April 3, 2008, Pilot Project Update:

     Griegos Lateral Trail Bridge, North Valley Demonstration Trail    

     The findings from both of these pilot projects will be incorporated into the larger      Ditches with Trails “Feasibility Study”. This study is the planning document being      created to assess the feasibility of officially allowing recreational uses on the      irrigation ditches. It is being developed by the DWT Steering Committee with      community and agency input, and is an important document to inform future      decision-making about recreational uses on ditches.

     Griegos Lateral Trail Bridge:
     At the first community workshop, DWT heard enthusiastic requests to improve this      crossing. Now, after much community and agency coordination, this pilot project is      nearly complete. You will soon be able to enjoy a safe, multi-use trail bridge      where the Griegos Lateral crosses the Griegos Drain, just south of Montaño Rd.

     In early March 2008, the bridge foundation was constructed and the PNM lines over      the bridge location were buried. Now, three alternatives for the bridge’s custom      railings are being designed that reflect the natural quality of the ditch system.      Community feedback from various forums and meetings, including the NV      Demonstration Trail Conceptual Design Public Workshop in December 2007, led to      the railing designs being considered. The bridge is expected to be completed and      available for public use by the end of July 2008.

     If you want to be a part of the DWT Steering Committee review of these railing      alternatives in mid-April (date TBD), contact info@ditcheswithtrails.org.

     NV Demo Trail
     The summary report from the Conceptual Design Public Workshop is being finalized      and will be posted for public viewing by the end of April 2008.

     Community feedback and analysis of alternatives will inform the development of a      Schematic Design Document. The Schematic Design Document is a planning      document that will outline various design alternatives for the NV Demonstration      Trail pilot project area. This document will be presented to the MRGCD Board prior      to initiating any physical improvements.