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Updated: Big Bend National Park Proposing To Cut Mountain Bike Trail, PEER, NPS Retirees Raise Objections

Mar 23rd - 22:01pm | justinh

imtbke,

Mar 23rd - 21:34pm | imtnbke

Kurt, you're right: "The very purpose and role of national parks is being drawn into question" by this initiative. The question is whether the national parks are going to continue to slide into national irrelevance, with a few iconic places visited by hordes in Winnebagos and the backcountry seen mainly on televisions and computer screens.

Mar 23rd - 21:24pm | Zebulon

Kurt,

Mar 23rd - 20:32pm | Scott Watkins

I have mixed feelings about mountain bikes in the park, but there are some false and misleading arguments by PEER that are repeated as fact in this article. Read the actual EA...

Mar 23rd - 20:12pm | Kurt Repanshek

Mark, I'm afraid your very first sentence explained IMBA's entire motivation: Big Bend national park has oodles of dirt roads open for biking, but very little in the way of singletrack and the type of riding that mountain bikers prize.

Mar 23rd - 19:11pm | justinh

Zebulon, I'm not sure I follow your post.  What makes you suggest I'm not "big on sharing"? "Intended" by whom?

Mar 23rd - 16:14pm | Ron Saunders

Kurt, How about you writing an article requesting "class action" comments. Group A: Please list all the things you would like to construct and do in some of our National Parks. Group B: Please tell Group A why they can't. Could probably knock out a lot of birds with one stone. Dang, I didn't mean to say that. How do you erase stuff with this machine.

Mar 23rd - 14:57pm | Zebulon

Justin, you're not big on sharing, are you? Maybe we should simply reallow bikes in wilderness, like they were originally intended to be (google Ted Stroll for back up data) and that would really solve all our problems.

Mar 23rd - 14:52pm | Mark E

Big Bend national park has oodles of dirt roads open for biking, but very little in the way of singletrack and the type of riding that mountain bikers prize.  The park also features expansive amounts of wilderness. Park staff have not expressed any concern that this trail will impede plans to add additional wilderness, nor has pro-wilderness groups so far as I'm aware. 

Mar 23rd - 14:34pm | justinh

I'm not sure why the number of NPS units allowing singletrack is relevant here.  I'm concerened about the precedence this trail creates for adjudicating similar proposals in the future, particularly with regard to  . . . 

Mar 23rd - 14:18pm | Richard Smith

This seems like cherry picking.  Check out Yosemite, and there are too many people and cars and improperly constructed (limiting) bridges which increase flooding potential, and no one is making a stink on how that place is being impacted, which is strange, since the mtn bike tail is so tiny in comparison.

Mar 23rd - 13:44pm | Kristy

Here's the list of NPS units with mountain biking.. http://www.imba.com/nps-trails-roads

Mar 23rd - 13:08pm | Anonymous

Randy Thompson's Ghost said:"Let them build the trail - if we continue to limit activities that the 18-24 demographic enjoy - we continue to diminish the importance of National Parks in the future."

Mar 23rd - 12:22pm | Anonymous

Excuse me, Mark E of IMBA - can you please name the "dozens of NPS properties around the nation [that] already offer singletrack mountain biking?"

Mar 23rd - 10:08am | Mark E

Regarding PEER's criticism, here's IMBA's perspective (I'm the communications director).  1) The proposed trail has been specifically designed to create a model for shared hike/bike use. Rather than a "high-speed roller-coaster" or whatever fear-mongering phrase PEER used, the design incorporates good lines of sight, speed-controling features for bikes and gentle grades. 

Mar 23rd - 09:40am | Ron Saunders

Lee, again I feel envy. Slopes would probably be good for another old coot such as I.

Mar 23rd - 09:09am | Ryan

"if we continue to limit activities that the 18-24 demographic enjoy - we continue to diminish the importance of National Parks in the future."

Mar 23rd - 08:48am | justinh

Zebulon, You could erase PEER and "mountain bikes" in your post and insert IMBA and "wilderness," and your post would make as much sense.

Mar 22nd - 21:18pm | Zebulon

PEER demonstrates again and again that they hate mountain bikes.  Their reasoning is illogical. It's the usual window dressing of the "we really don't like to share".

