[NMCCSC] Fwd: [Sandia Nordic Ski Club] Fwd: Outdoor Rec Announces 2022 Trails+ Awardees

[Eric Cox]

Looks like even more trail improvements are coming to the Sandias. Woo hoo!

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Scott Dietrich <sandianordic at gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Jun 10, 2022 at 10:18 AM
Subject: [Sandia Nordic Ski Club] Fwd: Outdoor Rec Announces 2022 Trails+
Awardees
To: Sandia Nordic Ski Club <sandia-nordic-ski-club at googlegroups.com>


Dear Members and Friends of Sandia Nordic,

I am thrilled to announce that the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
Trails+ grant that we applied for back in April has been approved!  The
press release announcing the awardees is attached.  Sandia Nordic applied
for this grant to help support our mission of advancing the sport of
cross-country skiing in the greater Albuquerque area, which includes improving
and expanding the network of groomed trails that we currently maintain.
Specifically, the grant will help offset costs of sustainable trail
improvements which include widening, rerouting, and leveling sections of
the trail system, improving natural contour alignment, installing signage
at trailheads and along trails, and increasing skier safety and
accessibility.  The Club will be awarded the full amount of $39,005 that we
applied for and these funds will be allocated across a variety of budget
areas which include the following:

   - Rental of a 2-ton mini excavator or similar piece of equipment for
   earth moving.  While we will still have access to the SRD Skid Steer for
   sections of the trail system that do not have significant underlying rock
   structure, having access to a larger piece of equipment, such as a mini
   excavator, will allow us to address areas which are beyond the scope of the
   Skid Steer's capabilities.
   - Enhanced signage throughout the trail system, including kiosks with
   trail maps and information at all trail access points.
   - Seasonal installation and removal of snow fencing to help control
   drifting in sections of the trail where drifting is problematic
   - Purchase of additional capital equipment such as a new ATV, grooming
   attachments and an additional storage container.

Many thanks to the 334 individuals who signed our petition in support of
this grant application!  There is no doubt that this level of support was a
critical component in terms of our grant being funded.  Thank you, Thank
you, Thank you!

We are still waiting for the forest to reopen before we can move forward
with the next phase of our Sandia Nordic Trails Improvement Project, so
please keep those rain dances coming!  I will make sure to keep everyone
posted on what I am hearing from USFS regarding the closure and when we can
get back to work.

Thanks again, and I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Scott

P.S. If anyone would like any additional details on the grant submission,
please feel free to send me an email at sandianordic at gmail.com






---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: NM Economic Development Department <edd.info at state.nm.us>
Date: Fri, Jun 10, 2022 at 9:02 AM
Subject: Outdoor Rec Announces 2022 Trails+ Awardees
To: <sandianordic at gmail.com>


State fund help the outdoor industry
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S-jSP_RFpepMnhdwreMO3hx2kzaJQKguw9M2emR5CxUhqcFycC_JjJ3ZL1iYt9W7DESj1RMnX50Np2TxpRdl2jzpsA3TXl3o9jlRYTRYWfMOt14jg7eDxa0nwsGhgYUVmWXYt1RxP0WIL9GY_PeA_w==&c=xPT84WI7xbY-JAOF63RPAMglmEeWnir4WOMoWHsNwjO8XIELXCdeag==&ch=_2ep1M10RFQUX9C46StgNsF_tl4TkgmYVjgQNkKlZw1rNvCxU4VkbQ==>
Contact: Bruce Krasnow
Bruce.Krasnow at state.nm.us <Bruce.Krasnow at state.nm.us>
505-795-0119

