[Ed notes: The following information is courtesy of IMBA. The original post is available at this link.]

The National Park Service is looking for public input for a proposed trail network at New River Gorge, 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 over 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. 15th.

Sample Language for Comments

Dear National Park Service,

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

IMBA’s Trail Solutions has been awarded the contract to design the trail corridor, and their skills will significantly minimize user conflict, reduce speeds and provide adequate sight lines 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. Mountain bike volunteers are willing to help the agency construct and maintain this trail, bringing a new base of volunteer support to New River Gorge National River.

Thank you for considering my comments as you develop the Environmental Assessment. This trail would be a terrific asset for New River Gorge and the surrounding communities.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 8:00 am and is filed under Access & Advocacy, Fresh Dirt. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.