Hey all;
I ran into Greg (“Club Captain”) while biking in the “Crownland Forest” (thanks for that Greg) on Saturday morning while he was doing some film work. We had a casual chat and he asked that I summarize our discussion on this blog for the membership to read.
I have been riding that forest now for over 15 years and have witnessed a huge explosion in the trail network since the early days. I know most of the trail builders in the area and I’m grateful to them every time I ride there. Knowing these guys I am aware of the growing pressures that are arising out of this forest largely due to the multi-use nature of the trails. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), who manages the forest, has had to hire a full time person just to handle all of the complaints that come from the various user groups of the forest. These groups range from MTB’ers, to equestrians, to geocachers, to racers, to dog sledders, to hikers, to naturalists, to hunters and so on. In fact, it is becoming such an issue now that the MNR and the Couchiching Conservancy are working together to do an intense study of the forest to assess the impacts of these users of this forest. So far mountain biking has been quietly condoned in the forest despite most of the single track not really being sanctioned trails. The trail builders have been laying off building any new trail and are discouraging other from doing so as well. As much as we do not want to formalize a group to approach the MNR (insurance/liability issues), we are beginning to think that we can no longer keep our heads buried in the sand. We plan to have some members from our local riding group work with the Couchiching Conservancy to ensure our interests are heard and to support them in their efforts. We also try and limit the publication and promotion of the single track trails in the forest as we do not want any more people, especially capitalistic race promoters, coming in and creating further conflict with all the people who use the forest. Sounds selfish, I know, but until we can get it all worked out it is best to be cautious at this point in time.
It sounds like the CTS group has the best interest of this forest in mind and we all look forward to having this “gem” to enjoy for a very long time.
Thanks…keep the rubber side down!
Paul
Posts
We really appreciate your passion. We look forward to working with you in the future to ensure the health and longevity of this amazing piece of Ontario.
ReplyDeleteIt was a matter of time before it became this popular, both mtb and the forest. It will be up to riders like yourself and others (CTS included) that have the best interests of the forest in mind for future riders and for all users.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately whether they allow it or not people will use the trails(forest). At least now they have a way to manage it. What needs to happen is for the MNR to realize that it is part of their job and for complainers who use the trail to love it or leave it. The majority of bikers don't cause any problems. Hopefully they don't point the finger at bikers because the fact is that I have seen more garbage and unnecessary damage caused by hikers, usually week-enders from the city. If the MNR can't manage these trails then I will along with my fellow bikers. The complainers can stay at home while I contribute to the maintenance of the trail. It basically sounds to me like the MNR and the complainers can't be bothered to get off their asses and contribute, it's much easier to gripe or just shut the trails down.
ReplyDeleteI think that it will be extremely important that someone represents the mountain bike riders, make contact with MNR so that we have "a voice at the table" when it comes to any public meetings on this Forest and so our group can receive updates, correspondence etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's important that our group makes views known and just as important, we know the concerns of other user groups, i.e. hunters, naturalists, birdwatchers, etc. Likely a lot of concerns can be mitigated once we are aware of them.
If too many trails are constructed in one area, the forest is in danger with issues like soil compaction (which will kill the trees or put them in decline)....similarly if our group becomes aware of an area that is of concern to "birders" or naturalists, we can educate the group and eliminate or change our trails to accomodate their interest or concern. MNR is going to be looking for compromises and if any group or groups becomes too entrenched in their demands MNR may decide to eliminate certain users which they have the right to do under the "Public Lands Act" which allows them to post signs restricting uses. MNR can then charge people who do not heed the signs and on conviction the court can levy "fines" to the offenders.
Stay out of my back yard. Do not build any more trails. MNR is about to shut it down. Trust me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, we are now working with the MNR to save this amazing place. Please have a look at this post by Jason Murray from IMBA Canada.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.imbacanada.com/blog/simcoe-region