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Manitou Incline management plan: What do you think?
A first draft of The Manitou Incline Management Plan was introduced on Thursday to mixed reviews.
(Scroll down for a link to the plan)
Here is your opportunity to share your opinion. Tell us what you think!
Here are a few thoughts to kick off the discussion.
For the most part, the plan is a positive step toward resolving the traffic and use issues that have plagued everyone along the Ruxton Blvd. corridor, including private property owners, Barr Trail hikers and Incline users.
Currently it is illegal to hike on the Manitou Incline, the old railbed that crosses private property and climbs about 2,000 feet over one mile on railroad ties that resemble a staircase. The management plan is being created in an attempt to legalize the popular climb.
The plan is full of improvements for the actual trail, fixing eroded portions and replacing ties that are loose and potentially dangerous. It also called for the creation of a new bottom-to-top trail to the north of the Incline that will reduce the foot traffic on Barr Trail. The plan called for the Incline to be managed in a joint effort by the City of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. It also called for the formation of a citizens group that would provide volunteer labor to help fix and maintain the trail, as well as raise funds to help pay for improvements and upkeep.
But the plan may not be perfect for all, and changes are on the way.
Here are some of the proposed steps that drew the most discussion at a public meeting at Manitou City Hall last week.
* Changing Incline hours from dawn to dusk.
This suggestion drew the most discussion and clearly was not favored by those in attendance.
* No pets allowed on the Incline
This proposal drew mixed reviews, but most were in favor of allowing pets on a leash.
* Parking: The plan calls for paid parking in the Barr Trail Parking lot with a cost plan that encourages long-term parking there for Barr Trail users. It also calls for creating reserved spaces along Ruxton Ave. for residents. And there is a suggestion for a 3-hour limit for many spaces on upper Ruxton.
This is arguably the hottest issue. The reality is that, under the current plan, Incline hikers (as well as those who plan to use Barr Trail) will have fewer spaces to park along the Ruxton corridor. Reaching the Incline trailhead, which will be moved to the very bottom of the Incline, will add roughly 30 minutes to everyone's round-trip hike. The distance from the corner of Ruxton and Manitou Blvd, to the Incline Trailhead is 3/4 mile. The story here is simple. All who hike the Incline or hike Barr Trail will eventually have to walk a longer distance to reach the trailheads.
There is talk of a shuttle and the potential for adding additional parking near the trailheads, but those options will happen far in the future, if at all.
Views: 182
- Attachments:
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Incline Draft.pdf, 1.8 MB
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jill Suarez on
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I'm very pleased it's not dawn to dusk ... I value 24 hour access . It's no secret I love the manitou Incline. I hope the start a shuttle for those who support reducing the amount of traffic during the summer.. In the winter it sure feels nice to warm up with a run from ruxton.. After all if you're bad enough to be up there in the 1st place 3/4 mile warm up isn't gonna kill you . Please be safe and respect the manitou incline.
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Permalink Reply by Brian McCarrie on
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Well said Jill, ever since this whole mess with parking became a bigger issue, I started parking down at Soda Springs. You're right, it's really not that far. Even parking down at Memorial isn't a bad idea.
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Maneen - Barry on
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Manitou Incline needs a bonafide organization not just those.... that love to climb it and boast about it later!
I am willing to get the movement underway and help keep it clean and clear of garbage and pet droppings; maintain the steps and gravel in order for everyone of all ages and ability to enjoy its view and majesty.
We need to meet locally and act regionally about this treasure that is and has been on private property for so many years.
As with the National Mountain Bike or National Ski Patrol - lets organize and use the same principles to show our support and volunteer our time and muscle to keep incline available for all to use...
Only then will private land management and government agencies take us seriously...we also need to work with El Pomar, Cog Railway owners and staff, Experience Colorado and other tourism groups to solicit their ideas and help
Remember Voice and Strength is more powerful in numbers ....
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Sorry ! I was so pumped up I neglected to read the Draft which is an excellent beginning. My staff was instrumental in helping kick off the 6 Volunteer Units of the National Mountain Bike Patrol for US Cycling and NORBA so let me know how I can be of assistance. One of which is still going strong in the Moab bicycle community today !
Happy Trails !
Andrea
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Permalink Reply by Tim Bergsten on
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I can see where an Incline nonprofit or a coalition of Incline users could form and be helpful and successful in raising money for and maintaining the trail. The citizen's group - in whatever form it takes - could become a fantastic and influential organization. It will also require a clear mission and the willingness of all to work together.
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