Big Bend National Park, in southern Texas, was recently chosen as a pilot project in the new partnership agreement between the National Park Service and the International Mountain Biking Association. This groundbreaking agreement could lead to the opening of new mountain biking opportunities in Big Bend, as well as other park units.
Big Bend is currently conducting an evaluation of mountain biking as a new activity. Public input is crucial to the outcome of this process. Please write an email message today that expresses your desire to see opportunities for responsible riding at Big Bend.
Email comments should be filed before Jan. 30, 2006.
Bike advocates need to take action and make our voices heard. Direct your comments to Superintendent John King: john_h_king@nps.gov
And to Management Assistant Lou Good: lou_good@nps.gov
Listed below are several talking points to consider for your email. Please emphasize that mountain bikers are vitally interested in resource protection and are not interested in gaining access to areas currently managed as Wilderness. It is important to counter the argument that opening parks to mountain biking will degrade the land or interfere with the experience of other users.
Thanks for your input. Without strong public support for this project we risk losing a great opportunity.
BIG BEND TALKING POINTS
*Mountain bikers are not seeking access to areas in Big Bend already managed as wilderness.
*Mountain biking has been shown to be a low impact activity that is compatible with traditional backcountry user groups.
*Mountain bikers are legitimate backcountry users that have a strong resource protection ethic.
*Seeking access to sustainable trails for the purpose of enjoying the backcountry.
*Big Bend already has great riding on dirt roads, but the addition of shared-use trails would greatly enhance its appeal as a mountain biking destination.
*Mountain bikers have an impressive history of volunteering to help build and maintain trails open to MTB access. If you would be willing to volunteer for trail building and maintenance of trails open to mountain biking, please say so.
*If you live in Texas, please say so.
*If you would consider planning a mountain biking trip to Big Bend, please say so.
Also, please consider attending these upcoming meetings, where proponents and opponents of mountain biking in Big Bend will air their concerns:
MEETING 1:
Monday January 30, 2006
7:00 p.m.
Sul Ross State University
Lowrance Hall Room #300
Alpine, Texas
MEETING 2:
Tuesday January 31, 2006
Study Butte Community Center
(Behind the bank and post office)
Study Butte, Texas
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