EXHIBIT A

3

GRANT SUBMISSION CHECK LIST

MANDATORY:

Signed letter of support from Governing Body

Exhibit A – Application

Exhibit B – Budget (Unprotected Excel CPW form)

Environmental Forms

Maps/Photographs/Graphics (5 page max, pdf, letter sized pages)

Letters of Support (maximum of 5). No letters from clubs or groups specifically working on the project

Project can be completed within 2.5 years from receiving grant

Required MATCH funding is secured, including CASH match funds

GOCO/RTP – Meets two Trails Strategic Plan goals and objectives. 2016 Strategic Plan

CPW District Wildlife Manager has been contacted and informed of project (New Construction and Maintenance re-routes only). Note that ALL projects will be reviewed by CPW for wildlife impacts

. Project area is owned by public land agency or has easement that designates the area to be open to public outdoor recreation for at least 25 years

. Formal Environmental Assessment (EA) or NEPA has been completed with final approval for the project area (federal lands only).

ADDITIONAL PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

Project is part of the Colorado the Beautiful Initiative, Colorado Front Range Trail or other long distance, multiple jurisdiction trail system

Youth Corps or youth organization will be used on the project (name of organization)

Volunteers will be utilized on the project (name organization)

The Nonprofit Steward of Public Lands in Southern Colorado

October 17, 2017 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division Trails Program 13787 U.S. Hwy 85 N. Littleton, CO 80125 Re: Trail Grant Opportunity To Whom It May Concern: Attached, please find Rocky Mountain Field Institute’s application for the 2017-2018 State Trails grant program. RMFI is applying for funds to help initiate a planning process in partnership with the Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) and the U.S. Forest Service - Pikes Peak Ranger District, and in cooperation with a number of other key stakeholders including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Springs Utilities, and the City of Colorado Springs. On June 23, 2012, the Waldo Canyon Fire broke out just west of Colorado Springs. Seventeen days later the fire had burned over 18,000 acres. The loss of nearly 350 homes made it the second-most destructive wildfire in the state’s history (the Black Forest Fire of 2013 currently ranks first). The fire significantly impacted the Waldo Canyon Trail, which was, prior to the fire, one of the most popular trails in the area due to its close proximity to town, its magnificent views of Pikes Peak, and the fact that it was a loop hike. The once-popular 6.9-mile trail has remained closed to the public since the fire was contained over five years ago. RMFI’s nine-member Board of Directors strongly supports the initiation of a public planning process to determine the future of the Waldo Canyon Trail with regard to public access, connectivity, trailhead locations, potential new trail layout and design, and other considerations. As avid trail users and members of the governing board of RMFI, an environmental stewardship organization focused on completing volunteer-based trail and restoration work, we feel it is worthwhile to support public planning processes, such as the one proposed for Waldo Canyon, that have the potential to provide new public access, new trail connections, and enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities for local residents and visitors alike. We hope that you will look favorably upon our request. We believe that your support for this project will bring multiple benefits not only to Colorado Springs and surrounding communities, but to the entire state. We thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Lori Nicholson Board President, Rocky Mountain Field Institute

EXHIBIT A

PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION Applicant or Organization Name:

Mailing Address:

Applicant Lead Contact Name: Title:

Telephone: Email: Is this the primary contact for this grant: YES NO

OFFICIAL USE ONLY – DUNS # (IF REQUIRED): PROJECT MANAGER (this person will have day-today responsibility for the project)

Name:

Mailing Address:

Telephone: Email:

PRIMARY PARTNER INFORMATION (IF APPLICABLE)Name:

Mailing Address:

Partner Contact Name: Title:

Telephone: Email:

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Project Title: Total Project Cost:

Grant Request: $ Required Match: $

Project Description: Please write a 1-2 paragraph description of your project and the expected accomplishments. Be sure to include Who, What, When, and Where.) This is your scope of work. (This section is not the place to talk about the project background, the benefits, the funding, or anything other than the actual work to be accomplished. Please address this information in question #1 of the Selection Criteria.)

WHO? Who will complete the work and who will oversee the project? Provide a brief description of your community or organization, highlighting its mission and purpose.

WHAT? Explain what you are going to do or accomplish. What is the goal or the reason for your project? Break down the project into a list of specific activities to be completed. These should be quantifiable items that correspond to the categories on your budget page. Include quantity or quality as part of your description of work to be performed. How many feet? How many miles? What materials will be used? Is a specific standard or guideline being used?

WHERE? Explain in detail the location of your project. Where is the project located? What county? What National Forest/ BLM Field Office? Provide the names of the trail(s) or trail system and where the work will be performed? What agency manages or is responsible for the land the project is on?

DEFINITIONS? Please define all acronyms and specialized terms that are used in your project description.

