IMBA Epic Trail Threatened - Mountain Bikers Help Needed ASAP
Action Alert!
Proposed Camp Could Bisect Arkansas Womble Trail
For Immediate Release
09-24-01
Contact: Dan Vardamis, Advocacy Coordinator and IMBA Trail News Editor
303-545-9011
Arkansas' Womble Trail, which was designated an IMBA Epic ride in 2000, could be severely compromised by the expansion of a local area youth camp.
The expansion of Camp Ozark, would bisect this 39-mile singletrack trail and forever change the integrity of the route. IMBA believes a compromise can be reached to accommodate the expansion and maintain the Womble Trail. The Womble Trail and the camp are both located in the Ouachita National Forest.
IMBA and the Ozark Off Road Cyclists (OORC) are asking mountain bikers in Arkansas and across the region to write and tell why the Womble Trail is a national gem that should be protected. The deadline for comments is Friday, September 28. Here are some points to add to your comment letter:
- IMBA and the Ozark-Off Road Cyclists (OORC) support Camp Ozark, but do not support the location of the current expansion proposal.
- IMBA and OORC want to work with Camp Ozark, the Ouachita National Forest and area groups to find alternative solutions. These include, but are not limited to: finding an alternative location for the camp expansion, or providing an easement for the Womble Trail through the camp.
- The Womble Trail was designated an IMBA Epic ride in 2000. This designation is given to trails that are recognized as the finest in the world. The Womble Trail is a recreational opportunity that mountain bikers and other trail visitors from across Arkansas and the U.S. enjoy.
- IMBA and the U.S. Forest Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding in October, 2000 to work cooperatively at the national, regional and local level. IMBA is committed to a strong working relationship with the USFS.
In addition to these points, use your personal experience to tell why the integrity of the Womble Trail should be preserved.
Please take the time to write your comment letter immediately. Again the comment deadline is Friday, September 28. Email your comment letter to all of the following individuals:
District Ranger Robert Raines.
Congressman Mike Ross.
Congressman Vic Snyder.
U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson.
U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln.
You can also contact District Ranger Robert Raines at:
District Ranger Robert Raines
1523 Hwy 270 E
Mount Ida, AR 71957
Phone: (870) 867-2101
For more information on the Womble Trail visit http://www.imba.com/epics/hot_springs_ar.html, http://www.fs.fed.us/oonf/rec/womble.htm or email
.
