Important Forest Service Wilderness Meeting in Central Washington Feb. 23

For Immediate Release
02-16-07
Contact: Drew Vankat, IMBA Policy Analyst
303-545-9011

IMBA encourages mountain bikers in Washington state to attend an important public meeting co-hosted by the Wenatchee and Okanogan National Forests on Feb. 23 in Wenatchee. The Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee and the Yakima Provincial Advisory Committee will meet to discuss which Forest Service roadless areas will become Recommended Wilderness, a precursor to possible formal Wilderness designation.

Mountain bike advocates should ask the Committees and Forest Service to protect roadless areas in a way that will allow our activity to continue. Currently, 37 roadless areas are being considered for designation as Recommended Wilderness. Most National Forests allow mountain biking in Recommended Wilderness, but if those areas become federally designated Wilderness, our activity will be banned.

Please let the Forest Service know you support our continued use of backcountry areas. Mountain biking is a quiet, human-powered, low-impact activity compatible with protected lands. If you plan on attending, please contact IMBA Policy Analyst for additional information.

Meeting Date, Time and Location

Friday, February 23. 9am - 4pm

Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters Office
215 Melody Lane
Wenatchee, WA 98801

Talking Points

• Mountain bikers support land preservation that allows bicycling to continue.
• Areas with important mountain biking trails may be better suited for protection as Backcountry Area, Wild Lands, or other administrative designations.
• Please partner with local mountain bikers to identify important trails that should be preserved.
• Formal Wilderness is not the only option for lasting land preservation. Congress may also enact National Scenic Areas, Protection Areas and other designations that protect valuable natural resources and allow our existing use to continue.