Is this the primary contact for this grant: YES NO

EXHIBIT A

Project Description:

EXHIBIT A

LAND OWNERSHIP 1 Provide the name/s of the property owners:

2 The trail corridor is controlled by: Fee Simple Lease Easement License Right-of-Way

Other:

USER INFORMATION (Please check all that apply)

Hiking Motorcycling Equestrian

Walking Four-Wheeling Motor Boating

Running All-Terrain Vehicle Paddling

Skateboarding Snowmobiling Accessible Access

In-Line Skating Snowshoeing Other

Biking X-Country Skiing Other

TRAIL SURFACE

Asphalt Concrete Other

Natural Crusher Fines

PROJECT LOCATION (For multiple project sites attach a separate list.)

Nearest Town or City:

County:

Latitude & Longitude Coordinates:

State Senate District #:

State Representative District #:

Acreage of new trailhead Miles of trail grooming

Miles of new trail construction Miles of trail being planned

Miles of trail maintenance Miles of trail reroute

Miles of trail reconstruction Miles of inter-connecting trail

Miles of trail to be signed Other

Miles of trail restoration Other

Applicant Authorized Signature: ______________________________________Date: _____________ (From Applicant Organization)

Land Agency Authorized Signature: ___________________________________Date: _____________ (From project location land agency, if different from applicant)

EXHIBIT A

TIMELINE

Provide a timeline estimate using the following form. Remember that the project is to be completed within two and a half years of the award date. Any proposed changes, including extensions or modifications in the project timeline, must be requested in writing and approved in advance by the State Trails Program.

PRELIMINARY TIMELINE ESTIMATE

Estimated Dates (MM/YYY) Project Initiation

Grant award notification 06/2018

Project Milestones

Consultant hired 08/2018 Waldo Canyon Trail Roundtable formed 10/2018 Public meetings 11/2018 02/2019 05/2019 08/2019 11/2019 Waldo Canyon Trail Roundtable meetings 11/2018 02/2019 05/2019 08/2019 11/2019 02/2020 05/2020 08/2020 Progress report to State Trails 12/2018 Interim invoices to State Trails 12/2018 06/2019 12/2019 Final project report from consultant 08/2020

Administrative Closeout Final report from grantee 10/2020 Final invoice to State Trails 10/2020

EXHIBIT A All applicants must respond to the following selection criteria questions. You are allowed the space below each question to fill in your answer. If you have an answer that does not fill the page, do not feel obligated to fill the space. This application will be scored on a 100 point basis. The maximum number of points that can be awarded for each question is shown in parentheses. Each project will be reviewed by outside reviewers and State Trails staff. Projects will be ranked according to reviewer and staff scores. Failure to provide a response to any question (unless otherwise noted) will reduce your project’s score. Please read and understand all application questions prior to answering. Respond in 12 point font. Reference all attachments.

1. Summarize the need for the project. Letters of support should clearly document this need. (5 points)

EXHIBIT A

2. How will this project specifically address the needs described? What is the importance of this effort to

trail user groups in the community, region and/or state? What benefits will the plan provide to each user group, community, region and/or the state? Include information on benefits to various trail activities and economic/quality of life to local communities. (15 points)

EXHIBIT A

3. Why is it important to undertake this planning effort now, instead of at a later time? Please describe any

elements that make this project urgent or timely. (10 points)

EXHIBIT A

4. Public comment is mandatory for all projects. Describe the involvement of user groups and/or communities that are within the project’s region. What process(es) will trail enthusiasts use to identify key strategies and criteria to accomplish the objectives of the plan project? What stakeholders will be consulted to help decide upon objectives these strategies and criteria? How will you engage stakeholders in the planning process? Do you anticipate public opposition to this plan or its implementation? Will a professional consultant be hired? (10 points)

EXHIBIT A

5. Describe how your project will meet at least three (or more) of the following goals and objectives as stated in the 2016 Statewide Trails Strategic Plan and Colorado’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Colorado SCORP (5 points)

EXHIBIT A

6. What tangible or measureable products will result from this planning project? List (in bulleted form) and provide a brief, specific description for each:

• Objectives • Tasks • End products and/or deliverables that will result from this planning effort

For example, if you propose to develop a trailhead, trail and signage, describe the objectives, tasks and end products for each component separately. (20 points)

EXHIBIT A

7. Describe how the trail plan project will be implemented in the future. Please discuss project sponsors’ or partners’ ability and the financial resources available to implement this plan in the future. What are potential sources of funding? Have any additional funds been secured? Describe the strategy for monitoring and evaluating project results, including how success of the planning effort will be defined and measured. (15 points)

EXHIBIT A

8. Explain the extent to which this project demonstrates a unique, innovative and/or important tool, technique, partnership or process that would be useful to other public or private agencies. Describe how the planning project will lead to the development of tangible trails, trailheads, amenities or recreation projects in the area, or how it will demonstrate a significant improvement for your community’s trail system or that of Colorado. (10 points)

