Trail Crew transitions to new county department

The Trail Crew at Mesa County Public Health transitions to a new department within Mesa County- Natural Resources. This move reflects the crew’s growth, increasing impact, and continued alignment with the county’s long-term commitment to outdoor recreation.

“Mesa County Public Health recognized early on the value trails bring to our community—not just for recreation, but for public health,” said Ross Mittelman, Trails Program Supervisor. “The crew’s work improves access for locals and beginners, helping to encourage physical activity, mental well-being, and a deeper connection with nature.”

Since its creation in 2019, the Trail Crew has made incredible progress in expanding and maintaining Mesa County’s non-motorized trail network while also supporting workforce development and healthy living outcomes.

Key accomplishments 

• Construction and continued maintenance of the bike park at Dos Rios Elementary School.
• Built nearly 30 miles of new trail at 18 Road in the North Fruita Desert alongside volunteers and private contractors.
• Completed the Gunnison Bluffs Master Plan.
• Established the first of its kind, professional, non-motorized trail crew in Mesa County.
• Received nearly $2.5 million in competitive grant funding from federal, state, and local partners.

Trail Crew background

The push to establish a professional trail crew came from a variety of community-based organizations including the local Bureau of Land Management office, the Forest Service Grand Valley Ranger District, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trails Association (COPMOBA), local municipalities, and private businesses.  All of these partners have provided financial or logistical support through their engagement in the Trails Advisory Committee. 

The Trail Crew was developed with a vision to train the next generation of natural resource leaders. The team builds and maintains trail systems across the county in collaboration with municipal and community partners. Crew members gain hands-on experience and expertise through partnerships with professionals in the field. Crew members have become experts in trail maintenance, construction, and design over six years of the program. They do technical rock work, erosion control, invasive species management, revegetation, and tree felling. 

This transition ensures that the crew’s mission will continue to thrive with strong county support, while positioning the community to further expand its leadership in outdoor recreation planning and development.

“Mesa County remains committed to ensuring that quality outdoor spaces are accessible to all residents. As our Trail Crew enters this new chapter, their work will continue to benefit both locals and visitors by enhancing one of the region’s most valuable public assets—its trails,” said Mittelman.

Learn more about the Natural Resources Department on Mesa County’s website.