IMBA Tracking Wilderness Bills Before Congress

For Immediate Release
02-15-07
Contact: Mark Eller, Communications Director

303-545-9011

2007 promises to be an active year for Wilderness bills. IMBA is tracking several bills that have already been introduced, and we expect others will be submitted in upcoming months.

Mountain bikers care about land preservation and value their trails and public lands. Because federally defined Wilderness bans bicycles, IMBA works with policymakers to suggest boundary adjustments and alternative land protections where significant trails exist in proposed Wilderness.

IMBA's Stance on Wilderness

IMBA believes that it is possible to protect the land and allow continued bike access. When new Wilderness is proposed, IMBA mobilizes and leads its grassroots network to participate in local negotiations. Through education, outreach, community building and partnerships with other trail users, mountain bikers can influence and support appropriate land protection bills.

Read more about IMBA and Wilderness in our online FAQ.

2007 Wilderness Bills to Watch

IMBA and our local affiliate clubs are actively involved in the following Wilderness proposals. The first two, in Virginia and Oregon, are strong examples of what can be achieved when mountain bikers are involved early in the decision-making process.

Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007
Introduced by Sen. Warner (R-VA) and Rep. Boucher (D-VA)

• 54,319 acres, including six new Wilderness areas and two new National Scenic Areas
• IMBA supports this bill thanks to local IMBA leaders working to craft a bike-friendly land preservation bill

Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act
Introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Gordon Smith (R-OR)

• Creates a 17,700-acre Mount Hood National Forest Recreation Area (NRA) that will allow mountain biking to continue in important areas
• IMBA endorses expanding the use of NRAs to protect Mount Hood while allowing mountain biking

Chattahoochee National Forest Act of 2007
Introduced by Rep. Deal (R-GA)

• Preserves more than 21,000 acres in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest
• Mountaintown National Scenic Area, totaling 13,382 acres, would allow bike access
• Eleven additions to existing Wilderness areas totaling 8,448 acres
• The Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association (SORBA) is tracking this bill
• Write SORBA Director for more information

California Wild Heritage Act
Introduced by Sen. Boxer (D-CA) and Rep. Solis (D-CA)

• Proposes more than 2.4 million acres of new Wilderness throughout California, affecting many areas important to mountain biking
• Please contact IMBA California Policy Advisor if you'd like to help with this legislation, or for more information

Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act
Introduced by Rep. Simpson (R-ID)

• Three Wilderness areas in central Idaho totaling 318,765 acres
• IMBA and our affiliates in Idaho are tracking this bill

Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2007
Introduced by Rep. Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Dicks (D-WA), Rep. Inslee (D-WA)

• Covers 106,000 acres in the Skykomish River Valley.
• The local IMBA affiliate, Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC) has been following this bill for the last five years.

IMBA and local advocates will continue to watch these bills and work with policy makers to protect our existing use and important natural resources. More information will be posted on IMBA.com as developments occur and new bills are announced.