[pct-l] Mntn bikes on the PCT

[mkwart at gci.net]

I just went out with a friend to document mountain bike damage on local 
trails. We were taking pictures--now the snow is starting to fly. People 
who feel strongly about this issue should get out to the trails while 
they can and take pictures of mntn bike trail damage before the trails 
are covered in snow.

I don't know if the US Forest Service comment period about mntn bikes on 
the PCT is going to extend from March through next season, allowing more 
time for documentation that could be provided to the USFS as public 
input on this issue. I would hope that the USFS sees this issue as one 
that needs at least an environmental assessment, if not a full blown 
environmental impact statement. Our input to the USFS when the comment 
period opens next March will help the USFS determine the level  of 
environmental analysis needed. The more input about the negative effects 
of mntn bike use on the PCT given to the USFS the more likely they are 
to determine that mntn bike use has the potential to be a significant 
impact on the trail and in this way trigger the preparation of a full 
blown environmental impact statement. The advantage of an environmental 
impact statement is more time for public comment. All public comments 
given as part of the assessment need to be addressed and either 
dismissed or mitigated for, which makes the decision making more 
transparent.

--Fireweed