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2022
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes
Deputy Secretary Jon Clark
Director Axie Navas
$2.74 Million in Funding Awarded Through Trails+ Grant
Trails+ Grant funds projects that expand access to the outdoors and helps
grows the New Mexico outdoor industry
SANTA FE, N.M. – The Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the Economic
Development Department (EDD) announced the first 15 recipients of 2022
Outdoor Recreation Division Trails+ grant funding. ORD is investing $2.74
million in these first-round outdoor recreation projects to expand access
to the outdoors and grow the outdoor industry throughout New Mexico.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham identified the outdoor recreation industry as a
key target sector to diversify the New Mexico economy and created the
Outdoor Recreation Division in 2019. Since then, the office has invested
about $2 million in outdoor recreation grants and business programs,
including the first-of-its-kind Outdoor Equity Fund and the state’s first
outdoor business accelerator. The outdoor industry contributes almost $2
billion a year to state GDP and employs over 25,000 people, according to
the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The governor and lawmakers created the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ in 2019
to support projects that enhance communities' outdoor recreation
opportunities. Trails, river parks, wildlife viewing areas, and more
contribute to economic development, prosperity, and wellness.

On March 1, Trails+ opened on a rolling basis with $7 million in federal
American Rescue Plan Act funding, which was appropriated in the 2021
December special session. This investment enables ORD to broaden the scope
and ambition of the grant, with local awards of up to $99,999 and regional
awards up to $500,000.

“The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ grant invests in the infrastructure that
New Mexico outdoor industry businesses rely on – healthy and accessible
outdoor places to recreate," Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia
J. Keyes said. "By funding these projects, the grant program works toward
both equitable outdoor access and a sustainable, robust outdoor economy.”

The Trails+ grant remains open to applications through 2022, with the
second round of announcements anticipated in the fall.

A four-person review committee selected the first cohort of 15 awardees.
The committee was comprised of Tourism Development Director Lancing Adams,
State Land Office Outdoor Recreation Director Craig Johnson, ORD Deputy
Director Alyssa Renwick, and Youth Conservation Corps Director Sarah Wood.

Awarded projects are located in the following 11 counties: Bernalillo,
Cibola, Colfax, Curry, Doña Ana, Grant, Lincoln, McKinley, Sandoval, San
Juan, and Taos.

“The Trails+ Grant is an incredible opportunity for communities to develop
their outdoor economies through targeted investments that enhance and
expand outdoor recreation infrastructure,” Department of Tourism Cabinet
Secretary Jen Schroer said. “We are excited to see these projects move
forward for the benefit of both our residents as well as visitors that are
drawn to the outdoor activities of our beautiful state.”

“We intentionally opened Trails+ with a rolling grant submission deadline
in order to encourage as many communities as possible to apply for these
funds,” ORD Director Axie Navas said. “We are so excited about these first
15 projects, which are blazing amazing new outdoor access throughout the
state.”

Read the 2022 program guide for more details
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S-jSP_RFpepMnhdwreMO3hx2kzaJQKguw9M2emR5CxUhqcFycC_JjKWd-6u7H2dXA5wCIhsztjyfvC_letagLS03FLdIuHK-slpS9n5aha5Hz4tY0ZkuXKWrv6nERKTtL-WgCOhqwogBx2KTpBOECaAeQMRV80VpO-Z2v9E41bZfZI7AkD0w9YhZRQvxp3C_vv8DOhvKIR2YBCVsT5QBD6QchJxVQ5bVW26FeAI9brqfgCq20oHbQVImbkmqMAmY&c=xPT84WI7xbY-JAOF63RPAMglmEeWnir4WOMoWHsNwjO8XIELXCdeag==&ch=_2ep1M10RFQUX9C46StgNsF_tl4TkgmYVjgQNkKlZw1rNvCxU4VkbQ==>
on how to apply.

Meet the 2022 Trails+ Awardees:

Bloomfield ($78,930, Tier I): The City of Bloomfield will purchase and
install steel bollards and wire cable within the Verde de Rio San Juan
trails. The bollards will provide a barrier between vehicle traffic within
the ingress/egress roadways/parking areas and trails. This will provide
protection to the public as well as the trail pavers, paving, landscaping,
and wildlife. The funding will also be used to construct standard size and
van accessible ADA parking spaces in Verde de Rio San Juan trails system
allowing adaptive access. Finally, it will enable purchasing and installing
bike racks at all public buildings/facilities within the city.

