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Letter: E. Shore Trail doesn’t link Granby

To the Editor:

I have owned property at the south end of Shadow Mountain Lake for over 25 years and built a residence there 13 years ago. Over that time the East Shore Trail has been my favorite trail for hiking and running with my children and now my grandchildren. It has a gentle grade with scenic lake views making it very enjoyable for young and old alike.

I have followed closely the proposal and discussions initiated by Headwaters Trails Alliance and the International Mountain Bicycling Association regarding bicycle use approval on that portion of the trail within Rocky Mountain National Park: a 2 mile stretch between Shadow Mountain Dam and the park boundary to the south.



Although I was not in favor of the proposal, I feel due process was used to arrive at its approval pending a number of improvements. However, I must point out the inaccuracy of a statement in a recent edition of Sky-Hi News attributed to ATA executive director Meara Michel in which she said that by allowing bicycle use on this 2 mile stretch of trail Grand Lake will be connected to Granby. It is only if the bicyclists use US 34 from Shadow Mountain Dam to Granby. There is no current bicycle trail from the Dam to Granby, and my last communication with ATA indicated that they had no plan and certainly no funds nor approval for such a trail.

Let’s be honest. The pending construction and bicycle use of the East Shore Trail will connect Grand Lake to the Dam. Nothing more. I applaud the ATA’s goal of “connecting the dots” in Grand County, but this trail doesn’t accomplish that goal. Its a dead end.



Dick Talley

Grand Lake


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