Help Protect Mountain Biking in Southwestern Montana

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
07-31-05
Contact: Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Specialist

303-545-9011

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) urges mountain bikers to submit comments on southwestern Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest draft management plan. The plan recommends Wilderness designations that would ban mountain bikes and block access to the Continental Divide Trail.

The draft management plan recommends eight areas to be considered for future Wilderness designation and will ban mountain bikes from these areas, whether or not they are officially designated. Continuity of the Continental Divide Trail, a 3,100 mile route mostly open to mountain bikes, is threatened by four of these areas. IMBA proposes a diversity of designations to protect undeveloped lands, rather than just the federal Wilderness designation. Tell the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest planners that land protection can include mountain biking!

The Forest Service has extended deadline for public comment to October 31.

What to Say:

• Because Wilderness bans bicycles, you should request diverse designations, including Remote Backcountry Areas, improved National Scenic Areas and National Protection Areas that protect the land while allowing bicycles.

• Lands recommended for future Wilderness designation should allow mountain bikes, which do not harm the land or its Wilderness potential. Cyclists risk losing access to several areas with extensive trail networks.

• Mountain bike access to the Continental Divide Trail is threatened by two recommended Wilderness areas. Request boundary adjustments or another protective management prescription for the Anaconda-Pintler, Centennial, Electric Peak and Italian Peak recommended Wilderness areas.

• Mountain bikers support a healthy environment and land protection through diverse land designations - Wilderness is not the only option.

Read More:

The draft management plan is available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/b-d/forest-plan/index.shtml

How To Be Heard:

Letters are the most effective way to comment. They must be postmarked by September 28, 2005. E-mails should be sent before that date.

Postal Mail:
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Forest Plan Revision
420 Barrett St
Dillon, MT 59725

Email: