In the News
Here is a sampling of news stories about TOP, going back to 2000:
- • Ridgway Sun; December 19th, 2007; by Patrick Davarn
- Five years since the property came into Ouray County possession, renovation of an outdoor recreational and educational facility on Miller Mesa appears to be on schedule for expanded public use.
Tim Manzagol, board secretary for Top of the Pines (TOP) Inc., gave a required five-year status report last week to the Board of County Commissioners, citing the non-profit organization’s accomplishments, public use of the facility to date, and what is needed to continue the Phase I project that got underway in 2007.
“TOP continues to be a small, but proactive group,” said Manzagol. “Actually, we are pleased to accomplish as much as we have.”
BOCC Chairman Don Batchelder agreed, saying to Manzagol, “You’ve made huge strides.”
Manzagol said the non-profit organization sees the 175-acre tract, about six miles from Ridgway and west of County Road 5, as an opportunity to preserve open space, and to be available for regional use too.
“People now see what we’re doing and where we’re going,” he said. “It’s a great project, it’s fun and very rewarding. We’re willing to see this project through for Ouray County.”
The TOP-managed property was awarded to Grand Junction-based Chipeta Girl Scout Council in the 1970s by the Bureau of Land Management. However, the scout council later abandoned its use for more than 10 years and in 2001, TOP members approached the BOCC with a request that Ouray County be the recipient of a land patent transfer through and by the BLM, which did so and mandated that the land can only be used by non-profit organizations or government entities. TOP was then granted a special use permit and a management contract by the county to refurbish and open the abandoned camp.
TOP officials have said previously their goal is to restore the facility for year-round use with a focus on open space preservation and outdoor education during summer by local youth and adult groups.
TOP obtained a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant of $176,800 in December 2006 to help fund Phase I of the current five-year project. The initial phase includes restoration of water and electrical service; renovation of restrooms and a pavilion building; and for road, parking and trail improvements. Total project cost was estimated at $260,360. The remainder is being provided through contributions, fund-raisers and in-kind services through TOP members and work by the county’s Road & Bridge Department.
Accomplishments described by Manzagol in his Dec. 10 report to the BOCC include removal of refuse and all old and unstable structures; completion of architectural drawings for the pavilion renovation; completion of site investigation and soil tests required for permits to construct a designated septic system; quality analysis of the well system and installation of a new water pump; improvements to portions of the road and parking areas; partial renovation of an old stone fireplace cabin for use as a winter warming hut; and current use of about eight kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails.
“This is stellar property for intermediate skiing,” said Manzagol about the property, located at 8,580 feet with “spectacular” views of Mount Sneffels and the San Juan Range. He said ski conditions will be posted on the TOP website (www.topofthepines.org/).
TOP obtained a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant of $176,800 in December 2006 to help fund Phase I of the current five-year project. The initial phase includes restoration of water and electrical service; renovation of restrooms and a pavilion building; and for road, parking and trail improvements. Total project cost was estimated at $260,360. The remainder is being provided through contributions, fund-raisers and in-kind services through TOP members and work by the county’s Road & Bridge Department.
What’s needed to continue the Phase I project and other planned improvements? “We certainly need the continued support of Ouray County, its citizens and businesses,” said Manzagol, adding later that the camp has economic value too. Various groups who arrive and stay to use the facility will likewise stop at local motels, shop at local businesses and dine at local restaurants.
“This is a regional facility,” wrote Manzagol in his report. “No surprise, we need money more than anything. We have developed a pretty strong local professional work force regarding design; we do need an electrical contractor or engineer and mechanical engineering support. We need at least two more board members and a couple more people willing to be committee chairs.”
Pledges and tax-deductible donations are being taken to support TOP in its Capital Campaign goal of $200,000. A Pinion Pal contributes $1-$99; Fir Friends, $100-$499; Spruce Sponsors, $500-$999; Cedar Contributors, $1,000-$4,999; and Ponderosa Patrons, $5,000 or more.