Cibola Trail Alliance ($99,999, Tier I): The Mt. Taylor Ranger District
signed decision memo for the Lobo Canyon Trail has provided authorization
for the construction of 23.8 miles of singletrack, non-motorized multi-use
trail on Cibola National Forest Land parallel to New Mexico Highway 547.
The proposed trail segments will ultimately connect three existing
recreation sites: The Continental Divide Trail and trailhead, Lobo Canyon
Picnic Area, and Coal Mine Campground.

Cimarron ($238,000, Tier II): The Cimarron Tourism Enhancement Project
includes work to install a pavilion, sidewalks, lighting, and provide
handicap accessibility in the public park located at the center of the
village. The park will support equitable outdoor access for local residents
and create welcoming infrastructure for visitors, contributing to the
economic development of the community and region.

Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District ($498,408.28, Tier II): Ciudad
Soil & Water Conservation District, in collaboration with the City of
Albuquerque Open Space Division, Hero’s Path Palliative Care, Nature
Matters Academy, and other partners will build an ADA accessible trail at
the Tijeras Creek Environmental Educational Center. The ADA accessible
trail will be complete with activity stations, interpretive signage, picnic
tables under a shade structure, and an outdoor classroom space. This trail
will become a pilot trail for other local and state properties that will
enhance the community, provide equitable access to outdoor recreation, and
provide opportunities for people of all abilities to explore nature
together.

Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks ($33,000, Tier 1): This project
will pave a section of the popular La Cueva Trail from the Dripping Springs
visitor center, the most popular area for visitors to Organ
Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. The paving of the trail will make
access for those in wheelchairs and with limited mobility. It will be the
only trail of its kind within the monument. Close to three-quarters of a
mile will be paved, including pullouts for wildlife and scenery viewing.
This is a joint project between the Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks
and the local Bureau of Land Management office.

Gila Chapter Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico ($85,000, Tier I): Funding
will be used to prepare for the 2024 Gila Wilderness Centennial and promote
a sustainable economy for the coming decades. It includes reopening 100
miles of interconnecting trails in and around the Gila Wilderness and
creating and disseminating updated trail information for public safety and
enjoyment. The Gila Chapter Back Country Horsemen (Gila BCH) is a 501c3
organization with a primary mission of "perpetuating the recreational use
of horses on public lands through the maintenance and improvement of
trails" for all users in the Gila.

Global Opportunities Unlimited ($54,297, Tier I): This project expands
capacity infrastructure and increases participation in off-road handcycling
activities for people with disabilities who are unable to ride standard
mountain bikes. Using revolutionary adaptive three-wheel cycles,
participants without lower limb mobility can enjoy inclusive outdoor
cycling opportunities with their able-bodied family, friends, and peers.
This project supports the growing needs in our community for off-road
adaptive handcycling activities. The community benefits through additional
handcycle availability, increased storage and maintenance capacity, and
trailering ability to transport equipment around the state to various
riding opportunities.

