| |
Caution ~ Consideration ~ Conservation
On behalf of Ride with Respect, we’re proud to report another year of headway in almost every direction from Moab.
From the Green River canyon rim to the La Sal Mountain timberline, the following list highlights some big trail work performed by our little nonprofit.
Thanks to all our individual and business members for making these accomplishments possible. Contributions of time and money served as the match to generous grants from Grand County, Utah State Parks, Colorado Trails Preservation Alliance, and the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative.
It’s still not too late to send your tax-deductible donation for 2012. Make checks payable to Ride with Respect, 1310 Murphy Lane, Moab UT 84532. (Next year, we’ll finally offer an option to renew membership online. Although we’ve begun to modernize RideWithRespect.org, fair weather kept us working in the field all year.)
ABAJO MOUNTAINS – The RwR crew joined USFS to finish rerouting Robertson Pasture Trail. Clearing through dense forest and shaping switchbacks on steep hillsides was well worth it. The route will be more stable, and is already more fun according to singletrack enthusiasts. (Read the article from the San Juan Record download this pdf.)
LA SAL MOUNTAINS – Near Canopy Gap, the RwR crew rerouted Trust Lands Singletrack. The trail’s proximity to wetlands concerned the Utah School & Institutional Trust Lands Administration. We appreciate the agency’s willingness to preserve access by moving the trail to dryer ground.
LEVI WELL TO WHITE WASH – The BLM identified wildlife and cultural impacts along a few off-highway vehicle trails. The RwR crew rerouted them, and took extra steps to maintain their narrow character as motorcycle or ATV trails. We also marked and delineated the Enduro Loop, with all supplies provided by BLM.
http://www.moabsunnews.com/sports_and_outdoor/article_3e43da40-ba25-11e1-b22b-0019bb30f31a.html
SOVEREIGN TRAIL – RwR extended Sovereign Singletrack three miles north to reach Klondike Bluffs Road. The crew also designated a fourteen-mile loop of primitive roads accessible to all riders and drivers. We hoped to name the loop after Utah State Parks ranger Brody Young, who heroically recovered from an ambush in 2010. However, Brody prefers the name Fallen Peace Officers Trail, to recognize those who were less fortunate.
http://www.moabsunnews.com/sports_and_outdoor/article_3e43da40-ba25-11e1-b22b-0019bb30f31a.html
TRAIL DEDICATION & RIDE – Impressed by the Fallen Peace Officers Trail, the Utah Peace Officers Association plans to dedicate the trail and host a ride for motorcyclists, ATV riders, and UTV drivers. RwR was asked to assist with the event, so we feel quite honored. Mark your calendar for April 20th of 2013, and bring the whole family.
http://www.upoa.org
MONUMENT DISCUSSION – Reluctantly, RwR weighed in on the debate to proclaim a very large national monument surrounding Canyonlands National Park. While the proposal’s sheer size is alarming, its potential to polarize public-land visitors is what concerned us the most. Since then, a broad range of stakeholders have become receptive to discussing alternatives. We hope you’ll continually support shared-use organizations nationwide, and statewide. By the same token, we hope you’ll be open to locally-derived plans for public lands, as a grassroots form of democracy. In the long run, reaching consensus among the Moab community may be our best shot to keep the surrounding landscape healthy and accessible.
http://www.moabtimes.com/view/full_story/21110475/article–T-I-Guest-Commentary-Greater-Canyonlands-%E2%80%93-A-monumental–mistake-that-may-also-spark-collaboration-?
In the meantime, it looks like Moab will be blessed with its second snowstorm this winter. It ought to provide a rest for the trails and the trail users, alike. When spring rolls around, we hope to see you back out there.
Clif Koontz & Dale Parriott
|
Trails Preservation Alliance
All volunteer 501c3 organization, focused on preserving motorized, single-track trail riding.