Engineering and ecological work on the Carbondale to Crested Butte Trail is ready to begin following the recent selection of two consultants.
ERO Resources, based in Hotchkiss, Colo., was chosen as the ecological consultant. The contract covers two years of work in both the White River and the Gunnison-Mesa-Uncompahgre national forests. The contract price, including time and materials, is not to exceed $199,864.
Loris and Associates Consulting Engineers was selected for the engineering feasibility work. The contract, price, including time and materials, is not to exceed $139,200.
The selection of both consultants was a collaborative process, said Lindsey Utter, Planning and Outreach Manager for Pitkin County Open Space and Trails.
The environmental consultant was chosen by a review team that included members from Open Space and Trails, the White River National Forest, the Gunnison-Mesa-Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Town of Crested Butte, Gunnison County and two representatives from the Crystal Caucus Trails Committee. The environmental consultant was selected by a review committee that included Open Space and Pitkin County Engineering Department representatives, plus one member of the Crystal Caucus Trails Committee.
“We are looking forward to getting our consultants on the ground and to having specific data around each trail segment to discuss with the public in late summer,” Utter said.
The proposed Carbondale to Crested Butte Trail is one of 16 chosen for a statewide trails initiative “Colorado's 16.” Last December, Great Outdoors Colorado awarded a $100,000 grant to the planning phase for the trail. In addition, Pitkin County has budgeted, in 2017, $200,000 for planning work.
The public can keep tabs of this project as it evolves at www.pitkinostprojects.com – click on the Carbondale to Crested Butte Planning Link.
Contact: Lindsey Utter, Open Space and Trails Planning and Outreach Manager
lindsey.utter@pitkincounty.com
970-920-5224