Insights Science Discovery ($92,300, Tier I): The DinoTracks site
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S-jSP_RFpepMnhdwreMO3hx2kzaJQKguw9M2emR5CxUhqcFycC_JjPkERDl60KPiUwEwuPNn2Ms7x9czuf96f_BzB6fdxVc5pkg5ZurrqA039gdJPM4EoSFsUeSB-Mavyg2D4cBnE67n5Tjym6oDfacpiNKiSQUJtUDzE-wDfF1u3bP1bXlVEEd10070e2fhe39__KzguXw=&c=xPT84WI7xbY-JAOF63RPAMglmEeWnir4WOMoWHsNwjO8XIELXCdeag==&ch=_2ep1M10RFQUX9C46StgNsF_tl4TkgmYVjgQNkKlZw1rNvCxU4VkbQ==>
is home to thousands of fossilized dinosaur footprints, hundreds of geology
teaching sites, modern history artifacts, and millions of aquatic fossils.
This site holds immense educational and outdoor recreational potential as
the future trailhead of the Rio Grande Trail and hub to the Paso del Norte
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S-jSP_RFpepMnhdwreMO3hx2kzaJQKguw9M2emR5CxUhqcFycC_JjPkERDl60KPibXp7Q15ZqWmxU8UVMOOhqed1wjp_16bz5CgiIfD1Lhz73ABqEaV-5swJKKVAU-d9QPMXZ3iUrYPERzhMFNcjWkDnNykrp3Cn&c=xPT84WI7xbY-JAOF63RPAMglmEeWnir4WOMoWHsNwjO8XIELXCdeag==&ch=_2ep1M10RFQUX9C46StgNsF_tl4TkgmYVjgQNkKlZw1rNvCxU4VkbQ==>,
Mt. Cristo Rey
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S-jSP_RFpepMnhdwreMO3hx2kzaJQKguw9M2emR5CxUhqcFycC_JjPkERDl60KPigelfQAHMJk563poKHt6Zi-1F6SB16TzrTb3PJ57ReNxVqhXLkNmSXzCHCTl27_bPFWL_KT_ZVBIoGQUBzcC3RlDnEKDASPaSBK4hIXlpLeisGcdMWjsRXTDBU1N-UzyLUR2hjAbYGfI=&c=xPT84WI7xbY-JAOF63RPAMglmEeWnir4WOMoWHsNwjO8XIELXCdeag==&ch=_2ep1M10RFQUX9C46StgNsF_tl4TkgmYVjgQNkKlZw1rNvCxU4VkbQ==>
and Sunland Park trails
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001S-jSP_RFpepMnhdwreMO3hx2kzaJQKguw9M2emR5CxUhqcFycC_JjPkERDl60KPix2hsg0raK6WCD3nFOX7EGJXM16LsabMD0xZgtrQPxdeSQUe5X4FAOacGCsNP0EDAoqqUkQaIc4-j57tJK9ayTbMFSK2aGm2iHSmLgpOVxQ7FbdVYy145Z-ybUq5xheFb69yAFc_1WLkA0OB7KoLKlhlA2nuuS7ha&c=xPT84WI7xbY-JAOF63RPAMglmEeWnir4WOMoWHsNwjO8XIELXCdeag==&ch=_2ep1M10RFQUX9C46StgNsF_tl4TkgmYVjgQNkKlZw1rNvCxU4VkbQ==>.
Although Insights is building a simple outdoor classroom, the current plan
does not include the amenities needed to transform the site into a tourism
destination. The Trails+ funding will enhance visitor experience with the
installation of native landscaping, green infrastructure, and hiker comfort
zones.

Mental Health Resources ($66,559, Tier I): Mental Health Resources, Inc
(MHR) will convert four acres of vacant land into the Richard Lucero
Wellness Trail on its 21st St property in Clovis, New Mexico, for public,
client, and staff use. The trail will be located in a rural/urban area in a
desert climate.

McKinley County ($400,000, Tier II): McKenzie Ridge Trail Connector is a
22-mile segment that links Hilso (McGaffey) Trail System to the Twin
Springs Trail System as part of the overall 186-mile Zuni Mountain Trail
Project. This project climbs along McKenzie Ridge providing a majestic
viewshed and a challenging climb. This project was partially funded by
NMDOT's Recreational Trail Program and has been bid to Singletrack Trails,
a contractor that will start construction in spring 2022. This request will
cover the gap needed to complete this regional trail project spanning
McKinley and Cibola counties.

