MBG’s Trail Advocacy

We love trails.  Without a community that supports trails, we don’t have trails.  Without trails, we can’t do our races.  Then there’s also making sure that we have trails that are maintained.  It’s a simple, powerful and completely intertwined relationship.

Still not sure why we love trails?  Here’s Tony’s take on it:

MBG Trails Committee:

Through our Trails Committee, we’ve been working hard to advocate on behalf of mountain bikers in the Helena area and throughout Montana.  Our trail advocacy involves coordinating and working with private land owners, organizations, and government agencies to develop, maintain and implement both new and existing trails.  Much of that involves behind-the-scenes work that often doesn’t receive the well-deserved recognition that it deserves.

HLCNF Forest Plan:

Recently, we’ve been involved in the Forest Plan Revision for the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest (HLCNF).  Since the existing Forest Plan was adopted 30 years ago in 1986, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get involved and have an impact on mountain biking opportunities in Montana.  We’ve been heavily involved with commenting, organizing, and educating mountain bikers so that we’ll have a big impact on the new Forest Plan.

The big takeaway: It is extremely important that the HLCNF receives your comments on each phase of the Forest Plan!  By doing all the leg-work on this, we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for everyone to submit comments.  Remember, they’re YOUR comments — you can edit the documents as you see fit.  And, if you want to do your own research or get a better idea about this whole thing, the following link should point you in the right direction: HLCNF Forest Plan Revision Page.

This process will take several years to complete, so if you want to get involved or have any comments or questions, please send an email to: denny@montanabicycleguild.org.  The following are the comments we’ve completed thus far and those that we’re actively working on.