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MEDL trail plan out for public comment

23K views 231 replies 26 participants last post by  rockman 
#1 ·
Mt Elden/Dry Lake Hills Recreation Planning in Flagstaff. There is a 45 day public comment period. There's lots to like in here, especially for a mountain biker. Some trails didn't make it in and will be obliterated. Read up and post up your concerns and suggestions and don't forget to send in a comment letter.

Scoping Letter and instructions on how to comment: https://content.govdelivery.com/att...ents/1518285/20200813_MEDLScopingCoverLtr.pdf

Documents and maps here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=38239
 
#126 ·
MEDL and Snowbowl are somewhat inter-related the exciting news today is release of the revised Master Development Plan (MDP) for Snowbowl. The build-out for mtb trails is proposed to be in phases. To see the maps associated with each phase navigate to the project library page and download the MDP. The pertinent maps are on pages 115-118. https://snowbowl-project-portal.org...wloICQ92Jse3EqqWJx38qmSnuqZpW8Pizc2jhhHatudh8

On the MEDL front the modified Proposed Action is nearing completion and will be out sometime in March. Those who commented on the PA last summer can comment on this one. It's still on track with a signed decision expected fall 2021 and implementation in 2022.
 
#131 ·
Here's the most recent info on MEDL timeline:

-mid April for release of the Modified Preferred Alternative
-30 day comment period
-Final Environmental Assessment and Draft Decision in August
-90 day Objection Period
-Signed Decision Notice in October/November 2021.
-So shovels to dirt in 2022.

Otherwise, in 2021 there will be realignments of lower Moto where it was impacted by 4FRI thinning, and possible realignments of Arizona Trail and Loop Trail south of town near Walnut Canyon to get the trail off repurposed old road bed. There will also be a reroute of a short section of AZT near Schultz Tank where the trail was bladed into logging road. The FS trail crew will be largely occupied with an overhaul of the Humphrey Peaks trail.

FBO will hold volunteer events on Sunset, Little Bear, Arizona Trail, and Little Elden. Trail Faeries will be focusing efforts on upper Moto with Hobbits, Weatherford, Little Elden, Secret, and Schultz on the triage list for tread repair.
 
#174 · (Edited)
The updated timeline has been changed to reflect a longer period of Biological Consultation with USFWS. Release of the Final EA is now mid-November. That will begin the 45-day objection period which will end Jan 3, 2022. Implementation is still on track for April 2022!
 
#224 · (Edited)
Well, in the past week or so I've been able to ride both up and down the new Lower Brookbank trail that recently debuted as fully open-for-business in the Coconino NF. And all I've gotta say is: good god damn! It's a friggin' masterpiece! Almost enough to make you forget you're riding thru the #museumfire burn scar.
Cloud Plant Sky Plant community Ecoregion

Crux move on the new Brookbank

Didn't take any pics, but that new spur signed "Oldham" climbing between Rocky Ridge and Brookbank is a fricken killer. I swear, several steep short grades 10-20% had me sucking some serious wind with my ass perched precariously on the nose of my saddle. I'm not complaining (my saddle knows it has an open invitation), it's too nice to be off the always under-construction ELO road and out of the ever-unpredictable Spruce floodplain. Plus, going down I imagine it's gonna be a real hoot.
 
#229 ·
Well, in the past week or so I've been able to ride both up and down the new Lower Brookbank trail that recently debuted as fully open-for-business in the Coconino NF.
I got my chance to try this yesterday. It's an impressive build! Not sure I would want to do it in the uphill direction.

-db-

View of the peaks from Lower Brookbank near Little Gnarly.
 
#168 ·
FBO submitted comments today. FBO's Comments on the Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills Recreation Planning Environmental Assessment • Flagstaff Biking Organization

There will likely be opposition to the Environmental Assessment. We feel there have been enough compromises and it's time to lock this in. Flagstaff isn't going anywhere and this plan does much to ensure that it won't be somebody else's problem 10 years from now.

Through our discussions with the Flagstaff Ranger District and others, and our reading of the EA, it is apparent that top-level specialists and experts in several agencies were involved in writing the document. It is thorough and concise and successfully balances resource concerns while providing for the substantial recreational needs of the recreating public.

That said, we are aware that some individuals and groups may attempt to appeal or even litigate any Decision to move this plan forward.

We encourage the District to stand its ground. Were it up to Flagstaff Biking Organization, we would have added several other routes, some of which we forwarded in our Comments to the Proposed Action. Some of the routes that we proposed that were not included have no scientific basis or resource concern cited for their exclusion. These routes were not included solely as a concession to a small group of individuals. As it stands, we are comfortable seeing this plan finally move forward, even with the concessions that have already been made.

If additional concessions are made to those opposed to well managed recreation, we would like an opportunity to have some additional concessions made on behalf of mountain bikers and other trail users. Our support is for this EA, as it is written.
One week left. Get those comments submitted!
 
#193 ·
Just a quick update....there were 4 objections filed, none of which will result in any substantial changes to the draft decision. With the objection resolution period completed and once consultation with US Fish and Wildlife Service on the Biological Opinion (BO) is finalized, a signed final decision by the forest supervisor is expected this April.
 
#145 ·
Latest update from the FS is a modified Proposed Action and Draft Environmental Assessment in 2 to 3 weeks. Following that will be a 45 day comment period. They'll address any glaring issues and release a draft final decision in August followed by an Objection Period. A signed decision is still expected Oct/Nov 2021. So, shovels to dirt in 2022.

The FS also has upwards of $200k for the project from the Great American Outdoors Act. A good start but not nearly enough. Time to ramp up the bake sales.
 
