Trails Working Group

1. Serve as an ongoing multi-stakeholder forum for dialogue, coordination, collaboration, implementation and monitoring on current and future trail related issues.

2. Combine and complete previous trail planning efforts through a robust and efficient collaborative process.

3. Promote regional connectivity projects to link trail systems, improve access, etc.

4. Generate broadly supported recommendations for short-term projects.

5. Develop and monitor the implementation of a longer-term, comprehensive strategic action plan for trail-related issues in the Verde region including new trail/trailhead construction, maintenance, and information/signage, from planning to completion.

6. Strengthen partnerships, relationships, trust, and information sharing - as well as mitigate user conflict - among trail stakeholders.

Blowout Wash (Formerly known as West Mingus Trail System) – led by Prescott National Forest.

Del Monte Wash Connection to Blowout Wash – led by City of Cottonwood.

Verde Valley Campus Trail at Yavapai College – led by Yavapai College & partners.

Implement Verde Trails & Access Plan (VTAP) – led by Prescott National Forest.

Salt Mine Interpretive Site – led by Prescott National Forest.

Camp Verde Loop Trails at Sports Complex – led by Town of Camp Verde.

Jail Trail & 5th Street Connection – led by City of Cottonwood.

Grief Hill/Sheep Driveway/Black Canyon National Recreation Trails projects – led by Prescott National Forest, Town of Camp Verde, and Black Canyon Trails Coalition.

Wickiup Mesa, trail proposal master plan – led by Beaver Creek Trails Coalition.

White Hills Motorized Trail – led by Coconino National Forest.

Ryal Canyon Trailhead – led by Town of Camp Verde.

• Agreement on short term trail projects to work on as a working group

• Diverse user dialogue and involvement

• Multi-user feedback to agencies on trail projects

• Trail Building Workshop led by Prescott National Forest - Fall 2018

• Signage Workshop led by National Park Service - Spring 2019

Short Term:

• Update comprehensive inventory of system trail resources.

• Develop consistent prioritization criteria to identify shovel-ready trails projects.

• Work with partners on development of best management practices (BMPs) for development of new trails and trailheads.

• Develop signage consistent with the Verde Front brand to post at trailheads and other locations.

• Expand the group to include other potential partners that are not yet engaged, such as Coconino Trail Riders, Verde Valley 4x4 and other OHV groups, and others identified by the Trails Working Group.

• Coordinate the work of the Verde Front Trails Working Group with the Verde Outdoor Volunteer Network effort to identify and recruit volunteers to participate in trails development and maintenance projects.

Long Term:

• Complete a secondary inventory, based on the community need, of non-system trails.

• Promote education and advocacy on trails.

• Develop a long-term approach to accommodating OHV trails development and users in the Verde Valley region.

• Develop resources, access and funding that will support local projects, and increase desirability and competitiveness of the region in providing recreation amenities.

• Foster collaborative approach to funding opportunities that will contribute to the regional vision, economic prosperity and quality of life of the area.

• Cornville Trail with pedestrian bridge – led by Yavapai County and the Cornville Community Association

• Sun Corridor Trail section from Jerome to Dead Horse Ranch SP - led by Yavapai County