Planned Trail Closures in West Virginia Threaten Popular Mountain Biking Routes
Action Alert
For Immediate Release
04-02-02
Contact: Matt Marcus, West Virginia IMBA state rep
Trail closures are expected in conjunction with the recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchase of an additional 12,000 acres in Tucker County, West Virginia. The land is included in the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
This property in Canaan Valley is home to a popular multi-use trail system that includes singletrack trails, historic rail grades and logging roads. These corridors are important links in the recreational trail system that connects Tucker County's communities, landowners, parks and forests. This area was home to the 24 Hours of Canaan mountain bike race until 1999.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is encouraging mountain bikers to contact the local land manager and members of West Virginia's congressional delegation and ask them to keep the trails open. Out of state visitors can help by simply sending a letter to the local land manager. IMBA suggests the following points be included in comment letters:
- IMBA and the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association support the inclusion of this land in the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge as prescribed by the 1994 Final Environmental Assessment. We do not, however, support designating this land off limits to mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
- Recent trail closures have already hurt the local economy. Tourism is Tucker County's leading industry and closing more trails will send visitors and their lodging, food and gas dollars to other areas.
- Since mountain biking began on this property in 1983, there is no history of user conflict, environmental damage or wildlife disturbance by mountain bikers. Local cyclists and the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association have performed hundreds of hours of volunteer trail maintenance on area trails and have been actively involved in the refuge public planning process since 1990.
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has not complied with management objectives outlined in the Final Environmental Assessment. Existing plans outlining public uses have been ignored and compatibility determinations have not been made public.
- No dialog exists between the public and refuge management regarding recreation use. Interaction needs to begin immediately before any more trail closures are enacted.
- Representatives of IMBA, the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association and local trail groups have expressed interest in developing a trail plan for the refuge that includes integrating the land into the regional trail system. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has not considered these local interests.
For more information please email West Virginia IMBA state rep Matt
Marcus at
. Please
send your comments (with a copy to Matt) to:
Jeff Shryer
Refuge Manager
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
HC 70, Box 200
Davis, WV 26260
West Virginia residents:
Honorable Alan B. Mollohan
U.S. House of Representatives
2346 Rayburn House Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-4172
Fax: (202) 225-7564
Honorable Robert C. Byrd
U.S. Senate
311 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3954
Fax: (202) 228-0002
Honorable Jay Rockefeller, IV
U.S. Senate
531 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-6472
Fax: (202) 224-7665
