17, 2018 A PETITION SENT TO ALL MEMBERS
To our RFVHC Members:
With new land use changes on BLM and Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield County lands, it appears that horseback riding can be wiped off the map for historical recreational use on our surrounding lands. The Horse Council is working on acquiring truck and trailer parking to access our valley trails.
We are losing access to horseback trails because the parking areas have been eliminated or the land managers have not planned for additional, designated truck and trailer parking. Many of equestrian’s pull off areas along County Roads are being eliminated. Tickets are being issued to anyone parked illegally. Many existing parking lots are too small for trucks and trailers to maneuver and turn around, and many are taken up by cars leaving no space for equestrians.
To learn more -Go to: www.facebook.com/keephorsesontrails/
Below is a link to a petition for you to have family and friends sign to help preserve and protect our access through equestrian parking. The BLM, Pitkin, Eagle, and Garfield Counties need to include equestrians as multi-user trail users and partners.
Please print one cover page, then as many additional signature pages as you wish, staple them together, and get as many people as you can to sign to support this important initiative.
Mail to:
Holly McLain
1844 Upper Cattle Creek Road
Carbondale, CO 81623
or call me with questions –- 970 948 2151
Thank you,
Holly McLain
RFVHC Communication Chairman
Prince Creek Petition Forms (Word Document)
CREATED 2.17.18
January 24, 2018
To the Pitkin BOCC and Pitkin OST Board and Staff:
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council (RFVHC) would like to thank the Pitkin BOCC and Pitkin OST Board for supporting the historic precedent of including equestrians on public open space trails, most specifically on the new Prince Creek Trail, as stipulated in the adopted Prince Creek Management Plan. Thank you for defending the historic rights of equestrians and future generations for continued use on the many trails that were established by horses/owners/riders, and which equestrians continue to use now, and wish to use into the future.
The Bull Pen Parking area has historically been used as a holding area for livestock, including horses for generations. Historically Prince Creek Road had many pull outs, where equestrians parked and accessed the Crown’s many trails.
Pitkin County has indicated that all pull outs on Prince Creek County Road will be closed and all parking on Prince Creek Road will be illegal. Without the proposed Bull Pen parking area, or a comparable parking alternative near the Prince Creek Trail head, historical horseback rider’s access is threatened.
The following data supports our position:
History about horses on trails . In the state of Colorado, if you have carried out the same work with access on the land for 18 years or more, you then have the legal right to continue use. (Colorado Rev. Stat. § 38-41-10). Horses and ranchers made most of the trails in the Roaring Fork Valley starting with the Homestead Act of 1862. The fact is that horse/owners/riders established and used these public trails for 156 years.
Many ranchers made trails on public lands and within the wilderness to access high country pastures for their livestock. Most of our local trails were created by men and women on horseback. The following is an example of historical evidence.
Snowmass history: The ‘Cattle Queen of Snow Mass’ In newspaper articles from 1905, Miss Catherine, better known as Kate Lindvig, was referred to as the "Cattle Queen of Snow Mass." In the late 1890s, she moved to Colorado from Denmark and ran a boardinghouse in Aspen.
Around 1898, she relocated to a ranch at the base of Snowmass Divide and registered her stock brand, a backward L with a 2 on its front side, with the county clerk. She made many of the trails within the wilderness boundary in Snowmass Creek for her cattle’s summer grazing. By 1906, Kate made her final proof that she was working her land to satisfy the 1862 Homestead Act, making the land officially hers.
She worked the land, which was referred to as Snowmass Falls Ranch, and raised cattle along with hay and oats as a lone woman. She never married. She made the papers showing up to classes on ranching as the only woman, but she also took classes on what was traditionally "women's work." In 1943, Kate sold the ranch to the Perry family and moved to California to live with relatives at a lower elevation. She passed away in 1957 at the age of 93.
End of Trail - Western Horseman
“Across the United States, riding trails are at risk. More than ever, backcountry horsemen must compete with hikers, mountain bikers, ATV riders ... the trail, destroying signs and trail markers, erecting gates and fences, and even threatening horseback riders and trail volunteers who try to access the loop.”