Mar 22nd - 21:14pm | Randy Thompson'...

Let them build the trail - if we continue to limit activities that the 18-24 demographic enjoy - we continue to diminish the importance of National Parks in the future.  The old guard (PEER) that perfers to create obstructions to enjoying public land are the people that need to enjoy their retirement.  Its hard to imagine having a good time on a mtn bike in a area like Big Bend when your toy as

Mar 22nd - 20:34pm | Lee Dalton

Ron, what the heck is an "obx?" Oh ----- gee, Google is sure handy.  Obx = Outer Banks?  Sounds like something the Federal Aviation Administration dreamed up.

Mar 22nd - 17:04pm | Ron Saunders

Lee,

Mar 22nd - 15:45pm | Lee Dalton

Ron, I just stumbled on to this.  I'm guessing your note was posted to the wrong page. Your keyboard must be like mine -- the keys keep jumping around while I'm trying to type.

Mar 22nd - 13:31pm | soccer_jay

We have many multi-use trails here in Colorado and I have found most mountain bikers to be courteous and responsibile. I don't see any major problems with devoting a single trail in a major park to a quiet, non-polluting, low-impact use. Pack animals are allowed on most park trails, even in wilderness areas, and their impact is high.

Mar 22nd - 10:15am | Matt Stubbs

Ron perfect description.

Mar 22nd - 08:49am | Ron Saunders

Lee Dalton, Hope we're ok. You sound like one of the good guys. Lots of people see things differently. Strange that we all love the same places and no doubt want to preserve them in for all to enjoy. But, it is unfortunate that we see enjoying them in different ways and cannot understand our brothers point of view. It should be so simple. I don't understand it. Ron

Free Water Soon To Be Available On North, South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park

Mar 23rd - 19:02pm | Jon Merryman

How is this any different than installing a water fountain?  We let all the water fountains from my childhood fall into disrepair, and now we are putting them back with a different kind of tap.  Why not have both?

Mar 23rd - 11:25am | Marjorie

I pick up sooo many plastic bottles on the trail.  I mean, they weigh a whole 1/8 of an ounce! When they are in the middle of the trail, I might assume they were dropped accidently.  When they are cleverly hidden under a rock, I know it was deliberate.  I hope the water stations encourage re-use, or even (gasp) buying a real canteen!

Mar 23rd - 11:10am | Nick Costanza

Arches has these at their entrance and also at the entrance to Devil's Garden. It was really great a couple of years ago when we ventured out in 102 F heat. At least we were able to stay hydrated.

Mar 23rd - 09:09am | Lee Dalton

Great idea.  Zion already has at least one such station outside the old visitor center. On the other hand, down at Hovenweep, there is a big water bottle dispensing machine just outside the VC entrance filled with plastic bottles.  There are a couple of signs thanking the bottling company for their generous support of Hovenweep.

Grizzly Bear Shot and Killed By Hikers In Denali National Park and Preserve

Mar 23rd - 17:46pm | Anonymous

Bears and animals have the RIGHT to live. Humans are animals.  

Mar 23rd - 17:42pm | Anonymous

Animals have the right to defend themselves. If a bear came onto your property you would be threatened. The bear was only defending its home. Humans need to respect other animals. I don't think that humans realize how much animals respect us.

Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, National Parks Conservation Association Oppose Bike Race At Colorado National Monument

Mar 23rd - 17:28pm | Ron Saunders

IT'S A TIE ! Can I do that ? Great discussion and so dag gone respectfull it almost makes you sick. Didn't think there were any people like that left. Got to go to that place and see those folks for my self.

Invasive Exotic Plants on the Appalachian Trail

Mar 23rd - 15:24pm | James in Virginia

The invasive plant control program sounds vibrant. Hope it all goes well. Wish us luck as we get started the week of Earth Day, April 14 in the Northern VA area.

Reader Participation Day: Would You Ever Go On A Multi-Week, Or More, Hike?

Mar 23rd - 13:27pm | Jenny

Not only would I, but I hope to have the opportunity some day!