Red River ($99,000, Tier I): The Town of Red River will install proper
restroom facilities to compliment the town’s substantial investments in the
recreational features at Mallette Park. The park enjoys growing popularity
with local residents and visitors alike who come together for the
playground equipment, disc golf course, picnic areas, new pump track, new
skatepark, tennis, and access to the adjacent national forest. Proper
facilities will enhance the quality of experience for local residents to
enjoy outdoor activities and add yet another valued destination that the
region offers visitors. This project fits with the long-term objective to
provide ideal settings that will give reason for citizens to remain in Red
River and for visitors to return. The new restrooms will be much more
convenient and appealing for guests, much needed to meet the growing usage
of park.

Ruidoso ($202,340, Tier II): The scope of this project will follow
implementation guidelines from the 2021 Grindstone Recreation Area Master
Plan to meet the needs of Ruidoso residents and visitors. The popularity
and increased use of Grindstone Canyon for recreation justifies amenity
improvements to facilitate enjoyable recreation and comfort for all
visitors. Sheltered picnic areas, restrooms, pavilions, ADA, and dock
improvements are all part of this plan, which fits within the Village of
Ruidoso’s larger vision to diversify the economy and support ongoing
development of outdoor recreation.

Sandia Nordic Ski Club ($39,005, Tier I): Sandia Nordic Ski Club, Inc.
(SNSC) designs, constructs, and maintains groomed cross-country ski trails
at the top of the Sandia Mountains and provides cross-country ski
instruction to the public free of charge. In March 2021, the USFS Sandia
Ranger District granted approval for SNSC to improve and expand the network
of groomed trails that the club maintains. SNSC is applying for this grant
to help offset costs of sustainable trail improvements which include
widening, rerouting, and leveling sections of the trail system, improving
natural contour alignment, installing signage at trailheads and along
trails, and increasing skier safety and accessibility.

San Juan County ($250,000, Tier II): The Denver & Rio Grande Western
Railroad (D&RGW) between Farmington, New Mexico and Durango, Colorado, was
constructed in 1902 and abandoned from service in the 1960s. Ownership of
the remaining right of way for the line was transferred to local
governments including the City of Farmington, City of Aztec, and San Juan
County. The project, dubbed the Lower Animas Valley Recreation Trail, will
create an eight-mile, non-motorized trail along the former rail alignment
between Farmington and Aztec and will connect the Animas River Trail System
in Farmington to the Hartman/Riverside Park complex in Aztec.

Silver City ($500,000, Tier II): The Town of Silver City, in partnership
with Southwest New Mexico Arts, Culture, and Tourism (swnmACT) will
complete all revitalization/restoration projects planned for the five-acre
Waterworks grounds. The Waterworks Site is an outdoor recreational and
educational hub that connects Grant County communities and businesses with
economic, cultural, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities for the
entire region. It will serve as a southern trailhead terminus for the
Continental Divide Trail.
[image: Gila Backcountry Horsemen]
Photo courtesy of Gila Backcountry Horsemen
###
The New Mexico Economic Development Department's (EDD) mission is to
improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic
opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive.
EDD’s programs contribute directly to this mission by providing funding to
train our workforce, providing infrastructure that supports business
growth, and helping every community create a thriving economy. Since Jan.
1, 2019, EDD has supported more than 13,000 new jobs and trained 8,323 New
Mexicans for better pay. EDD has utilized LEDA to make investments in 53
businesses, supporting more than 7,500 new jobs at an average wage of
$70,000, $531 million in annual payroll, $5.2 billion in new capital
investment, and a ten-year economic impact of $30+ billion. Thirty-nine
communities across 22 counties have benefited from EDD programs.

New Mexico Economic Development Department
edd.newmexico.gov
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New Mexico Economic Development Department | 1100 South St. Francis Dr., Joseph
M. Montoya Building, Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147
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-- 
Scott Dietrich

505.350.5233 <(505)%20350-5233>
SandiaNordic.org <http://www.sandianordic.org/>
Sandia Nordic Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/SandiaNordicSkiClub/>
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Eric Cox
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