The Town of Avon, in partnership with the Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) and Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA), is implementing the closure and decommissioning of several “social trails” within the West Avon Preserve as part of ongoing stewardship and conservation efforts.
Over time, various “social trails” have developed and can lead to habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and impacts to sensitive wildlife areas. In collaboration with EVLT and regional partners, including VVMTA, the Town has identified priority areas for restoration and will begin decommissioning select social trails to better align with the approved trail system. Restoration efforts are scheduled to begin June 29 and continue through the end of July.
“This work reflects our responsibility as stewards of the West Avon Preserve,” said Michael Labagh, Town of Avon Recreation Director. “As the property owner, the Town is committed to managing the Preserve in a way that protects its natural resources while providing sustainable recreational opportunities for the community.”
The West Avon Preserve is protected under a conservation easement granted to the Eagle Valley Land Trust and is managed in accordance with the Town’s updated West Avon Preserve Management Plan, which outlines long-term strategies to protect the property’s conservation values, including natural habitat, scenic open space, and opportunities for passive recreation.
The decommissioning process includes closing unauthorized trail alignments, restoring vegetation, enhancing signage, and directing users to designated, sustainable routes. These efforts align with the Management Plan’s adaptive approach and support the conservation values defined within the easement.
Visitors to the Preserve will see new signage identifying closed trails and encouraging use of designated routes. Community members are asked to respect these closures and stay on designated trails to protect sensitive habitat and ensure the long-term sustainability of the trail system. These improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance the overall trail experience while preserving the ecological integrity and character of the West Avon Preserve.