EXHIBIT A

9. Describe partnerships and support for your project and any contribution costs (even if they don’t qualify as eligible costs). Partnerships may include public agencies, environmental groups, not-for-profit organizations, schools, businesses, individuals or other non-governmental groups. List and describe the non-cash contributions to be provided to the project in addition to those necessary to meet the minimum required 30% match, and the importance of these contributions. Volunteer labor may be used as match provided the labor effort is well documented. The current rate is $24.14/hour. Value of Volunteer Time. (10 points)

PROJECTLOCATION–WALDOCANYONTRAIL

PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHS

Figure 1. Photograph taken in October 2012 showing the accumulation of sediment where the Waldo Canyon Trail crossed a drainage. This section of the trail was completely destroyed.

Figure 2. Photograph taken from the old Waldo Canyon Trail trailhead off of Highway 24. The trail has been closed to the public since 2012.

Figure 3. Photograph showing the condition of a section of the Waldo Canyon Trail. This photo was taken in June 2013, approximately 1 year after the Waldo Canyon Fire was contained.

Area 14 4255 Sinton Road Colorado Springs, CO 80907 P 719.227.5200 | F 719.227.5297

Bob D. Broscheid, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife • Parks and Wildlife Commission: Robert W. Bray x Marie Haskett x Carrie Hauser John Howard, Vice-Chair x Marvin McDaniel x Dale Pizel x Jim Spehar x James Vigil x Dean Wingfield x Michelle Zimmerman, Secretary x Alex Zipp

October 12, 2017 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Trails Program 13787 U.S. Hwy 85 N. Littleton, CO 80125 Re: Colorado State Trails Planning Grant To Whom It May Concern: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) writes this letter to show its support of Rocky Mountain Field Institute’s application for the 2017-2018 State Trails grant program. This grant would provide funds to help in the planning process for the future use and accessibility of the Waldo Canyon Trail. This planning process would develop through a strong partnership with the Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) and the U.S. Forest Service – Pikes Peak Ranger District, along with other key stakeholders including the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA), Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Springs Utilities, and the City of Colorado Springs. Through this partnership and the planning process, it is hoped that the Waldo Canyon Trail may be restored to once again provide enjoyable outdoor opportunities for all in the area. In 2012 a devastating fire started in the mountains just west of Colorado Springs. The Waldo Canyon Fire that occurred ended up burning over 18,000 acres and impacting a large portion of the U.S. Forest Service’s Pike National Forest. Included in the area significantly impacted by the fire was the Waldo Canyon Trail. This trail was a very popular trail in the Colorado Springs area because of its proximity to town, its accessibility, and for its ah inspiring views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding area. Ever since the fire ended five years ago the Waldo Canyon Trail has been closed to access and use. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a mission that includes providing enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that can inspire current and future generations. By supporting this planning process for the Waldo Canyon Trail, with the potential to provide new public access, trail use, and increased outdoor recreation opportunities for all, CPW, along with all their partners, believes that this project will provide this outdoor recreation opportunity and bring countless benefits to the local Colorado Springs area. We hope that you will look favorably upon our request. Sincerely, COREY D. ADLER District Wildlife Manager, NW El Paso County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL SERVICES

To Whom It May Concern:

Please accept this letter of support for Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) regarding their application

for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Trails Program for assessment and planning within the Waldo

Canyon watershed. RMFI is partnering with local organizations; Trails and Open Space Coalition, USFS,

City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado

State Patrol and Colorado Springs Utilities.

I understand the intent of this grant will help support the efforts needed to fully assess and plan next

steps in the possible re-establishment of recreation in Waldo Canyon. RMFI has a proven track record in

the southern Colorado region in regards to assessment, planning and implementation of recreational

trail systems. RMFI has worked tirelessly for the City of Colorado Springs Regional Parks, Trails and

Open Space Division for over a decade and continues to provide top quality restoration and construction

projects on city managed properties. RMFI’s knowledge and expertise as it relates to regional soil types,

user groups, climate, slope, vegetation, wildlife and the importance of proper assessment when

planning trails puts them in a small percentage of organizations who could publish a realistic report for

the area.

Waldo Canyon is a beloved piece of Colorado Springs outdoor recreation portfolio. The trail served as

an area just slightly out of town which could realistically be accessed year round due to its exposure and

south facing slopes. The role it plays in regional trail diversity has been missed since the closure after

the fire. We are confident that Waldo Canyon can be an area, with proper planning, that could fill a void

to residents and visitors alike. RMFI is well suited to complete the necessary steps in order to make that

happen.

Sincerely,

/

Scott Abbott

Regional Parks, Trails and Open Space

City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreational and Cultural Services

TEL 71 9-385-5940 • FAX 71 9-385-65991401 Recreation Ways Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905-1024

CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS