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The Nonprofit Steward of Public Lands in Southern Colorado
October 17, 2017 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division Trails Program 13787 U.S. Hwy 85 N. Littleton, CO 80125 Re: Trail Grant Opportunity To Whom It May Concern: Attached, please find Rocky Mountain Field Institute’s application for the 2017-2018 State Trails grant program. RMFI is applying for funds to complete the reconstruction of the summit trail to Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak, two popular Fourteeners located above Willow Lake in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range near Crestone, Colorado. RMFI’s nine-member Board of Directors strongly supports the Kit Carson-Challenger Point Trail Improvement Project, which began in 2014 and will be completed in 2020. The current user-created social trail that accesses the high peaks is gullied, unsafe, and unpleasant for hikers. The social trail has scoured soil away from rocks creating the potential for rock fall with nearly every step. There is also extensive degradation to alpine turf beds, and the current trail crosses environmentally fragile areas including populations of sensitive plants and an alpine wetland east of Willow Lake. Since 2014 and with support from previous State Trails grants, RMFI has actively engaged a total of 85 volunteers and 41 youth conservation corps members who have collectively contributed nearly 13,500 hours to the project (volunteer labor valued at nearly $222,500) over the course of 187 workdays. This has resulted in substantial progress toward the overall project goal of creating a sustainable summit route to the peaks. Subsequent funding through the State Trails grant program is critical to supporting completion of the project. Colorado’s 14,000+ foot peaks are continuing to increase in popularity, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year to experience the challenge and scenery these iconic peaks provide. Given this increasing user demand and the natural resource degradation being observed, it is critical that a sustainable route to the summits of Challenger Ridge and Kit Carson Peak be completed to protect fragile plant and animal life, reduce visitor impacts to the area, enhance the quality of the user experience, and improve overall hiker and user safety. We hope that you will look favorably upon our request. We believe that your support for this project will bring multiple benefits to the mountain environment as well as the citizens and visitors of Colorado. We thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Lori Nicholson Board President, Rocky Mountain Field Institute
2018 Non-Motorized Trails Grant Applicat
ion
CON T CTION AINT NANC CAT O
The Colorado State Recreational Trails Grant Program funds projects for large and small recreational trail grants, trail planning and trail support grants. This program is a partnership among:
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife• Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)• The Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP)• The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Grant Information
Submit completed applications to: [email protected] Applications may also be submitted via Dropbox. Contact a staff member for the link.
Mail 1 hard copy to:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program
13787 U.S. Hwy. 85 N., Littleton, CO 80125
If you are unable to submit electronically, include your completed application on a CD o drive with your hard copy. Do not bind or staple your application. Paper clips are
acceptable.
For further information or guidance on project development and/or the application process, please contact:
Megan Barton 303-791-1957 x4150
Pam O’Malley 303-791-1957 x4131
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, November 1, 2017
.
EXHIBIT A
2
The final application you to submit to State Trails will include the following documents presented in the order listed below:
1. Resolution from Governing Body2. Exhibit A - Application with complete answers in each category.
LIMIT 1 PAGE PER QUESTION, MINIMUM 12pt. FONT3. Exhibit B – Project Budget (Excel format only, unprotected)4. Environmental Forms (Non-Federal Check List OR Federal Environmental Form)
� Not required for Planning or Support grants5. Vicinity and Project Maps6. Photographs7. Letters of support
All forms, eligibility criteria and other resource documentation are available on our website: http://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/TrailsGrantsNM.aspx
** NEW THIS YEAR: APPLICANT ORAL PROJECT PRESENTATION **
Applicant representatives (1-2 people) will appear in person to present their proposal to the subcommittee members. Applicants will have a 10 minute window with a 5 minute question period. A computer and projection system will be available. Please provide your material on a flash drive. Teleconference or video conference may be available for applicants who are unable to travel. Presentations will be scheduled during the January subcommittee meetings in the Denver area. Eligible applicants will be notified of their assigned day and time.
