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Mud Springs trail project moves into construction phase; volunteers urged for Sept. 27 and Oct. 18 workdays
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Summary
Officials and volunteers said phase 1 work at Mud Springs has begun and that National Public Lands Day (Sept. 27) and an October 18 volunteer day will be major opportunities for community involvement.
County and federal staff and Trail Mix members updated the committee on Mud Springs, a multi-phase trail project outside Moab, and announced volunteer opportunities this fall.
Staff said engineers will be on-site starting Aug. 18 to build a trailhead and related infrastructure, and that phase 1 work will focus on core loops with bench-cut construction intended to reduce off-trail travel. Staff described a seasonal closure for wildlife and muddy conditions; they expect the new trail to be physically closed each winter and to reopen around April 15. The timeline described by staff envisions core loops completed this season, additional advanced trails finished in the following fall, and phase 2 beginning in late 2026 if NEPA and permitting milestones proceed on schedule.
Organizers announced two major volunteer dates: National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27 and an additional volunteer day on Saturday, Oct. 18. Staff said weekday volunteer opportunities will be posted and that groups can schedule crew days. Volunteers will perform bench-cutting, soil-moving and other physical trail work; staff asked volunteers to expect physical labor and to register.
Staff also said phase 1 work is funded (outdoor recreation initiative grant and BLM funding for NEPA components) and that the NEPA/environmental work for phase 2 is funded in part by an Outdoor Recreation Initiative grant. A botanical survey and other environmental studies will continue. Organizers asked the committee to spread the word and invited members to help staff outreach and count trail users for the non-motorized master-plan.