In addition to Manzagol, TOP’s Board of Directors includes Patsy Young, Liza Clarke, Karla Edd and Susan Lacy. Its Advisory Council members are Alice Billings, Sara Coulter, Chris Haaland, Owen Knudsen, Thomas Landless, Doug MacFarlane, April Montgomery, Nancy Talmey, Jane Ross and Rein Van West. - • Ouray Plaindealer; April 4th, 2007; by Patrick Davarn
- The Board of County Commissioners gave its blessing last week to a grant contract between the Top of the Pines and Great Outdoor Colorado (GOCO) to improve an outdoor environmental education facility on Miller Mesa.
Top of the Pines (TOP) announced last December that the non-profit organization, based in Ridgway, had obtained a $176,800 GOCO grant. The county acts as the sponsoring and pass-through entity for the funds.
The GOCO grant will support the initial stage of renovation and expansion planned for a $260,360 improvement project at the 175-acre parcel on Miller Mesa, which was once a Girl Scout camp. TOP has an agreement with Ouray County to manage the property for residents and visitors, with its use targeted primarily for youth.
The remainder of estimated expenses for Phase I will come from $83,560 in matching funds and in-kind services totaling $25,862.
Commissioner Keith Meinert, who joined the BOCC in January, described the renovation as a “terrific project,” but wondered if there would be a problem with GOCO if the county is unable to provide its share of in-kind services, which according to the approved grant application, includes about $13,670 in value for the use of Road & Bridge Department equipment. “If there is a problem, it’s the county that gets the scrutiny (from GOCO), not the agent,” he said.
BOCC Chairman Don Batchelder said, typically, if an in-kind match is not available, a project is scaled back to fit available funds and services.
TOP Board Secretary Tim Manzagol said his organization is confident about the project and that GOCO prefers that the renovation and expansion be completed in phases.
“GOCO is willing to work with us; they understand we’re in a small county and a lot of what we do is (at the) grassroots (level),” said Manzagol. He said TOP also recently received a $5,000 grant from the Telluride Foundation in support of the renovation.
County Attorney Mary Deganhart suggested that the county’s management contract be updated to reflect the use of grant funds and TOP’s obligations. She also asked Manzagol if the timeline for completion of Phase I is reasonable by 2008.
“We’re going to keep moving forward … slow but sure,” said Manzagol. “Our approach has always been optimism, so it might be sooner. Our goal is to proceed and meet that time schedule. There is some flexibility in when we use the (GOCO) money.”
Commissioner Heidi Albritton agreed with Deganhart’s suggestion to update the management agreement. “Boards come and go,” she said. “This make sure we’re all clear” about the outdoor facility.
Phase I improvements at the TOP facility will include restoration of the water system and storage tank; installation of passive-solar composting toilets; renovation of the pavilion’s roof, deck, stairs and electrical service lines; repair of picnic tables and benches; and improvements of trails, roads and parking.
Manzagol said there has been “virtually no impact” thus far in regards to public use of the property, which has been opened the past couple of winters for Nordic skiing.
The Miller Mesa property of 175 acres was awarded by the Bureau of Land Management to the Grand Junction-based Chipeta Girl Scout Council in the 1970s. The scout council later abandoned its use of the site for more than 10 years and in 2001 TOP members approached the BOCC with a request that Ouray County be the recipient of a land patent transfer through and by the BLM, which did so and mandated that the land can only be used by non-profit organizations or government entities. TOP was then granted a special use permit and management contract by the county to refurbish and open the abandoned camp. - • Ridgway Sun; December 20th, 2006
- Top of the Pines, a non-profit, county-sponsored camp on Miller Mesa outside Ridgway, has landed a significant grant of state lottery money.
Danika Gilbert, TOP executive director, said Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has agreed to fund $176,800. The grant was awarded Dec. 12 by the GOCO Board of Directors.
The money will provide for restoration of water and electrical service, renovation of restrooms and the Pavilion building, and for road, parking and trail improvements. Total project cost is estimated at $260,360. Work will begin in early spring, 2007, with group summer use expected to begin in June, Gilbert said.
“This is an exciting start, but to be allocated the first of these funds, we need to raise a bit more money,” said Gilbert, who invited residents to consider a year-end, tax-deductible donation. Gilbert can be contacted at (303) 503-9070 or danika@topofthepines.org.
