The Chicken Creek Trail Project decision notice was signed by the Dolores District Ranger for the San Juan National Forest on Dec. 14, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The project includes new non-motorized trails in the Chicken Creek area and new motorized connector trails in the Owen’s Basin and Deer Lick Creek area, said public information officer Lorena Williams of the San Juan National Forest.

The area is on land north and northeast of Mancos that are popular with summer hikers, bikers, campers and equestrians. Use in winter includes snow shoeing and cross-country skiing.

The Owens Basin and Deer Lick Creek areas provide single track and two-track motorized trails that connect to the West Mancos, Golconda and Aspen Loop Trails.

The trails were designed to provide loops, which increase recreation opportunities while allowing other areas to remain less developed.

“The trails will benefit natural resources by improving trail conditions and discouraging creation of social trails,” said Tom Rice, recreation program management specialist for the Dolores Ranger District of the forest.

Local trail groups played an integral part in the project, Williams said. They also will construct and maintain trails, reducing construction and maintenance costs, she said.

For more information, contact Rice at (970) 882-6843 or thomas.b.rice@usda.gov.

All offices on the San Juan National Forest are currently conducting business and providing services virtually.

For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, visit the forest website, or follow the San Juan National Forest on Twitter and Facebook.