RBC’s Wagon Wheel Trail

RBC I The first organizational meeting for the Rio Blanco County OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) tourism project was held last week. The assembled group came up with a name for the proposed trail system — Wagon Wheel Trail — and a mission statement.
“The mission of the Rio Blanco County Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) committee is to stimulate economic development and increase tourism by providing increased recreational opportunities through unique satisfying and sustainable OHV experiences in Rio Blanco County and northwest Colorado.”
The committee will also be working with representatives from Moffat and Uintah counties.
Representatives from several different RBC agencies, including all three county commissioners, law enforcement, recreation and parks districts, both towns and chambers of commerce, the U.S. Forest Service and OHV enthusiasts, formed four committees and will meet again Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. in the hearing room in the Fairfield Center.
“We formed several sub-committees with people from both ends of the county to discuss mapping trails, rules and regulations, signage and grants,” RBC commissioner Shawn Bolton said. “The goal is to have a trail system where people can come stay in our hotels, motels and campgrounds; unload their OHV and go on a 50-100 mile ride; then come back and enjoy our restaurants and shops.”
RBC undersheriff Mike Joos, along with chiefs of police Bob Hervey and Vince Wilczek, will work on the rules and regulations needed to allow OHVs on town streets and county roads.
“We have allowances within our ordinances (for OHVs) to travel directly to trails,” Rangely town manager Peter Brixius said.
RBC attorney Kent Borchard is working on a county resolution and county administrator Kim Bullen will work on grants with Meeker Chamber of Commerce director Katelin Cook, Michael Weinbrecht of the ERBM Recreation and Park District and Randy Engle of the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife. Grants for signage, maps and advertising are due by Dec. 1, 2011, and the committee hopes to apply.
Local OHV enthusiasts are trying to form a club and will host their first organizational meeting Oct. 19, at Kilowatt Korner in Meeker at 7 p.m.