CLARIFICATION
We appreciate that horses are included in the approved Prince Creek Management Plan as recreational trail users, by document statements and by showing equestrian icons on the original, approved map for the Prince Creek Trail. Page 25 of the approved and adopted Prince Creek Management Plan has two sections. In section 4.2.1, Recreation, “the trail is intended to be natural surface and accommodate all abilities and users, including mountain bikers, pedestrians, and equestrians.” However, in section 4.2.3 of the new Prince Creek Trail and Parking document, the needs of hikers and bikers are only addressed, with no mention of equestrians. Pitkin County is assuming no responsibility for providing parking for equestrians to access the approved Prince Creek Trail.
The new Prince Creek Trail and Parking document requesting public comment may have contradicted and confused the public during the public comment period. The Prince Creek/Crown Mountain Parking map, which is included on the comment page, has also removed all equestrian icons from this new, Pitkin County, Open Space, Prince Creek Trail map. We are aware that the BLM recognizes equestrian use on the Crown. Removing any potential equestrian parking and access through Prince Creek will virtually eliminate horses from using their historic access through Pitkin County Open Space to all the middle trails on the Crown. By removing both the statement and the icon, it appears that historic equestrian trail use is being jeopardized.
Please restore equestrian use in the trail use statement, and reinstate the icon on the maps for the Prince Creek Trail and Parking document, which is published on the Pitkin OST web site for the Prince Creek Trail and Parking project for public comment. This will make it clear to the public that horses are included as trail users. The RFVHC is concerned that this lack of clarity may have interfered with the public comment process for parking.
The RFVHC holds that horses must have equal recreational access to trails based on historical land use rights. In all instances, public parking gives public access. Horsemen and horsewomen are part of our public recreational fabric.
Thank you for clarifying Pitkin County’s intent to preserve and protect these historic equestrian rights, as stipulated in the Prince Creek Management Plan to use the Prince Creek Trail. Now, please help us park for access to the middle part of the Crown.
We formally request truck and trailer parking for equestrians within the proposed Bull Pen area, or in a comparable parking alternative area near the Prince Creek Trail Head. A site visit to this area, as was done for the Glassier Parking area, would help clarify possibilities for all recreational trail partners.
The Glassier Parking and trail solution was an excellent idea and a resounding success. We look forward to hearing about a future site visit.
Respectfully Submitted,
RFVHC Board of Directors
1.24.18
HISTORY: The FIRST public comment period for the Preliminary Draft Sutey Ranch Land Use Plan Amendment ended on November 5, 2018.regarding the Historic Sutey Ranch recreational plan.
We are asking all interested groups, hikers, outdoor lovers, clubs, animal lovers and individuals to continue to participate in the process. Posted here on October 6, 2018 the link to the BLM EA/RMPA and the Appendix A-H is below. These supplemental documents/appendix are important to read through, and do contain many maps and pictures.
HERE IS THE MAILING ADDRESS:
Comments may still be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to BLM, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, Attn: Sutey Ranch Management Plan. Please send your comments to the addresses listed above and cc a copy of your letter to the Horse Council at [email protected]
ANOTHER LINK FOR MORE BLM INFORMATION: More information about the parcels and the planning process is available at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/96648.
Here are the 3 alternatives originally suggested by the BLM . The RFVHC will be responding following the meeting, (See our letter of response above) and we welcome any contributions and involvement.
Alternative 1 WILDLIFE AND HUNTING EMPHASIS
Sutey Ranch. Alternative 1 proposes to manage the Sutey Ranch predominantly for the benefit of wildlife and wildlife-related activities such as hunting and wildlife viewing. Seasonal equestrian use (and trailer parking facilities) and mountain biking access to the north side of the Red Hill SRMA would be provided. The irrigated lands would be managed to provide forage for wildlife and temporary, limited livestock grazing. The surrounding ranchlands would be improved through vegetation treatments. The ranch would be closed to mechanized, foot, and horse use in the winter. The BLM would add the Sutey Ranch to stipulation CRVFO-NSO-7 - Priority Wildlife Habitat and prohibit surface occupancy and surface- disturbing activities to protect vegetation cover and forage for wildlife. The BLM would combine the Sutey Ranch with the adjacent Sutey Allotment and manage the Allotment as a reserve allotment that allows limited livestock grazing through a temporary non-renewable permit.
