I just pulled two posts about new trails off the BST, here's why:
The Forest Service has learned of these trails and views them as illegal, which they are. Most likely they will takes steps to close the trails.
In my excitement of finding and riding these new trails I didn't stop to think about who owns the land, the legitimacy of the trails, and that my posts would encourage others to seek out these trails. My bad for not considering the bigger picture.
I have mixed feelings about this. I really enjoy these more rugged, rustic trails, but I can also see the Forest Service point of view.
I've attended a few trail work days in American Fork Canyon and met the Pleasant Grove District Forest Service people and they are pro trails. They also have a responsibility to mange this local chunk of public land. To me it doesn't seem damaging to connect up some deer trails through areas that no one cares much about. But I can also see that people shouldn't be doing whatever they want on public land.
I'm going to talk to our local Forrest Service trails person and see if these trails can be saved. It seems like it would be a win-win if local trail users can work with the Forest Service to propose new trails and get permission to build and maintain them. I'll let you know what I find out.
I apologize for screwing up.
The End
2 years ago
10 comments:
you just knew it was coming...
... obviously I didn't. I'm an idiot.
nah, don't worry over it, many of the trails we ride on started that way. Just gotta go through the hoops to make em stick.
Or as Adam would say. 'Nanny State'
I need you to show me those trails, quick.
No good deed goes unpunished.
You never know you could end up in court like I and others did.
frank totally started that way. i would guess that all of the trails on the bench up there except the GWT started that way.
back in the day, when i worked at WP and explored the Frank area at lunch, i would follow deer tracks and mark bushes and trees with duct tape so i knew where i had been.
and before too long--bien voila! Frank!
these trails will stick eventually.
Blackdog - that's how I'm feeling presently.
Ciclista - if I'd built the trails I'd be concerned. I'm just a reporter, isn't there some amendment that protects me?
dug - the force of the populace is hard to stop. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
We need more trails. I like the idea of locals being able to propose new trails, and then build them. That would be good.
Its not just bikes. Runners, Hikers and even Horses have been using those "illegal" trails.
So is it illegal to ride them if they are public trails on public land? If they are on private land then the land isn't posted or fenced.
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