Trail Mix committee backs staged BLM e‑bike proposal but asks commission to exclude Amasa (Captain Ahab) and Pipe Dream

The Grand County Trail Mix Committee voted to recommend that the Grand County Commission support the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) draft environmental assessment(EA) alternative B for permitting Class 1 e‑bikes on selected mountain bike trails, with two exceptions: the committee asked the commission to exclude the Amasa/Captain Ahab trail system and Pipe Dream from any initial openings.

The committeechair, Bridal, opened the discussion by reminding members that Trail Mix is an advisory body and that the committee had been asked to provide a consensus recommendation to the county commission. Katie Stevens of the BLM outlined the three alternatives in the draft EA: A (no change), B (phased openings split into year 1 and year 2 lists of trails), and C (broader openings across the field office with some exclusions). Several members referenced the 50‑page draft EA and the BLMmonitoring plan that would accompany a staged opening.

Kirsten Peterson, the committee ski representative, urged the committee to support a modified version of alternative B with the immediate removal of Captain Ahab (and associated Haemasa/"Amasa" components) and Pipe Dream from the year‑1 and year‑2 lists because she said those areas are locally used for advanced multiuse recreation and are not appropriate places to encourage expanded e‑bike use. David Glover, the mountain‑bike representative, and several other members described concerns about user conflict, the narrow, erodible nature of Pipe Dream, and the potential for riders to attempt repeated laps that could accelerate wear on delicate tread.

Other members argued for a cautious, phased approach. Reid and Colin said monitoring data and staged openings allow managers to evaluate maintenance needs and enforcement feasibility before broader changes are made. Members also raised potential costs: maintenance crews may need additional funding, and the committee discussed whether staggered openings would allow time to measure impacts and secure resources if trail use increases.

After about 90 minutes of discussion and multiple public comments from stakeholders and agency staff, Trail Mix member Steven moved that the committee send a letter supporting alternative B but excluding Amasa/Captain Ahab and Pipe Dream. The motion was seconded and put to a roll call of voting members present; the committee chair said the motion carried and the committee directed staff to submit the modified alternative B letter to the Grand County Commission the same day.

The committee also discussed enforcement and education: members noted that relying solely on law enforcement would be difficult and that the county and BLM should emphasize education, volunteer stewardship and monitoring during any trial period. BLM staff confirmed the draft EA includes monitoring provisions for the first phase and that adaptive management would inform future decisions.

Trail Mix members asked staff to incorporate suggested edits and to note monitoring, maintenance funding needs and public education in the letter to the commission. The committeechair said she would forward a revised draft based on the groupcomments.

Ending: The committee voted to forward its recommendation (alternative B with Amasa/Captain Ahab and Pipe Dream excluded) to the Grand County Commission and asked staff to incorporate concerns about monitoring, maintenance and enforcement into the draft letter before submission.