Take Action to Save Idaho Singletrack

Action Alert

View a slideshow of some of the threatened Idaho singletrack

For Immediate Release
08-24-06
Contact: Drew Vankat, Policy Analyst

303-545-9011

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is calling on all Idaho mountain bikers to help save important trails in the Boulder-White Clouds region of Central Idaho.

The proposed Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (H.R. 3063) passed through the U.S. House of Representatives last week and will soon be introduced in the Senate. The legislation will designate 312,000 acres of new Wilderness, which prohibits bicycles. IMBA believes in protecting these important places, but the bill will ban bikes from 85 miles of world-class singletrack. In these areas, IMBA suggests a different protection than Wilderness.

Take Action Today

Idaho residents can use our easy online form to tell Senators Craig and Crapo bicycle access should be preserved.

All other mountain bikers should call or write the senators:
U.S. Senator Larry Craig
520 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-2752

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo
239 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-6142

Additional Information

Mountain bikers cherish the narrow trails in this rugged backcountry and want to see all the land protected. IMBA has supported Wilderness designations in many bills, but believes it is possible to preserve Idaho's natural heritage while permitting continued bicycle access to trails mountain bikers have ridden for years.

Of the 85 miles at stake, the most important trails include the Germania Loop starting at Three Cabins Trailhead and a connected route from Warm Springs Creek to the Fourth of July Lake Trailhead. These trails provide a one and two day epic weekend trip with fantastic vistas and opportunity for solitude. Mountain bikers want to remove these trail corridors from Wilderness consideration, which would immediately close them to bikes.

U.S. Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo are in the process of drafting a Senate version of the bill. Mountain bikers need to tell the senators that bicycle access should be preserved. Your input can help save these epic trails and protect the natural beauty of the Boulder-White Clouds.

Click here for a list of trails that could be closed.

Talking Points for Phone Calls or Letters

Please work with cyclists to address trail concerns before introducing legislation. Eighty-five miles of quiet, non-motorized trails could be made off-limits to bicycles.
Mountain bikers support protecting all of the lands under consideration, but the legislation should allow continued bicycle access to the Germania Loop and the Warms Springs Creek to 4th of July Lake route. This loop should be protected by a cherry stem or non-Wilderness corridor that permits existing non-motorized uses like bicycling to continue.
While we appreciate provisions that would help fund new trails and areas for mountain bikes, the unique qualities of high alpine vistas, lakes and roadless areas cannot be replaced by bicycling in urban areas.
Bicycling is a quiet, human-powered, low-impact activity compatible with wild lands. We vastly prefer non-motorized routes and the Senate should also permit bicycle use to continue on some existing non-motorized trails, not just motorized routes.
Cycling brings significant economic benefits to Custer and Blaine counties: tourism industry, bike shops, touring companies and cyclists who spend money at restaurants, gas stations and hotels. Ketchum is a great example of what mountain bike tourism can do for an area.

Help | Site Map | Copyright



	Take Action to Save Idaho Singletrack Action Alert View a slideshow of some of the threatened Idaho singletrack For Immediate Release 08-24-06 Contact: Drew Vankat, Policy Analyst 303-545-9011 The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is calling on all Idaho mountain bikers to help save important trails in the Boulder-White Clouds region of Central Idaho. The proposed Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (H.R. 3063) passed through the U.S. House of Representatives last week and will soon be introduced in the Senate. The legislation will designate 312,000 acres of new Wilderness, which prohibits bicycles. IMBA believes in protecting these important places, but the bill will ban bikes from 85 miles of world-class singletrack. In these areas, IMBA suggests a different protection than Wilderness. Take Action Today Idaho residents can use our easy online form to tell Senators Craig and Crapo bicycle access should be preserved. All other mountain bikers should call or write the senators: U.S. Senator Larry Craig 520 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-2752 U.S. Senator Mike Crapo 239 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-6142 Additional Information Mountain bikers cherish the narrow trails in this rugged backcountry and want to see all the land protected. IMBA has supported Wilderness designations in many bills, but believes it is possible to preserve Idaho's natural heritage while permitting continued bicycle access to trails mountain bikers have ridden for years. Of the 85 miles at stake, the most important trails include the Germania Loop starting at Three Cabins Trailhead and a connected route from Warm Springs Creek to the Fourth of July Lake Trailhead. These trails provide a one and two day epic weekend trip with fantastic vistas and opportunity for solitude. Mountain bikers want to remove these trail corridors from Wilderness consideration, which would immediately close them to bikes. U.S. Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo are in the process of drafting a Senate version of the bill. Mountain bikers need to tell the senators that bicycle access should be preserved. Your input can help save these epic trails and protect the natural beauty of the Boulder-White Clouds. Click here for a list of trails that could be closed. Talking Points for Phone Calls or Letters Please work with cyclists to address trail concerns before introducing legislation. Eighty-five miles of quiet, non-motorized trails could be made off-limits to bicycles. Mountain bikers support protecting all of the lands under consideration, but the legislation should allow continued bicycle access to the Germania Loop and the Warms Springs Creek to 4th of July Lake route. This loop should be protected by a cherry stem or non-Wilderness corridor that permits existing non-motorized uses like bicycling to continue. While we appreciate provisions that would help fund new trails and areas for mountain bikes, the unique qualities of high alpine vistas, lakes and roadless areas cannot be replaced by bicycling in urban areas. Bicycling is a quiet, human-powered, low-impact activity compatible with wild lands. We vastly prefer non-motorized routes and the Senate should also permit bicycle use to continue on some existing non-motorized trails, not just motorized routes. Cycling brings significant economic benefits to Custer and Blaine counties: tourism industry, bike shops, touring companies and cyclists who spend money at restaurants, gas stations and hotels. Ketchum is a great example of what mountain bike tourism can do for an area.


Help \| Site Map \| Copyright