Alternative 2 EQUESTRIAN ACCESS EMPHASIS
Sutey Ranch. Alternative 2 proposes to manage the Sutey Ranch with an emphasis on equestrian activities. The Sutey Ranch would be added as a separate recreation management zone (RMZ) to the Red Hill SRMA. No routes would be designated for mountain biking. To benefit wildlife, visitor use would avoid the irrigated fields and habitat treatments would be implemented. Foot and horse travel would be allowed year-round. The Sutey Ranch would not be available for grazing. The adjacent Sutey Allotment would not be available for grazing due to lack of access through the Sutey Ranch.
Alternative 3 MOUNTAIN BIKING AND HIKING EMPHASIS
Sutey Ranch. Alternative 3 proposes to manage the Sutey Ranch as part of the Red Hill SRMA and managed under the Red Hill SRMA Management Framework outlined in Appendix E. To benefit wildlife, recreation use would be seasonally restricted from December 1 to April 15, visitor use would avoid the irrigated fields and habitat treatments would be implemented. Foot and horse travel would be allowed year-round. Under this alternative, the Sutey Ranch would be managed as part of the Sutey grazing allotment and the irrigated fields would be managed primarily for the benefit of livestock
16. We Support Global Initiatives
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Hooves for Honduras
Dr. Dennis Benavidez Matamoros Dr. Dennis Benavidez Matamoros is a talented, young veterinarian from Honduras who has been invited to further his education and skillset in the United States! In January, 2017, Dr. Dennis joined the Equitarian Initiative in Costa Rica where he studied under renown farrier, Paul Dorris. Recognizing his talent, Mr. Dorris has generously invited Dr. Dennis to attend a six-week farrier course at Arkansas Horseshoer School. Additionally, Dr. Dennis has been invited to shadow AAEP Board member, Dr. Tracy Turner to continue his education in podiatry and lameness. With your help, we can ensure that Dr. Dennis will participate in this unique opportunity to advance his professional education and impact the health of working equids in the developing world! All donations will help fund his airfare, expenses in the US and a small stipend to support his family in Honduras while he is away. Please join us in supporting Dr. Dennis and the underserved population of equines he treats in Central America! Costa Rica, Annual Workshop Puerto Jimenez Report by Dr. Lauren Alderman In January of 2019, the Equitarian Initiative’s annual workshop took place for the fourth consecutive year in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. The workshop’s objectives are to provide an understanding of the critical role of working equids, discuss examples of successful Equitarian programs, and allow participants to apply their individual skills in a field setting. Just prior to the arrival of volunteers, EI board members, Dr. Stacy Tinkler and Dr. Dave Turoff traveled to Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica and spent the day providing instruction and education to local community members. 2019 marks the first year that a community education program has been incorporated into the annual workshop. Participants had the opportunity to learn about basic health care and to enhance understanding of preventative care opportunities. This year’s team consisted of 28 volunteers (veterinarians, veterinary students, farriers, and others) representing eight countries in total. The group was divided into four teams, each assigned to a specific station each day: triage, dentistry, or surgery. The workshop consisted of two days of lecture and four days of clinical field work. Over the course of the week, we treated a total of nearly 350 equine patients. |
How Can You Help?
Make a tax-deductible donation to the Equitarian Initiative: Online http://equitarianinitiative.org/donate/ please write “Dennis” in the comment line GoFundme https://www.gofundme.com/dr-dennis-dvm-of-honduras Send check to Equitarian Initiative PO Box 2143 Stillwater, MN 55082 For more information about Dr. Dennis or the work of the Equitarian Initiative contact us at [email protected] |
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17. We Support Equine Charities
The Harry & Snowman movie at the Wheeler Opera House on Sept 28th, 2016, showed to a sold out, packed theater. Gabrielle Greeves of WindWalkers and Karin Reid Offield, President of the RFVHC, at the movie pre screening reception were supported by other valley equestrian charitable organizations. For more event photos click the link for the gallery page. |
18. We Support National Equestrian Projects
Sponsorship and recognition by United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to create a new entity within the organization for the future. The idea is to insure the sustainability of a vibrant equestrian industry by using County and City Open Space public lands for equestrian facilities (such as Cozy Point), truck and trailer parking, and access to a web of
contiguous trail systems. We consider the Roaring Fork Valley to be a perfect place to create a sustainable, generational, legacy plan for the equestrian community. Professional and amateur horse people of all disciplines will be able to use all of these venues, which in turn will support the horse industry.
