From left, Open Space Specialist Eric Peterson and Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division Manager Chris Wilson host a meeting Wednesday night at the North Mesa Stables area regarding Los Alamos County’s trails. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Approximately 20 people attended the trails meeting Wednesday near the stables. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Trail users were invited to give their thoughts and input on Los Alamos’ trails during an informal gathering Wednesday night at the North Mesa Stables area.

Open Space Specialist Eric Peterson and Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division Manager Chris Wilson hosted the meeting.

The issues discussed during the meeting included trail maintenance, signage, trail etiquette, access for horses on trails, communication about the trails and education about trail use. Peterson also explained how, why and when a trail may be closed or built.

Comments made and issues raised by citizens in attendance will be used to prioritize projects, he said.

In addition, the public asked for an update on the proposed bike flow trail during the meeting. The proposed bike flow trail for Bayo Canyon should become more defined as a result of a request for proposal (RFP) the County issued for a high level schematic design and probable cost.

Wilson reported that the RFP for the design and probable cost of the flow trail closed Aug. 11 and the information is not yet available. The proposed trail would cover 6 to 8 miles from the Bayo Canyon trailhead to the N.M. 502 Y.

A meeting attendee said that a group of community members presented the idea of a bike flow trail to the County Council last October and Council gave direction to look into the project. Council was attracted to the idea of a bike flow trail because it felt the trail fit into its economic strategic goals.

Lisa Reader, a member of the local equestrian group, said she felt the meeting was a good step to include all trail users in the conversation about trails.

“It was further stakeholder involvement,” she said. “There’s diverse stakeholders being identified and being included.”

Peterson said the good representation of trail users and effective conversation at Wednesday’s meeting could possibly lead to more in the future.