After waiting longer than expected, the USDA Forest Service will release a draft environmental assessment for the Mud Rabbit Trails project on Monday, Oct. 24, according to a news release on Thursday, Oct. 20.
Following issuance of the legal notice, there will be a 30-day public comment period on the draft evaluation and subsequent proposed actions.
Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District believes the proposed actions will balance the management of a sustainable and diverse trail system while minimizing impacts on natural resources.
Hahns Peak/Bears Ears District Ranger Michael Woodbridge said: “Trail-based recreational opportunities for a range of forest visitors will be improved while balancing potential resource impacts in high-priority areas.”
Information sessions are held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs on the second floor of the Academic Center building. Forest Service staff will provide information and answer questions. In-person events also have a virtual option on the project’s website http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50917&exp=overview..
“This proposed action includes approximately 52 miles of new trails, associated trailhead improvements, and a wide variety of users, both in terms of skill level and type of use (hiking, biking, adaptive user, electric). Additional management actions are included to provide opportunities.. Most of the proposed trails occur along the corridor of Highway 40, with connections to Buffalo Pass and Steamboat Ski Area, allowing for a wide variety of capacities and uses. , creating opportunities for both short and long trails for
In addition, 36 miles of illegal routes in the Rocky Peaks, Strawberry Park Hot Springs, and Rabbit Ears Pass areas will be restored to their natural state.
This description is similar to the Mad Rabbit 3.0 proposal released in early 2019.