The RFVHC's great relationship with the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) has lead us to the Trails Safe Passing Plan (TSPP) collaboration. The ELCR is located in Lexington, Kentucky. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the US is losing 6,000 acres of open land every day. Large open spaces and contiguous tracts of land are critical to providing the space we need to support our nation’s equestrian heritage and economy. With the current rate of loss we may not have enough land to support our horses and equestrian-related activities in as little as 15 years.Six core issues impact equine land loss. They are: planning for horses in your community, conservation tools for horse lands, equine access to public lands, equine access to private lands, best management practices and the benefits of horses in communities. To save our farms, trails, hayfields and other horse lands we must act immediately, addressing threats one by one, community by community. Concerned citizens across the nation are eager to get involved at a local level, but may not know where to start.
The ELCR's Work
ELCR provides easy access to the information, resources and tools that help people take action. We offer templates for letters, outreach materials, and how-to guides. To learn more go to:
19. Our local media platforms are FaceBook and Instagram
We went on-line on April 15, 2016 with our RFVHC Facebook presence a couple years ago.
Our President Karin Reid Offield is the page administrator. The FaceBook Impressum is as follows:
Support the Horse,The Nine Ethical Principles of the True Horseman
1. Anyone involved with a horse takes over responsibility for this living creature entrusted to him.
2. The horse must be kept in a way that is in keeping with his natural requirements.
3. Highest priority must be accorded to the physical as well as psychological health of the horse, irrespective of the purpose for which is it is used.
4. Man must respect every horse alike, regardless of its breed, age and sex and its use for breeding, for recreation or in sporting competition.
5. Knowledge of the history of the horse, its needs and how to handle it are part of our historic-cultural heritage. This information must be cherished and safeguarded in other to be passed on to the the next generations.
6. Contact and dealings with horses are character building experiences and of valuable significance to the development of the human being – in particular the young person. This aspect must be respected and promoted.
7. The human who participates in equestrian sport with his horse must subject himself as well as his horse to training. The goal of any training is to bring about the best possible harmony between horse and rider.
8. The use of the horse in competition was well as in general riding, driving and vaulting must be geared towards the horse’s ability, temperament and willingness to perform. Manipulating a horse’s capacity to work by means of medication or other “horse-unfriendly” influences should be rejected by all and people engaged in such practises should be prosecuted.
9. The responsibility a human has for the horse entrusted to him included the end of the horse's life. The human must always assume this responsibility and implement any decisions in the best interest of the horse.
Surprisingly…first published in 1994 by the German National Equestrian Federation in "Ethical Principles for the True Horseman"
Our President Karin Reid Offield is the page administrator. The FaceBook Impressum is as follows:
Support the Horse,The Nine Ethical Principles of the True Horseman
1. Anyone involved with a horse takes over responsibility for this living creature entrusted to him.
2. The horse must be kept in a way that is in keeping with his natural requirements.
3. Highest priority must be accorded to the physical as well as psychological health of the horse, irrespective of the purpose for which is it is used.
4. Man must respect every horse alike, regardless of its breed, age and sex and its use for breeding, for recreation or in sporting competition.
5. Knowledge of the history of the horse, its needs and how to handle it are part of our historic-cultural heritage. This information must be cherished and safeguarded in other to be passed on to the the next generations.
6. Contact and dealings with horses are character building experiences and of valuable significance to the development of the human being – in particular the young person. This aspect must be respected and promoted.
7. The human who participates in equestrian sport with his horse must subject himself as well as his horse to training. The goal of any training is to bring about the best possible harmony between horse and rider.
8. The use of the horse in competition was well as in general riding, driving and vaulting must be geared towards the horse’s ability, temperament and willingness to perform. Manipulating a horse’s capacity to work by means of medication or other “horse-unfriendly” influences should be rejected by all and people engaged in such practises should be prosecuted.
9. The responsibility a human has for the horse entrusted to him included the end of the horse's life. The human must always assume this responsibility and implement any decisions in the best interest of the horse.
Surprisingly…first published in 1994 by the German National Equestrian Federation in "Ethical Principles for the True Horseman"
Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council
P.O. Box 127, Snowmass, Colorado 81654
* 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization *
[email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/keephorsesontrails/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rfvhc/
P.O. Box 127, Snowmass, Colorado 81654
* 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization *
[email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/keephorsesontrails/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rfvhc/