Grant application and funding timeline:
September – November, 2017: Grant applications available on the CPW website November – December, 2017: CPW staff and subcommittee preliminary review January, 2018: Applicant presentations to subcommittees January, 2018: State Trails Committee reviews recommendations from subcommittees March, 2018: CPW Commission makes the final decision on funding May – June, 2018: Contracts are written and distributed to awarded project applicants
EXHIBIT A
3
GRANT APPLICATION CHECK LIST
MANDATORY:
Signed letter of support from Governing Body
Exhibit A – Application
Exhibit B – Budget (Unprotected Excel CPW form)
Environmental Forms
Maps/Photographs/Graphics (5 page max, pdf, letter sized pages)
Letters of Support (maximum of 5). No letters from clubs or groups specifically working on the project
Project can be completed within 2.5 years from receiving grant
Required MATCH funding is secured, including CASH match funds
GOCO/RTP – Meets two Trails Strategic Plan goals and objectives. 2016 Strategic Plan
CPW District Wildlife Manager has been contacted and informed of project (New Construction and Maintenance re-routes only). Note that ALL projects will be reviewed by CPW for wildlife impacts
. Project area is owned by public land agency or has easement that designates the area to be open to public outdoor recreation for at least 25 years
. Formal Environmental Assessment (EA) or NEPA has been completed with final approval for the project area (federal lands only).
ADDITIONAL PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:
Project is part of the Colorado the Beautiful Initiative, Colorado Front Range Trail or other long distance, multiple jurisdiction trail system
Youth Corps or youth organization will be used on the project (name of organization)
Volunteers will be utilized on the project (name organization)
EXHIBIT A
NON-MOTORIZED CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE APPLICATION Applicant or Organization Name:
Mailing Address:
Applicant Lead Contact Name: Title:
Telephone: Email: Is this the primary contact for this grant: YES NO
OFFICIAL USE ONLY – DUNS # (IF REQUIRED): PROJECT MANAGER (this person will have day-today responsibility for the project)
Name:
Mailing Address:
Telephone: Email:
PRIMARY PARTNER INFORMATION (IF APPLICABLE)Name:
Mailing Address:
Partner Contact Name: Title:
Telephone: Email:
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Project Title:
Grant Request: $ Required Match: $
Total Project Cost: $
Project Description: Please write a description of your project and the expected accomplishments. Be sure to include Who, What, When, and Where.) This is your scope of work. (This section is not the place to talk about the project background, the benefits, the funding, or anything other than the actual work to be accomplished. Please address th information in question #1 of the Selection Criteria.)
WHO?
WHAT?
WHERE?
DEFINITIONS?
Is this the primary contact for this grant: YES NO
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
TIMELINE
Provide a timeline estimate using the following form. Remember that the project is to be completed within two and a half years of the award date. Any proposed changes, including extensions or modifications in the project timeline, must be requested in writing and approved in advance by the State Trails Program.
PRELIMINARY TIMELINE ESTIMATE
Estimated Dates (MM/YYYY) Project Initiation
Mobilization
Construction/Maintenance Phase
Administrative Close-out
Grand Opening
EXHIBIT A
All applicants must respond to the following selection criteria questions p e or ess per ues io . Use the numbered blank pages at the end of this section. This application will be scored on a 100 point basis. The maximum number of points that can be awarded for each question is shown in parentheses. Each project will be reviewed by outside reviewers and State Trails staff. Projects will be ranked according to reviewer and staff scores.
Failure to provide a response to any question (unless otherwise noted) will reduce your project’s score. Please read and understand all application questions prior to answering.Respond in 12 point font. Reference all attachments.
SCOPE (20 Points Total)
1. Scope (15 points) Describe the proposed project including the length/width of trailconstruction, any major components necessary to complete the trail such as under/overpasses,bridges, trail heads, etc. – describe what exactly will be built. Discuss the ownership status ofthe trail corridor and any easements or land acquisitions that have been acquired for the trail.Address each trail component separately, specifically mentioning its characteristics. If theproject is intended to enhance or replace an existing trail and/or trail amenities, describe theirexisting state, why they are no longer acceptable, and how they arrived at the condition they’rein. Include a few site photos.
