2025 Impact Statement
In 2025, the Rico Trails Alliance (RTA) made meaningful progress in strengthening trails, community, and our capacity to support non-motorized trails in the upper Dolores watershed.
Community Engagement & Trail Stewardship:
RTA hosted 6 major community events, including its annual Fat Bike Bash, a free Film Night with Patagonia, and the Dan Holmes Memorial Fun Run. Our Fall Membership Party and community dinner increased RTA membership by 55%. We also supported the San Juan Softie 100-mile foot race with the largest aid station and led multiple volunteer trail work-days, including a Summer Solstice Trail Maintenance Day and weekly evening sessions improving system trails and river access.
RTA continued volunteer trail work, nordic fat bike grooming, and launched noxious weed mitigation efforts, while partnering with local historical societies on the RGS River Trail & Pedestrian Bridge Project.
This year, RTA also achieved a critical milestone with the RGS River Trail & Pedestrian Bridge Project. After more than 5 years of developing public/private partnerships, securing easements, design/engineering and pursuing all necessary planning and permitting, this project is now (as of September 8, 2025) “shovel ready” for 2026.
Building Organizational Capacity:
In 2025, RTA strengthened its sustainability by:
Applying for 6 grants and securing over $100,000+ in awards so far (with $445,000 in capital grant requests currently pending for RGS Bridge construction) and sponsorships, plus $20,000 in additional fundraising.
Initiating our “CONNECTING COMMUNITY” Bridge Fund Campaign to address potential grant funding gaps.
Expanding our grant opportunity database, donor relationships, and strategic planning tools, while investing in board and volunteer training.
Looking Ahead:
With continued community participation, strong partner engagement, and growing momentum behind the “Connecting Community” Bridge Fund Campaign, RTA is positioned for significant progress in bringing the RGS River Trail & Pedestrian Bridge Project to life. In the coming year, RTA will:
Continue pursuing federal, state, and foundation grants to secure the remaining capital needed for bridge and trail construction.
Expand private fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, corporate sponsorship outreach, and campaign communications to position ourselves for future regional trail projects.
Launch new public outreach tools-including a redesigned website, updated campaign and educational materials, and expanded merchandise.
Maintain and grow our Volunteer Trail Crew Program to better support regional trail construction, maintenance, and stewardship leading up to and following the RGS Trail and Pedestrian Bridge construction.