The Town of Monument and El Paso County, Colorado, are in discussions regarding the possible relocation of the Santa Fe Trail between Second Avenue, Monument and Baptist Road, Monument. The proposal is to relocate the trail east towards I-25 as the owners of the vacant land between I-25 and Old Denver Road have six trail crossing easements to allow access roads to the proposed developments.

The access easements were granted in exchange for the Baptist Road Santa Fe trail parking lot. The easements are a fact and are not subject to change. The issue at hand is whether the trail is moved from its current location. If left in its current location, pedestrian crossings would need to be built so the trail can continue across the easements, per the agreement between El Paso County and landowners.

As part of this process, there will be public hearings and meetings. They have not yet taken place. At these public meetings, the public is able to voice their concerns or show support for the relocation of the trail. This is a serious consideration between the Town of Monument, El Paso County (as they own the trail) and the landowners. It would involve a land swap for the land adjacent to I25 in exchange for the land that the trail currently sits on.

The Santa Fe Trail is widely used by people nearby. Many trail users and others are opposed to having the trail relocated adjacent to I-25 and want the trail to remain in its current location. Many people use the trail regularly to walk or bike and feel strongly that trail accessibility adds great value to the town. Relocating the trail would greatly alter the user experience and reduce its value to people who use it, by adding distance and road noise.

If you don’t want to see the trail relocated, please sign this petition so we can let stakeholders know of our opposition in advance of the hearings. Because of COVID19, hearings are not as accessible as needed to express negative sentiments about moving the trail.

By signing this petition, I am requesting that Monument, El Paso County, and the landowners keep  the trail in its current location.