2. Access/Trail Connections (5 points)Briefly discuss how this project expands trail loops or links, or improves access to other trails,park areas, outdoor recreation opportunities, and/or other public recreation and communitycenters. If the project is connected to a larger trail system, describe the size, extent, andpredominate uses of that system.
NEED (20 Points)
. Clearly address unmet recreational trail needs and specifically explain how this project will meetthose needs trail demands, deteriorating conditions, etc.o Introduce the community this project will serve and provide population and data.
Discuss the ways in which the community currently is or is not compensating for the lack ofthe proposed project components.
o Briefly describe how the proposed trail will accommodate multiple non-motorized uses withinthe region. . List each use
. How did you arrive at those estimates?
o Briefly describe the project’s urgency. Why are CPW State Trails funds necessary for thisgrant cycle? What opportunities are lost if the grant isn’t awarded?
EXHIBIT A
PLANNING/SUSTAINABILITY (30 Points Total)
4. Planning Process (10 points)
Is this project part of an approved master plan and if so, what priority is it given in that plan? Discuss why it is being pursued at this time. What planning and design practices were used during the planning process to ensure that the trail and its amenities will be sustainable? What design practices were used to ensure that the project will meet current and future use levels?
5. Operation and Maintenance Plan (10 points)
Describe how the project will be developed, maintained, and managed for long-term sustainability. Has an Operations and Maintenance plan been developed for the project areas? Prior to considering new trail construction, have current trail reroute options been considered for current on-the-ground unsustainable trails and trail sections in the project area?
6. Financial Sustainability (10 points)
Is this a multi-phase project, and if so, how many phases is it and how will future phases be funded? Estimate the annual costs to maintain the project. How did you derive those numbers; how do you intend to fund long term maintenance; and who will be responsible for the long term maintenance? Is there committed funding and/or personnel and volunteer resources?
PUBLIC COMMENT (15 points)
7. Public notification is mandatory for all projects. Projects without public involvement arenot eligible for rating.
Describe the public planning process that identified this trail as a priority. Summarize the feedback received from the public and how it was determined that your constituents want and will use the project? Has this project been deemed a priority by any other agencies or given any significant designations? escribe opposition
ABILITY (15 Points Total)
8. Matching Funds and Partnerships (10 points)
Discuss partnerships established for this project and their contributions. Discuss the sources of matching funds. This does not include cash or in kind partners who have contributed to previous project phases or will contribute to future phases. How much match is secured beyond the required 30%? How much of it is yet to be raised and what are your plans for raising those additional funds? Submit letters of commitment/support from landowners and/or funders as a separate attachment. Beyond these letters you may submit up to 5 letters of non-cash support.
EXHIBIT A
ABILITY (cont) 9. Contingency/Ability (5 points)
What other funding sources have been dedicated or are anticipated to be dedicated to this project? Will applicant and/or partner funds be lost if State Trails funds are not awarded? If you are not awarded State Trails funding, what measures will be taken to complete the project? Describe your ability to complete the specific grant transaction(s) that will be necessary to accomplish this project. Please provide examples (if any) for grant projects of similar magnitude that demonstrate your ability to manage the requested level of grant funding; including the project title, grantor, award amount and year the project was funded. Was reporting and close-out requirements completed? How well was it managed from your perspective?
