North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department and International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

State Partners with IMBA to Build Trails

For Immediate Release, Friday, November 4
For more information, contact Donna Schouweiler, 701-327-5357
or Ron Luethe, 701-255-7822

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPR) and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the development of new non-motorized, multi-use trails in North Dakota's state parks and recreation areas.

"The MOU really formalizes a long-term relationship we have developed with IMBA," said Doug Prchal, director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. "We share similar goals and philosophies for providing multi-use trails for the public's enjoyment, using sustainable trail design and construction techniques."

During the past four years, IMBA trail experts have conducted trail building workshops in a number of state parks; held mountain bike riding workshops for the public; and have provided design and layout ideas for new trails constructed in state parks, as well as local parks across North Dakota.

"North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department has a solid commitment to develop trails throughout its park system," said Ron Luethe, North Dakota IMBA representative. "IMBA looks forward to developing multi-use, sustainable, single track trails with NDPR staff."

Last spring, the International Mountain Bicycling Association's Trail Solutions program co-sponsored a workshop on mechanized trail building techniques at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park south of Mandan. Participants, including representatives from state and federal natural resource agencies and private individuals, received hands-on training while constructing a single-track trail along the park's bluffs for use by hikers and horse riders.

The MOU was signed November 2 by Doug Prchal and Ron Luethe. IMBA has similar agreements with New Mexico, Virginia and a number of federal land management agencies.

Note to editor - 300 DPI color or black and white photos of the MOU signing may be downloaded from the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department web site.

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http://www.parkrec.nd.gov/IMBA/mou-bw.jpg. (792 KB)

Caption - North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department Director Doug Prchal and IMBA State Representative Ron Luethe (seated, left to right) formally sign a cooperative agreement to collaborate in the development of sustainable, non-motorized trails in North Dakota's state parks and recreation areas. Standing are NDPRD staff members Marc Brown, park planner; Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park Manager Dan Schelske; and Trails Coordinator Arik Spencer.