Update on Fruita Singletrack

For Immediate Release
02-12-03
Contact: Dan Vardamis - IMBA advocacy coordinator

303-545-9011

The Grand Junction regional office of the Bureau of Land Management is creating a draft management plan for the North Fruita Desert. Within the jurisdiction of this plan is the area known as "18 Road." 18 Road is home to popular mountain biking trails, including Zippety Do Da, Prime Cut, Frontside, Chutes and Ladders and the Edge Loop, which was designated an IMBA Epic in 2000.

IMBA and local advocates have been working with the BLM to shape a management plan that maintains the integrity of these trails. The plan addresses a host of issues including motorized use in the North Fruita Desert, impacts from increased camping and management of shooting in the area. The plan also looks into increasing the total number and mileage of mountain biking trails in the area.

The North Fruita Desert Draft Management Plan has not been released yet. The BLM expects to release this plan in early March 2003. Once the draft plan is complete, the BLM will solicit comments from the public, review the comments, and then present a final management plan that reflects consideration of interests.

When the draft plan is released, IMBA will summarize the potential impacts of the plan on mountain biking and we'll provide action steps to the mountain biking community. Please stay tuned to imba.com for further updates.

For more information contact:

Dan Vardamis - IMBA advocacy coordinator
, 303-545-9011

Bill Harris - Western Colorado IMBA Rep
, 970-249-8055