EXHIBIT A
1. SCOPE (15 Points)
EXHIBIT A
2. (SCOPE) Access/Trail Connections (5 points)
EXHIBIT A
3. NEED (20 Points)
EXHIBIT A
4. (PLANNING/SUSTAINABILITY) Planning Process (10 points)
EXHIBIT A
5. (PLANNING/SUSTAINABILITY) Operation and Maintenance Plan (10 points)
EXHIBIT A
6. (PLANNING/SUSTAINABILITY) Financial Sustainability (10 points)
EXHIBIT A
7. (PUBLIC COMMENT) Public notification is mandatory for all projects. Projects without public involvement are not eligible for rating
EXHIBIT A
8. (ABILITY) Matching Funds and Partnerships (10 points)
EXHIBIT A
9. (ABILITY) Contingency/Ability (5 points)
Exhibit B Page 1 of 2
Source of Funds Date Secured CPW Trails
Grant Request [A]
Total Project Match
[B]
Total Funding ($) [C]
CASHCPW-Trails 209,322.75$ 209,322.75$ Rocky Mountain Field Institute secured 10/27/2017 8,000.00$ 8,000.00$
National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance expected 4/1/2019 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ U.S. Forest Service expected 2/1/2019 8,000.00$ 8,000.00$
-$ IN-KINDU.S. Forest Service 4,000.00$ 4,000.00$
Volunteer Work Crews (i.e. Outward Bound) 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ RMFI Earth Corps Field Studies Program Volunteers 45,000.00$ 45,000.00$
-$ TOTAL SOURCES OF FUNDS 209,322.75$ 75,000.00$ 284,322.75$
CASH Quantity/Cost per Unit Qty Cost Total CPW Funds Total Project
Match ($) Total Funding
($) Category 1 - Contracted ServicesYouth Corps (10 hitches over 2 seasons) $10,170/hitch 10 10,170.00$ 101,700.00$ 96,700.00$ 5,000.00$ 101,700.00$
-$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Category 2 - Salary/WagesRMFI Earth Corps Program Director (1 staff, 2 field seasons) 60 days x $295/day 60 295.00$ 17,700.00$ 12,700.00$ 5,000.00$ 17,700.00$ RMFI Youth Corps Program Director (1 staff, 2 field seasons) 72 days x $260/day 72 260.00$ 18,720.00$ 14,720.00$ 4,000.00$ 18,720.00$
RMFI Field Instructors (4 staff, 2 field seasons) 408 days x $170/day 408 170.00$ 69,360.00$ 65,360.00$ 4,000.00$ 69,360.00$ Project Preparation (Site visits, 3 staff) 3 days x $205/day 3 1,845.00$ 5,535.00$ 2,535.00$ 3,000.00$ 5,535.00$ Grant Administration (5% of award) 1 grant x 5% 1 9,967.75$ 9,967.75$ 9,967.75$ - 9,967.75$
-$
-$ -$ Category 3 - Materials/Tools/SuppliesRock Shaping Tools (2 field seasons) 10 tools x $95/tool 10 95.00$ 950.00$ 950.00$ 950.00$ Webbing (2 field seasons) 1000 linear ft. x $0.30/ft 1000 0.30$ 300.00$ 300.00$ 300.00$ Alpine Seed Mix (2 field seasons) 10 lbx x $30/lb. 10 30.00$ 300.00$ 300.00$ 300.00$ Coal Bags (2 field seasons) 6 bags x $40/bag 6 40.00$ 240.00$ 240.00$ 240.00$ RCDs (2 field seasons) 6 RCDs x $250/RCD 6 250.00$ 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ Erosion Control Matting (2 field seasons) 24 rolls x $100/roll 24 100.00$ 2,400.00$ 2,400.00$ 2,400.00$
Exhibit BNon-Motorized Budget Form
Exhibit B Page 2 of 2
Pick Mattocks, shovels, Mcleods 10 x $75/each 10 75.00$ 750.00$ 750.00$ 750.00$ Additional Categories
Volunteer recognition (t-shirt, hoodies, hats) $30 x 30 vols 30 30.00$ 900.00$ 900.00$ 900.00$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
USE OF FUNDS - CASH SUBTOTAL 209,322.75$ 21,000.00$ 230,322.75$
IN-KIND Quantity/Cost per Unit Qty Cost Total Total Funding
($) Category 1 - Contracted ServicesU.S. Forest Service - Project Oversight (2 field seasons) $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00
$ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Category 2 - Salary/WagesRMFI Earth Corps Field Studies Program Volunteers (2 field seasons) $ 45,000.00 $ 45,000.00 $ 45,000.00
Volunteer Work Crews (2 field seasons) $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 $ - $ - $ -
Category 3 - Materials/Tools $ - $ -
$ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Additional Categories $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
USE OF FUNDS - IN-KIND SUBTOTAL -$ 54,000.00$ $ 54,000.00
TOTAL PROJECT COST 209,322.75$ 75,000.00$ 284,322.75$ 30% REQUIRED MATCH 62,796.83$
Federal Environmental Form and Land Manager ApprovalOnly to be completed if all or part of the project is located on federal land
The applicant is responsible for securing all necessary permits, licenses, clearances, SHPO, and environmental analysis documentation necessary to comply with local, state, and/or federal laws.
