Chapter 5: Other ways to influence the planning process
The Mountain Bike Advocate's Guide to Planning and the United States Forest Service
People outside the Forest Service can influence the agency. Who are they? How can you get their ear or join forces with them?
The Bare Minimum
- Think outside the box. Contact local officials like county commissioners.
- Submit comments through your local club.
- Consider partnering with another group to reinforce your platform.
The Basics
The first step is to contact the forest planning team. You should find phone numbers on the planning website or in the newsletter you are receiving. Most planning staff members are more than happy to answer questions, but understand that they often canıt give you strategic advice. Instead, ask them if theyıve heard from any mountain biking interests and if there is any information you could send which would be of assistance in forming or revising mountain biking guidelines. IMBAıs website has resources on all aspects of mountain bike management and science and research.
Additional Information
Next, you may know of other local riders who have an interest in seeing the forest plan support mountain biking. Call them up and discuss concerns, important trails and a strategy for making effective comments. If the Forest Service has announced its recommended Wilderness areas, you may wish to ride the trails (if theyıre open to bikes!) and get an idea of how important those areas are to mountain biking, both present and future. You can also search IMBAıs website for local reps, clubs and shops.
Itıs also a good idea to contact local officials. County commissioners are an extremely important ally. They often wield influence with the national forests, ensuring that forest management benefits the local communities. Let them know how important trail access is for mountain bikers and local economies. Think about what mountain biking has done for a town like Moab or Durango. Let the county commissioners know that mountain bikers spend money in their towns. IMBAıs Science and Research webpage includes information on mountain biking and economics.
You might also want to consider forming alliances with other user groups. Hikers, equestrians and other recreationalists all seek positive experiences in the forest. Make strategic decisions to decide who can help you, but be careful about ganging up on others and creating unnecessary enemies. Youıll find that mountain bike advocates are most successful when they form partnerships with others!