Top of the Pines is a 175-acre site west of County Road 5, featuring impressive mesa-top views of the Sneffels Range. It was formerly a Girl Scout camp, and when that organization gave up the site, the Bureau of Land Management agreed to turn it over to the non-profit group, working under the auspices of Ouray County.
TOP’s mission statement describes it as an organization “dedicated to the preservation of open space in the San Juans for outdoor education and rustic retreat opportunities.” TOP’s goal is to restore the facility for use by youth and adult groups on a reservation basis.
Information on the condition of the nordic ski and snowshoeing trails are at the website www.topofthepines.org. - • Ridgway Sun; August 16th, 2006
- It’s a balancing act to walk any trail with your eyes on the ground and still look forward.
But on an absurdly beautiful morning at Top of the Pines, board member and camp director Danika Gilbert is doing just that. Gilbert is part of the non-profit organization tasked to manage the old Girl Scout camp on Miller Mesa. About six miles outside Ridgway on County Road 5, the 175-acre tract is being cared for with one eye on the moment, and one on the future.
“We’re trying to develop it in stages,” said Gilbert, “and get it eventually fully back open as an environmental education center.”
The campground is rustic, sitting between an expansive meadow and a dense forest. It’s also showing its age; the Bureau of Land Management first awarded use the property to the Grand Junction-based Chipeta Girl Scout Council in the 1970s. The Girl Scouts used the site for more than a decade.
“The BLM holds the property,” said Gilbert, “and there’s a patent — basically a lease — that the Girl Scouts had.” The patent mandates the property can only be owned by non-profit organizations or government entities; the Girl Scouts decided it was just too far away from the Grand Junction chapter.
“They were going to give the property up,” said Gilbert, “which meant the BLM probably would’ve ended up putting it on the market.”
So in 2002 TOP entered into a special use permit and management contract with Ouray County, to refurbish and re-open the abandoned camp. Trail work began almost immediately, as well as what maintenance a handful of volunteers could handle.
“All the toilets are in various states of disrepair,” said Gilbert, gesturing with a smile to a working composting sawdust toilet. “The kids really love this one. They get a kick of out it.”
Gilbert and the TOP board want to keep the facility available primarily for youth activities — but in making it available to some adult use, they realize their options expand.
“If some artists, or some foresters wanted to come up, they could have a place that’s serene and peaceful,” said Gilbert. “It could be a couple of families, or scouting groups.”
The idea is to manage the camp so these kinds of uses help pay for the youth activities, according to Gilbert. “The plan is for a sliding pay scale, so a non-profit group would pay less than a corporate retreat group,” she said. “They would fill in the times when we didn’t have youth groups up here, and help keep the camp going.”
It has to be groups, said Gilbert, and reservation-only; a big part of TOP’s focus has been on being good neighbors to the half-dozen other properties around the camp.
“Eventually we’ll have everything from basic tent camping to — maybe five years out — tent platforms with the canvas wall tents,” said Gilbert. “And then do either yurts or cabins, sort of like they have at Yosemite.”
Right now, Gilbert said the Telluride Academy is taking advantage of the camp almost weekly. “It’s been great for them, because they don’t have anyplace that’s this rustic to take their kids,” she said. “They have people who have property that will let them camp on it, but it doesn’t have this feeling of being ‘out there.’ The kids have endless territory to play here.”
Gilbert gestures out to what’s known as the “North Forty,” the forested portion of the property. TOP’s goal is to keep that section as-is — primitive, with at most a few trails through it. Last fall the group brought a brush hog up to the camp, and sliced a tiny path through the scrub oak.
“We’ve got eight kilometers of ski trails now,” said Gilbert. “And John Kuivenhoven brings his groomer over and runs that over the trails for us.”
When the snow is good, TOP is at its finest, according to Gilbert, who expects to put in a few more kilometers of trail before winter hits this year.
“Three winters ago when we first groomed this, it was phenomenal,” said Gilbert. “This year we had about four weeks of good skiing.”
