Michigan Mountain Biking Association

Although the Michigan Legislature passed comprehensive trail use legislation in 2010, the horse and pack-animal lobby is pushing hard for another bite at the apple.  Their greatest goal is to enact so-called “Right to Ride” legislation which would guarantee equestrian access to all areas currently used by horse and pack-animals, or that were EVER used by horse and pack-animals.  In its most extreme form, the legislation would seem to allow equestrians to lay claim to new trails just by riding on them. 

Grassroots Communication

Rep. Foster’s office says that they have already received a multitude of emails from mountain bikers on this issue.  This has gone a long way toward making Rep. Foster more sympathetic to the MMBA’s point of view.  Great job!

Now other members of the House Natural Resources Committee need to hear the message as well.  It is most effective when legislators hear from their own constituents, so MMBA members should try to write to their own state representatives and senators about this issue. 

Key Legislators

Members of the House Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee are:

Message

MMBA members are encouraged to use their own stories and anecdotes when discussing this legislation with their legislator; however, they should try to include one or more of the following talking points:

• HB 4684 and HB 5175 both unfairly elevate equestrian trail users above all other user groups in terms of statutory protections.  Both bills grant equestrian users trail access and designations that other user groups would not be entitled to.
• The Legislature just passed comprehensive trail use reform last year and they should let that process move forward before coming up with new legislation.  A major component of that legislation was the establishment of the Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council (MSTAC).  The purpose of this committee was to address user group access issues such as those driving these bills.
• The statewide Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council – made up of representatives from all trail user groups – would become a meaningless body should HB 4684 pass.
• The Legislation passed last year created a number of criteria the DNR must meet before it may restrict access to a trail network; it also gives trail users opportunities to contest the restrictions.  Introducing new legislation at this point would void the progress that has been made adhering to these criteria.
• The DNR should be allowed to continue to manage access to trails for any user groups in the interest of public safety, maintenance, or in furtherance of the state goals for a certain area.  User groups such as the MMBA have established that it is possible to partner with the DNR to gain access to state land for trail systems.

Event: Open house from Noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, November 14

Fort Custer Recreation Area – Trail Separation Announcement

The anticipated separating of the trail system at Fort Custer Recreation Area (FCRA) has progressed rapidly over the past few months and is nearing its final stages of completion. The MI-DNR, Parks and Recreation Division (PRD), is pleased to announce the official trail separation date. Monday, November 14, 2011 will be the beginning of separated trail use at Fort Custer Recreation Area and a new era of safer, well-defined trail use. An Open House is planned at FCRA from noon until 4 p.m. on the November 14 in order to celebrate this accomplishment and to provide information and interim trail maps to guests. This separation effort has increased the trail distance at FCRA from 24 miles of trails to over 30 miles of trails thanks to the tremendous volunteer efforts of the major trail groups, and some much needed development funding from the Parks and Recreation Division.

Beginning on November 14, the trails used by equestrians and mountain bikers will have separate trail heads, and except for the shared use on the Blue Loop around Whitford-Lawler and Jackson Hole Lakes, the two groups will have their own trails.

Beginning the separate trail use by both mountain bikers and equestrians in the fall will give both groups and all visitors some time to become accustomed to the new trail layout, and correct minor issues that each group may identify. The fall separation will also allow the Parks and Recreation Division and all trail participants to make use of the winter months to help spread the word about the separated trails throughout their respective communities. Dog sledders (mushers) will benefit by having opportunities to try out the trails with dog teams and provide further input from their perspective prior to the trails getting active again in the spring. Finally, the PRD will have time to GPS the final trail system, prepare and print quantities of official trail maps for distribution beginning in the spring, and make needed trail sign postings.

It has been a long and consuming process to get to this point. We in the PRD thank everyone involved from the public input process, to the volunteers, to the continued group involvement in future planning and use of the Fort Custer Recreation Area. Your involvement, passion and perseverance throughout this trail separation effort will make Fort Custer Recreation Area an even better and pleasant place for all of our outdoor trail enthusiasts.