NORWOOD – A recently submitted proposal by the Norwood Parks and Recreation District is asking the Bureau of Land Management to install an 18-mile, multi-use trail system in the Burn Canyon area near Norwood to serve hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists, horse riders, snowshoers, and possibly cross country skiers. A public meeting to discuss the proposal was hosted by NPRD and the BLM at the Norwood Community Center on Sept. 22.

At the meeting, NPRD presented a conceptual trail plan completed by Singletrack Trails, which will soon be conducting field visits in the area to determine sustainability and location of the proposed trail system. After Singletrack Trail’s work is complete, NPRD will meet with the BLM regarding the updated proposal to determine the next steps in their process. The BLM will require public scoping prior to starting an Environmental Assessment for the proposal. The NPRD does not expect this to begin until 2012.

The NPRD was awarded an assistance agreement and grant through the BLM in 2011 for this project. In addition, the NPRD is applying for a CO State Parks Trails Grant to help cover planning costs for the trail project. For the grant, they are seeking letters of support from organizations or individuals, which must be received by Oct. 12, 2011. Amy Sharp of Sparrow Consulting is completing the grant application for the NPRD, and may be reached at 970/209-1633 or info@sparroweco.com for more information.