Action Alert: Waterloo Recreation Area

[Steve_Balogh]

Interesting publication from the feds:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/trailsini ... Report.pdf

My take away from the above is that equestrian use of trails designed for hiking result in unusable trails for all and leaves the government holding the bag.

Agree. This statement caught my attention from what you referenced: "The mountain bikers are extremely organized and were by far the most vocal
during the research of this project." Years back I was under the impression the MHC was the equinne equivalent of the MMBA, but in recent years, especially the "Right to Ride" legislation, I don't believe it. Just my opinion, I get the impression different groups across the state run their own show. Makes me wonder how the MDNR can handle all these equinne groups on a statewide level. With the MMBA, if someone gets out of line, our state board can take action incuding dismissal.

[JeffOYB]

So... Has anyone (other than Jason and whoever was with him that day) done any further hiking/exploring of the event route and the aftermath?

Boots on the ground feedback is the only thing that counts now.

I'll see if any hiker group is up on this, as this is a no-bikes stretch of trail anyway, right? (Except for the TTC event.)

I just saw notice, furthermore, that Jason is injured via bike-crash and seems likely a bit on the achy side for advocacy at present.

[adroit rider]

There is a Poto chapter meeting on May 25. This topic should be discussed with appropriate next steps determined and assigned?

[jajones]

Well, I said I would post more, so here is a little bit. Still more to come. My apologies for the delay as I have been a little incapacitated as a result of a front wheel failure on the Poto (broken collarbone, lacerated kidney, lots of hematomas, etc.) Recovering now and able to use the computer better, so here it is....

Waterloo Pre-100 Horses Little Stream Downhill



Waterloo Post-100 Horses Little Stream Downhill

[scat silvurz]

I'm sure the Park will say "looks the same as it did yesterday....what's the problem?"

[Critter7r]

Anyone know or have video or pics of what this trail currently looks like, now that it's been 6 months since it was torn up by the equestrian ride? I'm curious how much of the trail washed away.

[jajones]

So, this event is happening again on April 21.

To take on this event is more important now than ever due to the pending equestrian right-to-ride bill.

For the DNR to again permit a one day event allowing equestrians access to a section of nonmotorized trail on which they normally are denied access sets a dangerous precedent given the proposed bill which potentially would allow equestrians to have future access to trails on which they have had any previous historical access.

In other words, in the future the equestrians can say, "Sorry DNR. You let us have access to this section before. The law now says we can access it anytime from now on."

I'll be blunt in that I don't have the time and energy right now that I've had in the past to "rally the troops" on these issues. I wish I did.

However, we have thousands of mountain bikers in this State, many who are passionate about access and advocacy issues in addition to their max heart rates and local weekend mountain bike time trials.

Time for one of these folks to pick up the torch on this important issue.

All the salient facts, dialogue, and contacts are the same as last year (see earlier in this thread). We even have video now of the damage (see above in the thread).

Who's going to rally the troops?

Ideas:

Email writing campaign to the DNR (see addresses above)
A mass protest of the event -- a "ride in" to one of the trail crossing areas with contacts to the media for them to show up?

With all the recent energy against the unjust encroachment of equestrians against other nonmotorized trail user groups, someone has to have the fire in their belly, right?

I don't think so. Enjoy your Deep Lake Time Trial instead this weekend. You'll always have the roads to ride.

As always...

Love and Kisses,

JAJ

[IFrider1]

I'm getting alot of flashy emails from IMBA lately asking for money. Maybe they'll help-out?

[Scotty]

LOL at IMBA "helping out"

[cmkovick]

Horses were making use of the trails yesterday. I went for a gravel ride about 6pm and there were fresh tracks on the Waterloo trail crossings at Ridge Rd, McClure Rd, and Green Rd. Looked like 2 horses, maybe and out and back, I did not check the direction of the prints.

[G.Cook]

April 21. The equestrians will be tearing up the same portion of Waterloo trail they did last year. It's called establishing a "beach head" until the Equestrian Right to Ride Bill or commonly referred to "I GOT MINE SCREW YOU BILL or THE DNR CAN STFU BILL" is passed.

[Bcar]

anyone around on Friday and want to take some pre pics and measurements of the soil with me?
and does anyone have the route they're taking and good test sample areas?

[G.Cook]

and does anyone have the route they're taking and good test sample areas

Contact J.Jones

[Bcar]

and does anyone have the route they're taking and good test sample areas

Contact J.Jones

Tried, no word back yet.

[jajones]

Hey Bcar,

Sorry I didn't get back with you sooner. We have a local engineer who will be doing some soil studies/samples. I'm sure he'd welcome the help and additional apparatus. PM sent to you with contact info.