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OSAC highlights trail maintenance, volunteer programs and proposes outreach 'Trail Mixers'
Summary
OSAC reported progress on volunteer trail maintenance (tool trailer staging, Rim Fee work on Black Canyon), Mile High Youth Corps weed mitigation, discussed recurring vandalism on volunteer-built trail sections and a possible shared drone capability, and supported a pilot 'Trail Mixers' outreach program to broaden volunteer recruitment and visibility.
OSAC members reported steady volunteer and contractor progress on trail maintenance, agreed to continue supporting youth‑crew weed mitigation work and discussed community outreach and safety measures for recurring trail interference.
Paul Arlinhouse described the newly arranged tool trailer staged near El Paso Boulevard for volunteer use and summarized recent volunteer work that finished rock armoring and small alignment improvements. He also updated members that Rim Fee completed the three assigned sections of Black Canyon trail realignment. "The tool trailer is set up... it's easier for volunteers to walk in and grab a tool and walk out," Arlinhouse said.
Jillian Rossi reported the Mile High Youth Corps has been working on noxious weed mitigation through a GoCo/Colorado Youth Corps grant and ran a successful ID workshop with CSU Extension. Members noted the youth crew will be on trails for a limited set of days this week.
OSAC also discussed repeated interference on one Black Canyon alignment where an individual removed blocking structures and damaged earlier armoring; volunteers found paraphernalia that was reported to police. Members debated tactics for long‑term closure and deterrence, including building check dams, moving large obstructions and coordinating camera coverage. A shared drone with better night/infrared capability was proposed as a tool for police and fire to detect nighttime presence; members suggested Sergeant Johnson and department staff should define specifications and procurement.
Cassandra Bresnehan proposed a community outreach pilot called "Trail Mixers" — monthly pop‑up meetups at rotating trailheads to introduce residents to different trails, promote OSAC visibility, and recruit volunteers. Members supported drafting a short schedule and returning with a funding request if prepackaged snacks or materials are needed.
Next steps: continue scheduled volunteer workdays (next Monday at El Paso), staff to share youth crew schedules and newsletter updates, and OSAC to develop a short Trail Mixers outline for the next meeting.