The camp itself is getting some work, but the board wants to keep the rustic feel — with a new twist.
“We’re going to try to get this to be a model of environmental sustainability,” said Gilbert, “but still not very developed.”
Gilbert said the camp gets some of the best solar gain in the county; she described giant drums of water the Girl Scouts painted black and mounted high, for showering use. Eventually the plan is to take advantage of the solar for all their power needs.
“We also want to do some more projects with youth groups, doing some fire mitigation work, trail building, that type of thing,” said Gilbert. “It’s a great opportunity to come up and do something productive, and learn at the same time. And we get help out of it.”
A little free help is no small matter for a non-profit with 175 acres on its hands. Last year, Gilbert applied for funding from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), the lottery money distributors. TOP didn’t make the cut — but just barely.
“We were 26th out of 25 that were funded,” said Gilbert. “We’ve applied for five grants now, and all of them have said ‘your project it great, but it doesn’t quite fit what we’re funding right now.”
Gilbert said they were trying again after meeting with GOCO officials, and thought their chances were good. “The hardest part of it is people want to see a track record before they fund you,” she said, “so we’re trying to push for more local funding support to get us going.”
If the GOCO funding comes through, GIlbert said that will likely take care of much of the rennovation needs. Gilbert said the board is considering a community build project in the next few years, sort of an old-fashioned barn raising. There is still, however, the matter of funding for day-to-day operations, which is where the annual fund-raiser comes in.
“Last year, that event raised about $10,000,” said Gilbert. The money, raised from donations, items sold at the live and silent auctions, and tickets, went to cleanup, the toilet, working on the trail, and grant-writing. Gilbert described the event as a huge success, and hopes for a repeat this year.
“There really aren’t many chances in Ridgway to dress up and go out for an evening,” laughed Gilbert. “You know, something more than just a fleece.” The event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 22, at the Chipeta Sun Lodge, but Gilbert said the time to get in touch with TOP is now.
“We’re happy with whatever we can get for auction items,” said Gilbert. “And we always need donations for the reconstruction here, and I can always use volunteer labor and professional expertise on these projects.”
She laughed, looking around the campsite. “To be honest, money is still our biggest need.”
Gilbert said the balancing act of getting some people up to use the camp while still trying to plan for future use is worth it. “It feels really good to have a few kids enjoying it up here in the meantime,” she said. “That’s what it’s about. It’s just such a great place.”
Tax-deductible contributions can be sent directly to TOP at P.O. Box 535, Ridgway, CO 81432; for information about donating items to the auction, or volunteer and use opportunities at the camp, call 626-4090 or send e-mail to information@topofthepines.org - • Ridgway Sun; March 1st, 2006
- If grant funding from Greater Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) comes through in June, renovation will begin at once to make the old scout camp on Miller Mesa suitable for public use and outdoor education programs.
Representatives of Top of the Pines (TOP), a non-profit organization created in 2001 to manage the 175-acre tract and campground facility about six miles from Ridgway, informed the Board of County Commissioners Monday that they are “optimistic” about their chances to obtain $175,000 from GOCO’s parks and recreation program.
The grant would provide 70% of the funds needed to begin Phase I of a five-year plan for the camp’s renovation, said Tim Manzagol, TOP board secretary. The remainder will be provided through contributions, fund-raisers and in-kind services through TOP.
”It’s ambitious, but we think it’s a good plan,“ said Manzagol. “We can’t do it all at once so we’ve taken a phase approach. The camp will be open to everyone, and will focus on open space, preservation and outdoor education.”
Manzagol and Danika Gilbert, the camp’s director, asked and obtained a letter of support from the BOCC Monday for the GOCO grant application, due on March 2. The county acts as the sponsoring and pass-through entity for any and all state funding. Should the GOCO grant come through, Phase I projects at the camp include renovation of the facility’s main pavilion building, tent platforms and existing composting pit toilets; and improvements to or installation of new and existing water sources and piping, in particular for fire mitigation and suppression, and the construction of handicap access restrooms.
At present, the camp is open for Nordic skiing on eight kilometers of groomed trails.