Mar 23rd - 12:38pm | Randi Minetor

I have dreamed for many years of hiking the AT.  It's always been an "if circumstances were different" dream—if I had the opportunity to take seven months off, if I were in better shape, if I had more camping experience, and so on.  So yes, I would do it ... if all the variables added up in the right way.

Mar 23rd - 11:13am | Bob M

Kurt, you need to ask???

Mar 23rd - 07:29am | Lawrence J. Caldwell

I'd love it.  Funding and preparation are key.  I'd like to know how he does it.

Maine North Woods National Park: Has The Time Arrived?

Mar 23rd - 13:05pm | Anonymous

Not trying to be rude people, but being a young logger in the North Maine Woods, this would mean no cutting as I understand it.  This would have unforseen consequences to you guys.  I am one of thousands of hard working men that would lose their jobs.  Sure, Plum Creek has done foolish things in the past, and Irving Woodlands sometimes does extensive clear cutting, but Irving has invested billi

National Park Mystery Plant 18: His, Hers, and Its

Mar 23rd - 06:41am | Bob Janiskee

Congratulations to Eric (7:19 a.m.), who was the first to supply the correct answer to this one. Also weighing in with the correct answer were: Yellowstone Ed toothdoctor

Spring Wallops Yosemite National Park With Potent Punch

Mar 22nd - 21:58pm | Steve Nelson

It's amazing how years can be different.  I was in Yosemite at exactly this time in March, 2000.  All the snow had melted in Yosemite Valley and the roads were all clear.  It was mostly sunny the entire week I was there.  I was in California for a month and I had to pay an extra $500 to make sure I had a 4-wheel drive for potential bad weather in Yosemite and the roads going into it.

Mar 22nd - 13:41pm | John Montgomery

I left the park Sunday morning after a weekend visit as the storm was coming in....it had recieved more than 7 inches Friday and Saturday nights. Used the 140 route and passed several fallen trees and rockslides on the way to Mariposa, but the snow in El Portal hadn't started.

Seasonal Guidelines Instituted To Protect Nesting Shorebirds...At Gulf Islands National Seashore

Mar 22nd - 18:53pm | matt stubbs

For all of those who differ it is only that we differ slightly. Look deep down and we all have the same intentions. We the ORV crowd have preserved this beach for more than 80 years. Those who now speak so lowdly were silent until the lawsuit brought down the hammer on the NPS for failing to adopt a rule.

Mar 22nd - 17:23pm | Ron Saunders

 (Fact Checker, Please take this in the manner it is intended). Boy, don't you just love that comment made by Mr. Bob Janiskee a couple of weeks ago. It went " But, why would he want to". Hope some of you saw that. It was a classic. I'll be a while getting over that one. Thanks Bob,               Ron

Mar 22nd - 16:00pm | Fact Checker

Lee I do understand Matt’s and Ron’s frustration. There are extremist on both sides and I think they are obvious.  Some more facts I have uncovered.

Mar 22nd - 14:07pm | Lee Dalton

Thanks, Matt.  That is certainly a reasonable reply and I do understand where you're coming from.

Mar 22nd - 12:49pm | Ron Saunders

Hey Lee Dalton, It might be time for me to lay off this stuff for a while. I was trying to cover too much territory in too little time. I was looking at Kurts article on Big Bend National Park, got to thinking about our comments and posted a note there by mistake. Should have been here. If you care to read it, please save me the time of rewriting by looking at it over there.

Mar 22nd - 10:32am | Matt Stubbs

My mistake I only read what you wrote and not what you intended. Being how you used the word destructive before clarifying that it is used in the realm of Extremism.

Mar 22nd - 08:44am | Lee Dalton

There is a huge difference in what "destruction" means.  When destruction refers to physical destruction of a place by tire tracks, tearing down or cutting vegetation, invasive species, or vandalism, it is not hyperbole.  But when the word is used in trying to gain emotional support for actions that might limit what the person wants, it is an entirely different useage.

Great Night Sky Programs Offered at Badlands National Park This Summer

Mar 22nd - 12:36pm | Connie Walker

The National Parks are some of the best places to see pristinely dark skies. Going on now through March 4 is the citizen-science campaign, GLOBE at Night. GLOBE at Night asks peope to measure their night sky brightness by looking at the constellation Leo and comparing it to several charts that have differing numbers of stars.

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