U.S. Forest Service gives RTA go-ahead for RGS trail clearing

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Montelores Bridge crosses the Dolores River near Colorado Hwy 145 at the Montezuma-Dolores county line 4 miles south of Rico.

Ore Cart photo

July 16, 2022

The Rico Trails Alliance (RTA) has received permission from the United States Forest Service (USFS) to begin vegetation clearing of the former Rio Grande Southern (RGS) railroad grade between Rico and the Montelores Bridge south of Rico. RTA board member and president Alex Wing announced the USFS approval at a meeting of RTA trails volunteers Thursday night, July 14 in Rico. USFS gave RGS trail clearing a green-light the previous day.

RTA volunteers will begin clearing the RGS grade along and east of the Dolores River later this month. The start of RGS trail work is the result of 4 years of coordination between RTA and the USFS.

An initial site assessment of a proposed bridge site at the north end of the RGS trail project is underway. This new bridge will cross the Dolores River at the site of the former RGS crossing. The site assessment is preparation for a bridge construction grant application to Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) or other funding source.

Rico Trails Alliance is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization formed in 2017. Its mission is:

. . . to steward the local and regional trail systems in and around Rico, Colorado, focusing on user education and the access, development, and use of non-motorized trails.

Other RTA info:

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