Colorado Trail Patrol

[SouthernMatt]

Wanted to spread the word about the restarting of a very important volunteer program in Colorado! This is an opportunity for the OHV community to actively aid in the management of trails and OHV opportunities. We only need YOU, to help document what you see on the trails.

The Colorado Trail Patrol is a volunteer group that assists in monitoring roads and trails on public lands with an objective to mitigate improper land use of public lands in an effort to protect our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

The patrol’s purpose is to be an extra set of eyes and ears for land management agencies and law enforcement (when necessary). The cornerstones of the patrol are OBSERVING and REPORTING.

OHV users are the ones who know the trails best. It is our responsibility to help maintain them. Identifying and locating problem areas will allow us to work with recreation managers to solve the problems before extensive damage is done.

All we ask is that our volunteers document and report the issues they see on the trail. When you get home, you quickly fill out a report and attach photos/GPS locations and descriptions of what you ran across. You can think of it as a trip report with a purpose.

If you are at all interested in this project, please contact me at Matt@staythetrail.org AND of course like us on Facebook!!

[Hill, Bill E.]

Glad to see this get going again! The trails in CO are one reason I spend my 'tourist dollars' there. Just wish I could get there more than once a year!

[Ric]

I think its a great idea, but honestly, what good will it do ? I mean if we see someone driving off trail, or drinking and wheeling, what will happen ?
Please dont think Im trying to be a smartass, every weekend I see people wheeling off trail, drinking, littering etc. I want to trails to stay open, thats why Im living here, but if I fill out a report, what will be done ?

[Darren]

I don't see an advantage of going through an affiliate such as this, but don't disagree with it. It's something that most should help with anyway on their own if they see something questionable. Two years ago, I took a series of pictures in Lead King (including the one below) reporting a couple of clowns who I confronted and took a license plate picture. I received positive responses from the ranger district with a thank-you; they put me in touch with their law enforcement officer who traveled to the scene the following day. I did not ask for a follow-up, and am confident at least a note was mailed; I requested a fine be imposed on my original message, but told them they'll do what they saw fit. They would have had plenty of information to mail a ticket and doubt they would've investigated the scene for just a note. They'll take information no matter the means. The ATVers are the tricky ones to tackle.


2 guys, a Jeep, a tent, and a pitbull. This wouldn't have caused permanent damage, but that's not the point.

[SouthernMatt]

Even before our official relaunch, we have had a few citations written for off-trial abuse. With our overseeing law enforcement committee, we have a direct line of contact with LEOs for each region. If you see something, we encourage you to get a good description and/or photographs; there will be citations written as a result of this program.

Citations are not our primary purpose, but word will get out that there are additional eyes for law enforcement on all the trails of CO. That peer pressure will help us preserve our opportunities. Our power comes through the communication network established by the Colorado Trail Patrol. Volunteers do not have law enforcement abilities or powers. We don't want anyone trying to confront dangerous and irresponsible people on the trails... that's just not safe.

[Ric]

Thank you for clearing that up

[Tread Lightly!]

Matt (and the CTP/STT staff and volunteers)... We definitely support and appreciate your efforts in Colorado.

This is an excellent example of "Do your part", the last item in our TREAD principles.


Please feel free to let us know if we can help in any way.

[SouthernMatt]

How about we try to organize an "Overland" specific training session in the Denver area? Would anyone be interested?

[expedition4x4]

sure!

[SouthernMatt]

Alright! That's one interested JK-owner. Anyone else? How about a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in December?