Wolf Creek Task Force wins $9,700 Grant

April 28, 2003

Wolf Creek Task Force wins $9,700 Grant

Colorado State Parks GOCO Grants Program awarded the Wolf Creek Task Force with $9720 to continue its work on Wolf Creek Pass (south central Colorado) to mitigate conflict between motorized and non-motorized winter users by creating separate use areas. The BSA authored the grant to ensure the continuation of the project.

The Wolf Creek Pass Task Force formed in 2001 to address the frequency and severity of user conflicts that were significantly degrading the overall recreational experience. The BSA joined with a group of volunteers representing all user groups on Wolf Creek Pass and - with the assistance and cooperation of the United States Forest Service (San Juan and Rio Grande Forests) - collaborated to develop a winter recreation plan. This plan addressed management issues such as signage, education, administration, and partnerships, all intended to improve the overall recreational experience. During the winter 2002-2003, survey data has been collected and is currently being analyzed by the Department of Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism. Professors Kreg Lindberg and Jerry Vaske and graduate student, Robert Cline, have generously donated their time for this effort.

Our program at Wolf Creek Pass is designed to separate the area into motorized and non-motorized zones such that each group will be allowed to enjoy the area without adversely impacting the experience of the other group. We are working with the Forest Service, local human-powered users, and local motorized enthusiasts to design a plan and an education program to implement the separation.

The Task Force will meet to discuss the results of the survey later this summer and recommend a winter management plan to the Forest Service for Wolf Creek Pass.