The U.S. Forest Service has signed a final decision notice for the Mad Rabbit Trails project, according to a news release. Implementation of the trails project will begin “as soon as possible.”

After four months of little to no movement on the project without a clear explanation, the Forest Service now says it is ready to move forward.

According to the news release, the trails project encompasses the Mad Creek, Rocky Peak, Gunn Creek, Buffalo Pass, Fish Creek, Rabbit Ears Pass and Steamboat Resort area, including roughly 49 miles of new trails.

The plan will also add restrictions designed to limit bikes to designated trails, improve winter trailheads to accommodate summer use and add seasonal human-entry restrictions in certain areas to protect local elk populations.

“Trail alignments are designed to minimize impacts to sensitive resources (wetlands, riparian areas, sensitive plant and wildlife habitat, etc.), and seasonal wildlife closures will be placed on certain high-priority habitat areas to lower impacts during elk calving season,” according to the Forest Service media release.

A forest order will also be enacted to deter “user-created trail development,” which will prohibit the use of mountain bikes and vehicles off designated trail systems across the project area’s 127,124 acres.

The news release further states the implementation of the project is expected to begin “as soon as possible.” According to the project website, implementation will begin in May.