Project Name
Project Sponsor
As the official responsible for management of the land on which the project will be accomplished, I agree to the following:
1. The project as described in this application has my approval.
2. The project is located on federal public lands and is in conformance with the appropriate Forest Management Plan, BLM Resource Area Management Plan or other decision document.
Title of document:
Date of document:
3. A decision has been issued as part of the NEPA environmental review process.Title of document:
Date of document:
If a decision has not been issued as part of the NEPA environmental review process, please state the reason why. No funds will be distributed until any required NEPA documentation is completed. For more information about the NEPA environmental review process, contact: Name:
Phone number:
Email: 4. The next planning process that may affect this project is planned for _________.
Print or type Land Manager’s Name: Print or type Land Manger’s Title: Land Manager’s Signature:
1
KitCarsonPeak—ChallengerPointTrailProjectProjectMaps
2
StatewideVicinity&TopographicalMaps
3
KitCarsonPeak-ChallengerPointTrailImprovementProjectPhotographs
Above:Exampleofdamagedalpineoncurrentsummittrail.Below,left:U.S.ForestServiceFourteenerProgramManageronsiteofPhaseIII.Below,right:LookingdownonlocationofPhase3trailconstructionobjectives.
4
Above:Exampleofresourcedamageoncurrentsummittrail(left)andcoffee-tablesizedrockwithpotentialtobedislodgedonhikersbelow(right).
Below:Before(left)andafterimagesofrockstaircase,PhaseIIworkaccomplishments.
5
Above:Before(left)andafterimagesofrockstaircase,PhaseIIworkaccomplishments.Below:WillowLakeBasin.KitCarsonPeakisright-of-center.ChallengerPointisofftheimagetotheright.
October 26, 2017 Dear Members of the Colorado State Trails Committee, This letter is in support of the Rocky Mountain Field Institute’s application for the Kit Carson Summit Trail Project for this upcoming year focusing on Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point in the Sangre de Cristo range in the San Luis Valley. It is important that access to such iconic peaks are well maintained, as these mountains are a key driver for the outdoor recreation economy here and across Colorado. In addition, RMFI’s support of promoting environmental stewardship in Colorado is highly aligned with the objectives of the SLV Conservation Fund. Their organization provides an important avenue for people to volunteer and work together to care for our land and to recreate responsibly. We encourage your support of RMFI for funding to continue their important work that will benefit the residents, land and economy of the San Luis Valley. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
Rio de la Vista
Associate Director, Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust For the San Luis Valley Conservation Fund Partners: Nancy Butler and Rio de la Vista, Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust Dieter Erdmann, Western Rivers Conservancy Sarah Parmar and Judy Lopez, Colorado Open Lands Jake Caldwell, LOR Foundation
College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences • Geography and Environmental Studies 1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy • Colorado Springs, CO 80918
t 719-255-4906 • f 719-255-4066
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division Trails Program 13787 S. Hwy 85 Littleton, CO 80125 29 October 2017 Dear Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Please accept this letter as a strong endorsement for the Rocky Mountain Field Institute's (RMFI) proposal for the Kit Carson-Challenger Ridge Trail Project’s final phase, covering 2019 and 2020 field seasons. This project integrates RMFI’s extraordinary ability to complete high-quality, technical trail work with a genuinely transformative educational experience for college students from around the country. The funded proposal would also help ensure that important work already well-underway can be completed and built to a standard that will last long into the future. I served for seven years on the RMFI Board of Directors, and continue to act as the Instructor of Record for the Earth Corps field course included in this proposal (credit is offered through the University of Colorado Colorado Springs). Each spring I coordinate with RMFI to bring my own students into the field to work on local restoration projects, and for the past decade each summer I have hiked in to RMFI field sites to give a guest lecture to the Earth Corps students. From these many experiences, I can attest to the standard of excellence RMFI