The GOATs (Great Outdoors Action Team) are SLV GO!’s full-time, professional trail crews dedicated to building and maintaining the outdoor spaces that make the San Luis Valley such a special place to live, work, and play. These teams combine hard work, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to conservation to ensure that our trails, parks, and public lands remain safe, sustainable, and accessible for everyone.
GOATs crew members develop strong leadership, teamwork, and field-based technical skills while contributing directly to the community’s outdoor infrastructure and natural resource stewardship. Whether it’s restoring wildlife habitat, improving trail quality, or mentoring youth corps members, the GOATs embody SLV GO!’s mission to connect people and the outdoors.
Stewardship Crew
The Stewardship Crew is the backbone of the GOATs program. This skilled field staff specializes in trail construction, maintenance, and environmental restoration across the San Luis Valley. Working in teams of 4-6, the crew operates nearly year-round, maintaining trails and natural areas in local parks and on surrounding public lands.
Their work includes:
Motorized Crew
The Motorized, or “Moto” Crew, focuses on the care and maintenance of the Valley’s motorized trail systems. Their work keeps multi-use routes open, safe, and environmentally responsible for riders and outdoor users of all kinds.
The Moto Crew demonstrates a strong cooperative partnership with the Rio Grande National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management San Luis Valley Field Office, leading cross-jurisdictional efforts to maintain, repair, and enhance trail systems that span agency boundaries.
Through their work, the Moto Crew supports responsible recreation and helps ensure that motorized access coexists sustainably with habitat and watershed protection.
Partnerships and Workforce Development
The GOATs are also mentors and collaborators. SLV GO! partners with Conservation and Youth Work Corps organizations, including the Southwest Conservation Corps and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, to share technical training and on-the-ground experience with emerging conservation leaders.
These partnerships strengthen the region’s stewardship network, expand local workforce development opportunities, and ensure that the next generation of environmental professionals is equipped with both the skills and passion to care for the Valley’s incredible natural resources.
Building a Legacy of Stewardship
From rugged alpine trails to quiet community parks, the GOATs leave a lasting mark wherever they work. Their dedication to conservation, craftsmanship, and collaboration helps sustain the outdoor spaces that define life in the San Luis Valley — today and for generations to come.