The vast labyrinth of roads and trails within the Boggy Draw area has frustrated many local recreationists over the years.

But the area’s potential has not gone unnoticed by the Forest Service, which is now in the preliminary stages of proposing a distinct trail system for Boggy Draw.

Boggy Draw is an easy-to-reach recreation area that begins just a few miles northeast of Dolores off of County Road W.

Currently, the top of the mesa is a popular area for beginner and intermediate bikers looking for scenic views and forested cover for their activities.

The area encompasses a 40-square-mile area that stretches from the Dolores Norwood Road from the west to the Cottonwood Creek Road to the north, and State Highway 145 to the east and south.

The recreation area was initially identified as a multiple-use area in the decision document for the Colt timber sale in 1997.

Penny Wu, a BLM recreation specialist drawing up the plans, said the proposed project would include trails to please all types of recreationists.

Under Wu’s plan, a 25- to 30-mile trail loop would be designated for off-highway-vehicle use, and an up-to-20-mile trail built from existing single- and double-track roads would be available for mountain-biking and cross-country skiing.

In addition, a seven- to 10-mile trail for horseback-riding would be constructed.

Each recreational loop would be distinct, and would originate from the existing Boggy Draw parking lot, which Wu said may be expanded.

The Forest Service may also consider changing the travel-management plan from its existing F designation. An F designation allows off-road travel by any means.

Currently in its preliminary stages, Wu plans to publish the plan in draft form by the middle of February, with an environmental assessment to begin shortly thereafter.

"During the environmental assessment we will determine the best location based on wildlife, archaeological, soils, range, and botany considerations," said Wu.

The draft alternatives will be devised based on comments from the public and internal specialists.

Wu hopes a decision will be made by early to mid-summer of 2001.

The project is sponsored by the Four Corners Trail Club, a Cortez-based snowmobile and ATV club, the Mesa Verde Backcountry Horsemen, and individual mountain-bikers.

Each group has pledged support for the project as well as help with maintenance of the trail loops.