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Brody
June 8th, 2009, 02:05 PM
This is the current information from Predator 4X4 as to what is open and what is not. Please note that the information is dated 'as of January 2009'. Also note that the 'volunteers' that they are asking for is pretty weird. Some of the shops mentioned as having a sign up sheet do not even know about the volunteers or have a sign up sheet and LaDawn and I have tried to 'volunteer' for this for the last 5 years. I don't know what is up with this, but I gaveit up as it seemed very stupid and unorganized...

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Hackett, Longwater, Metberry Gulches

January 2009

Last summer, the Park County Commissioners and Road Supervisors were taken on a tour of the trails along the Platte River. Representatives from the Forest Service and Teller County were also present. Plans for opening the trails along the river for public use were presented and discussed in detail. The on-going concerns of the Forest Service were addressed. The Forest Service concerns stem from road use prior to the Haymen Fire and erosion concerns since the Haymen Fire. The majority of comments were favorable towards the proposed plans. Ultimately, the Park County Commissioners decided not to make a decision on adopting the trails along the Platte River. The Commissioners did see the benefits in opening these trails, but determined that the decision was best left to the incoming board. Two of the current Commissioners were leaving office and they determined the best course of action was to let the new board make the decision. The new Commissioners have just taken office and are getting orientated. Our process now starts again with the new commissioners. We will be asking the new board to adopt these trails so we can move to get them opened. While the Park County process continues, we will move forward with an effort to open all the trails in Teller County to the Teller County line. The Teller County line does not go to the river, but ends between a quarter mile and a half mile from the river. Gates will be installed at the county line to stop traffic. If these closures are not honored, or people damage the gates or drive around the gates, the trails to the river will probably never open. The overwhelming concern for all the counties involved, is the ability to close the roads if dangerous conditions exist. It is important for the public to respect the counties temporary closures. To date, most people have honored the gates. The damage causes by anyone going around the gates will need to be repaired before anything can be opened. If anyone witnesses any violations of the closures or gates, they should get pictures and license plate numbers of the vehicles and submit the information to the Teller County Sheriffs office. The Sheriff’s Office will prosecute violators. As we move forward and progress is made, we will post updates. When we are ready for volunteers to install gates and posts, we will send out emails to the volunteer list.

The home owners on FS 360 just west of Four Corners have asked ATV's, Motorcycles, and Jeeps to slow down, please. These home owners are not against motorized users driving across their land. They are asking that we respect them. As always, a very small percentage of inconsiderate users are causing the problem. The speed limit on these types of roads is 10-15 mph. Under the current very dusty conditions, please drive slower. Please pass the word to slow down. There may be children playing. The important issue is that we respect the land and other land users.

Wildcat Canyon Rules and Regulations

*Please stay on the trail as marked.

*Please do not short cut switch backs or through the trees.

*No shooting across the river or within 150 yards of a campsite, occupied or not.

*Do not drive up or down the river.

*Cross the river only at established crossings. There are no crossings at Metberry Gulch.

*Pack out your trash.

*Leave your camp site cleaner than you found it.

*No camping within 25 feet of the river bank.

*No bog or wet area "play" or travel is allowed.

*Campfires must be attended at all times.

Advise for travel in burn area

-Trees can fall at any time so be aware of possible hazards.

-Bring a saw or axe to clear downed trees from the trail.

-A trail may be clear on your way in and blocked on your way out, so be prepared.

-Flash flooding is a possibility. Watch the weather and leave during heavy rains.

-Enjoy your trip, drive responsibly and help keep trails open.

As of January 2009, only Metberry Gulch is open!

To volunteer, you must be signed up. Being on the volunteer email list is not the same as signing the Teller County Volunteer Agreement. If you did not sign up in person, then you are not signed up. If you signed up once, then you are signed up until you hear otherwise.

Sign up sheets are available at any Predator 4 Wheel Drive, LLC location. High Country 4x4 in Englewood has graciously agreed to be a sign up location. For their hours or location, call Jason at 303-761-7379.

The work being performed is hard, physical, and dirty. We are moving burnt trees, cutting down trees, building roads, building soil containment structures, and putting up post and cable.

To be added to a volunteer email list, please email julie@predator4wd.com with the subject of volunteer and I will add you to a volunteer email. Thank you!




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