Environmental Assessment of New River GorgeNR for new trails

[mco]

Folks,

I ran across information about newly proposed trails in the New River Gorge area through Shenandoah Bicycle Company's (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Harrisonburg-VA/Shenandoah-Bicycle-Company/176867783806?ref=nf)

Article with information about proposed trails: http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2009/12/new-river-gorge-national-river-proposing-hikingbiking-trails5032

Shenandoah Bicycle Company says:

A proposal is off the ground and open to public comment for a stacked loop shared use trail
network on land managed by the National Park Service (New River Gorge National River). There is very
little precedent for the National Park service permitting mountain
biking on singletrack trails let alone actively seeking to develop a
trail network. Could have very positive ramifications down the road.

Here is the link to the National Park Service site containing links to planning documents, meeting notices, information for submitting public comment, etc. http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=259&projectId=28775

Here is a paste of a blurb from the main page of the NPS website:

Comments received during public scoping for the New River Gorge National River General Management Plan indicated a need for additional trails and loop trail systems that provide hiking and bicycling opportunities. To accommodate this and based on the results of this EA, the NPS intends to develop alternatives for two areas with stacked loop trails and to pursue the establishment of a Special Regulation allowing bicycle use on these and select trails and administrative roads within the Parks.

The park will host an open house public scoping meeting at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. During this meeting representatives from the NPS will introduce the project and gather input from interested parties and the general public. Public input is welcome and appreciated throughout the development of this EA. In order to ensure that your input is included as part of the initial scoping process, please provide your comments and suggestions by January 15, 2010.

For more information, please explore the menu on this website. Details on the public scoping meeting can be found under "Meeting Notices" and public scoping input can be submitted through the "Open for Public Comment" link. The NPS expects to prepare and publish a draft plan and environmental analysis by May 2010. We look forward to your continued involvement!

[fattirewilly]

Thanks for posting this up M-.

Here's related info from IMBA


Take Action

Help Bring Mountain Biking to West Virginia's New River Gorge National River

The National Park Service is looking for public input for a proposed trail network at New River Gorge National River, one of the premier recreational areas in the Mid-Atlantic. The proposal includes the construction of two new stacked-looped mountain bike trail systems and the reclassification of certain existing trails to be open to bicycles. This has the potential of creating a network of more than 100 miles of trails in the region.

Please take a moment to let the Park Service know that you support mountain biking in the New River Gorge trail proposal.

Don't delay -- the commentary period ends Jan. 15.

Sample Language for Comments

(Feel free to add your own language, or use our suggested text below to complete the NPS commentary form.)

Dear National Park Service,

I support the construction of a new stacked-loop mountain bike trail system, located in New River Gorge National River.

New trail construction -- including good sight lines and well-designed trail layout -- will allow for an enjoyable recreation experience for all user groups. Scientific research funded by the NPS shows the environmental impacts of mountain biking are similar to those of hiking and less than other allowed uses.

IMBA members recognize the backlog of maintenance needs for public trails and donate nearly one million hours of volunteer trail stewardship each year nationally. Mountain bike volunteers are willing to help the agency construct and maintain this trail, bringing a new base of volunteer energy and support to New River Gorge National River.

I also applaud the expansion of this Environmental Assessment to include the existing trail network.

Thank you for considering my comments as you develop the plans for a shared-use trail system. This would be a terrific asset for New River Gorge and the surrounding communities.