consistently meets in both its on-the-ground work and its educational programs. I am particularly supportive of their work in the Sangre de Cristos. The location of their trail construction goes through an area of high impact, especially the region around Willow Lake, and areas of intense impact at higher elevations all the way to the summit ridge. Alpine vegetation survive in some of the harshest of climate conditions, yet these hardy plants are also extremely sensitive to impacts of trampling and human disturbance. Soils in the alpine also tend to be quite thin and prone to erosion when vegetation and root mats are broken. While the ecological conditions provide the context for the importance of this project, the need RMFI’s work addresses is predominantly social: hikers and climbers are going to come to this basin and to these peaks to climb, whether the trails exist or not. We need to make sure that the alpine ecosystems we traverse to these summits can withstand the onslaught of countless footsteps for generations to come. Well-designed and carefully built trails in this area are essential to this task – and I can think of no better organization than RMFI to do the technical work required. I’m also confident that this work can endure, as Civilian Conservation Corps trails built in this same range have held up in some cases for more than seven decades. RMFI’s work is every bit to the standard of these classic CCC trails. Considering that the underlying problem that this project seeks to address is at its core social, the exceptional educational opportunities that RMFI's Earth Corps program provides also weighs heavily in its favor. University students from the region and the entire nation come to this program because of the challenge and the educational opportunities it provides. I have
Page 2 of 2
taught guest lectures in Earth Corps since 2008, and I can state unequivocally that the graduates from the program are better prepared to work in outdoor restoration programs elsewhere, have a new understanding of human impacts and restoration ecology, and are better citizens of our society. Students often learn best by doing, and Earth Corps exemplifies many of the finest attributes of experiential and service learning. Put simply, it is the type of educational program that I wish every student had the chance to experience. Thank you for the chance to support RMFI's fine work. I know you will give their grant request the consideration it deserves. Sincerely,
David Havlick, Ph.D. Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies
SanLuisValleyGreatOutdoorsCoalition POBox300 AlamosaCO81101www.slvgo.com
October 23, 2017 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division Trails Program 13787 U.S. Hwy 85 N. Littleton, CO 80125 Dear CPW, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors would like to express its support for Rocky Mountain Field Institute’s Large Construction Grant application for the Kit Carson Peak – Challenger Pont Trail Improvement Project. RMFI has worked for many years improving trail access and conditions throughout the Sangre de Cristos. The work RMFI does is critical to the long-term sustainability of the summit trails and the natural resources that make Colorado’s highest peaks so popular. San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLVGO) was created as a regional cooperative initiative to create and implement a long-term and continually developing plan for trails and outdoor recreation in the six counties of the San Luis Valley. We have six 10 year priorities that seek to improve community wellness through in-town recreation opportunities; connect, expand, and enhance trail systems throughout the San Luis Valley; grow more outdoor recreation programs for youth; expand water based recreation; expand opportunities for winter recreation; and promote the San Luis Valley’s outdoor recreation opportunities and increase information sharing about what there is to see and do. SLVGO believes RMFI’s contributions to maintain trail access on public lands are invaluable, and hope to support RMFI on Fourteeners and other stewardship projects for many years to come. RMFI upholds a strong reputation in representing Colorado’s commitment to environmental stewardship and partnership. Public lands of Southern Colorado would suffer without RMFI’s strong environmental leadership. We greatly appreciate CPW’s consideration for RMFI’s grant application and we encourage you to support the fulfillment of the Kit Carson Peak –Challenger Point Trail Improvement project through this proposal. Thank you, Mick Daniel Executive Director