The Bureau of Land Management first awarded the 175-acre property to the Grand Junction-based Chipeta Girl Scout Council in the 1970’s, but the scouts later abandoned use of the site for more than 10 years. TOP members approached the BOCC with a request that Ouray County be the recipient of a land patent transfer through and by the BLM, which did so and mandated that it can only be used by non-profit organizations or government entities. TOP was then granted a special use permit and management contract by the county to refurbish and open the abandoned camp. - • Ridgway Sun; December 24th, 2003
- Cross country skiers can test out a new stretch of trail this weekend at the Top of the Pines Campground, just south of Ridgway. Ski days are scheduled for Dec. 27 and 28, and Jan 3 and 4. The trails will be open from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
The two looped trails, near the Elk Meadows subdivision, can be accessed from the campground parking area. The campground is located on Highland Road, which connects to County Road 5 about four miles south of Ridgway.
The parking area will have a porta-potty, and a covered pavilion building and picnic tables will be available for use.
“This is a low-key cross country skiing area. It doesn't have any steep areas. It should be fun for families,” said Liza Clarke, TOP board member.
The trails are groomed by John Kuijvenhoven who has offered to use his equipment. To keep the trails well groomed, snowmobiles and dogs are not allowed. A day-use fee of $4 per person is requested, children under 12 are free. A volunteer will be at the trailhead to provide day passes.
Depending on the response to these first two trial weekends, the trails may be opened to the public for future dates.
For information on the schedule, call Albert Adams at Ridgway Outdoor Experience: 626-3608, or Janet Smith at 626-4322. - • Ouray Plaindealer; August 21st, 2002; by Patrick Davarn
- The process of transferring ownership of the Girl Scout Camp on Miller Mesa took another step toward completion Monday when the Board of County Commissioners expressed satisfaction that all such papers seemed to be in order. Representatives of Top of the Pines Inc. (TOP), a local nonprofit organization that wants to refurbish and open the abandoned camp, and the Girl Scouts of Chipeta Council in Grand Junction, which has title to the property, came before the county commissioners with documents necessary to complete the property transfer.
BOCC Chairman Bill Ferguson said the county attorney had reviewed the documents and said that if all present were satisfied, the closing could proceed. “We appreciate all of your hard work (in this matter),” Ferguson said.
The documents included a letter of concurrence for transfer from Girls Scouts of Chipeta Council to TOP; conveyance and use agreement; a quit claim deed; and bill of sale. The agreed-to price is $35,000 and $15,000 in credit to Girl Scouts for use of the camp in increments equal to the applicable use fee. Commissioner Alan Staehle said when the facility opens again, it will be valuable asset to the local community. “People come to Ouray County from all over the world,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense to send our kids (to camp) somewhere else.”
TOP has stated previously that its goal for the 175-acre parcel is to upgrade or replace existing facilities, then open it as an outdoor recreation camp and center. It will be available primarily for youth oriented groups on a reservation basis. Although the Girl Scouts will soon complete a formal transfer of the property to TOP, Sue Conry, executive director of the Girl Scouts of Chipeta Council, said Monday that they, too, plan to utilize the camp again when improvements are complete. That may take until next season as Patsy Young of TOP said they have not yet started work on upgrades and improvements. “We are going to take it slowly,” she said. Tim Manzagol, TOP Board Secretary, repeated his previous statement about being a good neighbor. “If there are issues of concern, our door is always open,” he said.
It has been a long and winding road in the process of utilizing the scout property once again as a local resource. TOP first approached the BOCC more than two years ago for Ouray County to be the recipient of the land patent transfer through and by the Bureau of Land Management, which first awarded the property to the Girl Scouts. As a nonprofit group, TOP would then agree by contract with the county to manage it. Last December, the BOCC approved TOP’s management agreement and a plan of operations. Last March, following public hearings and meetings with nearby property owners, the BOCC unanimously approved a resolution that grants a special use permit to TOP. The Grand Junction-based Chipeta Girl Scout Council has had the 175-acre parcel since the early 1970’s, but has not used it for more than 10 years. - • Ouray Plaindealer; March 20th, 2002; by Patrick Davarn
- The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution on Monday that grants a special use permit to Top of the Pines Inc. (TOP). The formal action allows the local non-profit organization to begin the process of refurbishing the old Girl Scout Camp on Miller Mesa as an outdoor recreation camp and center.
