Dowd Junction Recreation Trail opens soon

VAIL — The Gore Valley Trail through Dowd Junction will be reopened for the season by Saturday if weather conditions allow.

In addition to sweeping, cleaning and other repairs, reopening the trail requires the installation of a fabric screen near the Mud Springs Gulch wildlife underpass. The screen hides trail users from migrating deer and elk, and allows the trail to remain open during the spring migration season. After 12 seasons of wear and tear, a new artistic screen is being installed this spring. Working with Art in Public Places, the new screen, designed by local artist Elaine Kuntz, depicts aspen trees through the four seasons.

Regarding other pathways, the recreation trail from Sunburst Drive to East Vail will be plowed open by April 25. Other sections of recreation trails within Vail that are not maintained in winter will reopen as conditions allow, with all paved trails expected to be cleared and open by April 30.

For more information, contact Gregg Barrie in the town of Vail Public Works Department at 970-479-2337 or for ECO Trails updates, visit http://www.eaglecounty.us/Trails/News/.