New Mexico and IMBA Partner To Build Trails

For Immediate Release
11-29-04
Contact: Aaryn Kay

303-545-9011

The State of New Mexico and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) have signed an agreement to cooperate in the construction of new mountain bike trails. The agreement, signed Sept. 14, is the first of its kind between IMBA and a state parks system.

"This is another example of how government can work with organizations to encourage responsible use of public lands for our residents and our visitors," New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said. The governor added that more than 39 million Americans participated in mountain biking last year, and the state's unique landscape and climate are ideal for the sport.

Under the agreement, the New Mexico parks division and IMBA will work together to identify trail opportunities, conduct training and promote mountain biking. The deal is similar to ones IMBA has with the U.S. Forest Service, National Parks Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Work started at New Mexico's Sumner Lake State Park September 14-15, where representatives from all 32 New Mexico State Parks joined the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew for two days of instruction and trailwork.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association's (IMBA) Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew includes two full-time, professional teams of trail experts who travel North America year-round, leading IMBA Trailbuilding Schools, meeting with government officials and land managers, and working with IMBA-affiliated groups to improve mountain biking opportunities. IMBA's Crews have led more than 1,000 trail projects since the program debuted in 1997.

In addition to this statewide land manager training, Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew leaders Nat and Rachael Lopes participated in the Governor's Summit on Wildlife-based recreation, added new trails at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Lake Abiquiu, worked with the Bureau of Land Management in the towns of Farmington and Carlsbad, and trained volunteers in sustainable trailbuilding throughout the state.

New Mexico Memorandum of Understanding

Albuquerque, New Mexico:  Albuquerque Jump Park a Success

Abiquiu, New Mexico:  Building Trails, Saving Local Economies

Farmington, New Mexico:  Wavy Trails in Northwest New Mexico

Fort Sumner, New Mexico:  New Mexico/IMBA Memorandum of Understanding Announced

Carlsbad, New Mexico:  Trail Goodness in Carlsbad, New Mexico