#183 ·
Awesome- so stoked! Looks like the layout of upper oldham is much longer on the final plan then on the link above. Which one is correct? Overall a huge win to get excited about, but the thought of not dealing with the steeps on MEL road and inhaling moon dust from passing cars is exciting to me. As I’m getting older I seem to focus on the climbs more then the descents…


 
#185 ·
Awesome- so stoked! Looks like the layout of upper oldham is much longer on the final plan then on the link above. Which one is correct? Overall a huge win to get excited about, but the thought of not dealing with the steeps on MEL road and inhaling moon dust from passing cars is exciting to me. As I’m getting older I seem to focus on the climbs more then the descents…
The lower map you linked but keep in mind the lines on the map are still conceptual. In some areas there is a pretty good idea of where trails will be located or be realigned with GPS tracks, etc; whereas, with others there is much work to be done. Kinda funny but when the FS was doing tribal consultation with the Hopi they were driving up Elden Lookout Rd and got "yelled at" by a group of mtn bikers for dusting them out!

Is there a separate trail fund for this? Thinking about giving people options to donate on my behalf for Christmas.
I'm biased but the FBO trail fund can and has been used to directly hire contract crews. That's how the majority of Heart got built as well as other projects like the Flagstaff Loop Trail or Little Bear after the Schultz Fire. That is, FBO has an agreement in place and as a nonprofit can directly hire crews in partnership with the forest service. Donate to the Trail Maintenance & Construction Fund • Flagstaff Biking Organization

Flagstaff Trails Initiative finally has non-profit status and is another option. The donation page currently goes through Pledge for the Wild and those funds can presumably be routed directly to the FS or used for in-kind matching of agency funds. Home - Flagstaff Trails Initiative and the donation link here: https://www.pledgewild.com/flagstaff-az

Both options are tax deductible.
 
#199 · (Edited)
There will be an official announcement next week but the MEDL proposed action was signed yesterday (Friday). The deciding documents can be found here: Forest Service

Objection responses can be found here: Forest Service

Phase I in 2022 will be the alt Schultz Creek trail to Chimney, front side Dry Lake Hills trail, Lower Brookbank, M. Oldham, Red Onion/Funions. Trail construction will be somewhat in that order but depends on archaeological site clearance, owls, timber operations, and of course potential forest closures. Implementation in 2022 will be a combination of $200,000 Great American Outdoors Act funding for paid crews, an 8 person FS trail crew, 7 FBO volunteer events and new for this year there will be FS volunteer events every Thursday 3-7pm. Flagstaff Trail Faeries will be on Jedi on Sundays pending archeological clearance on the lower end and the upper part is still being impacted by mechanized thinning. Dates for the FBO events can be found here: Trail Days Schedule • Flagstaff Biking Organization

Phase II in 2023 will focus on the directional DH trails, hiking trails, and the equestrian trails. Focus for this year is to get some of the connections in place especially those impacted by the Museum Fire.
 
#218 ·
MEDL Phase II will be implemented over the next two years. Priorities have not been set but generally the thinking will be a rebuild of Elden Lookout hiking trail and Fatman's loop, a realigned Lower Oldham to Buffalo Park, the Schultz stacked loop system, L. Gnarly singletrack, and the directional trail Ginger. There's the possibility that a new Climb 3 singletrack and the Sunset Ridge flow trail may happen as well but much depends on FWPP thinning efforts and taking some time to come up with a legit trail design.
 
#2 · (Edited)
For those wondering about closure of unauthorized social trails...the document does not do an adequate job of explaining why so here's the rationale as I understand it.

-CanI. This trail is in the middle of the Schultz Mexican Spotted Owl Protected Activity Center (MSO-PAC). Not only that it goes through the nest core.

-Pickle. Largely redundant with the realignment of lower Brookbank. Otherwise, there would have been crossing trails. Too bad as I much prefer Pickle over Ginger but there are some cool features on Ginger for sure. Lower brookbank is being realigned to put it on a sustainable grade and to also get it out of Brookbank canyon which is also a MSO-PAC.

-Prom Night. The same MSO-PAC applies here and the slope also burned hot in the Museum Fire.

-Private Reserve. Most of the trail is in an MSO-PAC and the feature known as Happy Ending is in the nest core. The plan addresses this loss by adding directional trails to the north on the west facing slopes below Oldham Park albeit in the burn scar.

To summarize, closures are largely about wildlife concerns. Primarily MSO and the remaining mixed-conifer habitat. There's a lot to be excited about in this plan especially for the hiking community.
 
#3 ·
Here is some things I think we should comment on or advocate for:

-Advocate for a loop in the Dry Lake Hills just below the rim, so it will not affect the "wetland habitat".

-Comment on why on the attached map shows multiple multi-use trails dead ending into hiking only trails.

-Advocate for downhill mountain bike trails to be for mountain bike use only. The new hiking trails specifically say closed to all other users but the dh mtb trails do not.

-Advocate for more downhill mountain bike trails. Rockman mentioned that Private probably won't make it through because of the bottom half being in a MSO PAC. Perhaps we could advocate for a trail in the area of upper Private Reserve but turning into same area of Lone Eagle, avoiding the MSO PAC on the lower section of Private. This would put the trail in more desirable terrain and vegetation.

-Advocate for a scenic loop at the top of Mt. Elden. This could provide loop for hikers and bikers and may serve as a access trail to the downhill trail I mentioned above.

-Advocate for a pump-track and small dirt jumping area at the new "Y" trailhead. There are many user built jumps in this area that suggest this would be necessary.

-Support the overall plan and comment about things you like the current one. :D
 
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