A draft of the resolution was discussed by the BOCC on March 11, following public comments at an open meeting in Ridgway on March 4. On March 18, the only amendment to the resolutions terms, proposed by Commissioner Don Batchelder, was a revision that the provisions within the special use permit granted by this resolution shall be subject to an ongoing [rather than annual] review.
Prior to the BOCC's vote on the special use permit resolution, attorney John Overholser, as legal representative of adjacent property owners Wolf Land & Cattle Company and Robert and Jenny Burdick, raised the issue of access to the scout camp. My belief is that you [BOCC] still have to make a finding as to what that legal access is, said Overholser. Commissioner Alan Staehle said the BOCC's decision on the special use permit does hinge on legal access to the former scout camp, which TOP clearly has. They do have the use of County Road 5, Staehle said, admitting that some pedestrian traffic may yet cross private property. It [legal access] is an issue separate from granting of this special use permit. Commissioner Don Batchelder suggested that if legal access to the camp remains an issue between TOP and private property owners, it can be negotiated to everyone's satisfaction.
Tim Manzagol, TOP Board Secretary, agreed. We plan to be good neighbors, Manzagol said. We are willing to listen and be open to suggestions for resolving the road issue. Granting of the special use permit continues a long process for TOP, which first approached the BOCC about two years ago for Ouray County to be the recipient of the land patent transfer from the BLM. The non-profit group would then agree by contract with the county to manage it. Last December, the BOCC approved TOPs management agreement and a plan of operations.
TOP is expected to complete the land title transfer from the BLM within the next few days. If the transfer does not take place before the March 31 deadline, the former girl scout property would remain part of the BLMs holdings. The Grand Junction-based Chipeta Girl Scout Council has had the 175 acre parcel since the early 1970s, but has not used it for about 10 years. - • Ridgway Sun; October 5th, 2000; by David Mullings
- After a 2-0-1 vote by the Board of County Commissioners Monday, the county will pursue the acquisition of the Top of the Pines Girl Scout Camp on Miller Mesa. Commissioners Alan Staehle and Bill Ferguson voted for the proposal, and Frank Hodsoll abstained, citing a “lack of information.” The action came after about two hours of public discussion, during which proponents called the proposal a no-risk means to benefit local children and a neighboring landowner promised a lawsuit. About 40 people attended the hearing.
The Grand Junction-based Chipeta Girl Scout Council has controlled the 160-acre parcel since the early 1970s, but has not used it in about nine years. Under its arrangement with the Bureau of Land Management, the land reverts back to the BLM if not used after five years. Prior to the BOCC vote, the county Planning Commission was polled and gave the proposal a 4-1 recommendation, while noting several conditions. The alternative to the county's acquisition - reversion to the BLM - was cited by several individuals as a key factor. “Having local control could be a great deal of benefit,” said John Kuijvenhoven, who owns adjoining Miller Mesa land. “It's a cloudy issue if it goes back to the BLM. There will be plenty of people on (BLM official) Teresa Pfifer's doorstep on day one.”
If the parcel is under BLM administration, it would be open to the general public almost without restrictions. A group, led by Patsy Young and Heidi Comstock, has proposed that a county-sponsored board oversee the facility with the intent that it be primarily used by youth groups under a reservation system, which would ensure that its use not detrimentally affect neighbors. The group has raised about $50,000 for the effort and has a detailed business plan.
But Gary Wild, who is in the process of selling a Miller Mesa tract, said he was opposed the county acquisition because no ongoing funding for operations had been demonstrated.
Don and Jan McClemmons of Miller Mesa were the most vociferous opponents of the county acquisition proposal. “There will be lawsuits,” said Jan McClemmons. “I'll be upset if the county spends 10 cents on this project,” said Don McClemmons, who said property values would be affected. Commissioner Alan Staehle said he empathized with neighboring landowners, as he lives north of Ouray bordered by public lands.