Moving forward in trail completion

Daily Camera Letter to the Editor 6/17/08

The recent articles about the Heil Valley Picture Rock trail project do not fairly portray what was an outstanding success. I have worked on many volunteer trail projects and this was one of the best organized, supported and managed volunteer trail projects I have been involved in. The trail was well designed and marked. The tools appropriate for each section were preplaced, which was a great idea considering the long walk in. The planning and leadership was excellent. Everyone involved deserves credit and a big thanks. The ATV tracks were minimal and will soon be gone. The criticism is unwarranted and the benefit was real.

However, that was not the real issue. A "not in my backyard" (NIMBY) attitude is what it is all about. Opposition to public access by a few has dominated the trail project. It continues as the Open Space Department tries to build the trail head using land that was bought for that purpose. I hope the county commissioners recognize the NIMBY problem and complete the trail in a logical manner.

Finally, I hope the commissioners acknowledge the outstanding work the Open Space Department, the volunteer organizations and the volunteers have done in creating one of the best recreational assets in the county.

MIKE OBRIEN

Boulder