Questa-Red River Canyon trail group narrows scope, costs, timeline
THE PROPOSED QUESTA to Red River Trail through the canyon faces more than a few hurdles before it becomes a reality. Toward that end a group of public officials, volunteers and forest advocates met Friday (Aug. 10) to view problem areas along the route.
According to a a federal application for the proposed trail prepared by Carl Colonius, director of the nonprofit Enchanted Circle Trails Association, “A significant segment of the Q2RRT is planned along a route currently occupied by a pipeline, owned by Chevron Questa Mine. This pipeline has been decommissioned, and once removed, the trail will align for miles along the former route.”
However, the first stop from the route is a pipeline bridge, which could pose a liability risk to the mine, noted Christian Isely, economic development adviser at Chevron Corporation. Alternatives include using existing footings once the pipeline and bridge are removed or building a bridge in a different location.
The group discussed whether the route would include a bridge to Bear Canyon, which would open up opportunities for climbers and hikers.
The group stopped at several other spots, including a narrow section by the Chevron Mine where highway, river and a steep embankment leave little room for a trail. While not impossible, the trail would either have to climb over the embankment or go along the highway.
Another stop, Fawn Lake, had new hurdles separate from trail planning: the dam washed out following sustained spring flooding. With lake restoration now part of the mix, lake area wetlands could be further developed and the site could become an interpretive center for nonprofits like Rivers & Birds or Amigos Bravos.
Other difficult sections include multiple hydrothermal scars and debris channels caused by water and fluctuating temperatures along with steep, unstable slopes by the river between Fawn Lakes and Red River.
Trail-planning history
Beginning in January 2018, staff from the National Forest Foundation have facilitated planning meetings for the trail among Carson National Forest representatives from the Questa Ranger District, Chevron Mine, village of Questa, town of Red River, Red River Ski Area, Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski Area, interested individuals and nonprofits such as Questa History and Community Trail, Trout Unlimited, Del Norte Mountain Bike Alliance, Amigos Bravos and New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance.
For funding and planning purposes, the town of Red River and village of Questa will act as applicants for funds from resources such as the state Department of Transportation’s Recreational Trails Program. The Questa Economic Development Fund will provide financial management for the project, and the Enchanted Circle Trails Association will act as project manager.
The group’s stated vision is “to create a multiuse, sustainable recreation trail that connects the communities of Questa and Red River to the land, the water and the people” that “will enhance the quality of life for locals and visitors, attract and bolster tourism and spur economic development in both communities.”
At one time, plans included several trails with different uses, however, significant problems have narrowed the project’s scope to two trails:
• a motorized route from Red River to Questa utilizing existing older roads in need of restoration, with the goal of connecting to other existing trail systems such as the Río Grande Trail;
• a multiuse, sustainable recreation trail along the Red River that connects the communities of Questa and Red River.
The Application for Transportation and Utility Systems and Facilities on Federal Lands makes a case that the trail would bring significant economic development to Questa and Red River by providing a “safe place for recreation as well as an opportunity to alternative transportation between the two communities.”
Trail costs
Cost for “preliminary engineering, including planning, environmental and design functions,” is estimated at $58,000 and $74,000. “This … could be substantially higher based upon several pinch points where road and canyon wall restrict trail development. Based upon the complexity of engineering design, the construction of a compacted crusher fine–based trail (nonmotorized share use trail) could cost up to $35,000 per mile” while a “natural surface trail (for the motorized routes) would be markedly lower” — $4,000 to $10,000 per mile.”
In the federal application, Colonius concludes, “The Q2RRT with full amenities (pullouts, scenic viewing areas, river access points, interpretive signage, toilets) is estimated to cost between $484,000 and $540,000.”
Time frame
The timeline for completion is trickier, with estimates ranging from five to 20 years, depending in part on how quickly funds are acquired.
Next steps
The Questa to Red River Trail parties will give presentations to members of the state Legislative Finance Committee on Thursday (Aug. 29) following a 7:30 a.m. breakfast.
Q2RRT will host a celebration to coincide with many other activities during National Public Lands Day, Sept. 21, at Eagle Rock Lake in Questa.
About the partners
The National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1993 with a mission to “bring people together to restore and enhance our National forests and grasslands.” It is the nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service.
The Enchanted Circle Trails Association develops, maintains and promotes trails in the Enchanted Circle region of Northern New Mexico. It is dedicated to the creation of a trail system to positively affect community health, increase economic development through recreational tourism and improve the quality of life in the region.