Help Open the Middle Fork Trail

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
05-01-02
Contact: Dan Vardamis, advocacy associate and IMBA Trail News editor

303-545-9011

IMBA is asking mountain bikers to help open one of the most spectacular trails in the Pacific Northwest to cyclists. The Middle Fork Trail is a 13-mile non-motorized multi-use gem just 90 minutes from downtown Seattle. The trail is currently closed to mountain bikes, but a new proposal includes an alternative that would open the trail to cyclists while protecting the natural environment of the Middle Fork Valley.

The Middle Fork is an outstanding trail. Breathtaking views overlook cliffs above the rushing Snoqualmie River. Old growth trees drip with ever-present moisture. On hot days, swimming holes beckon at every turn. The trail twists but never climbs or descends too steeply. The trail is also long: it will take a full summer day and a lot of energy bars to ride the entire length then back.

The scenic natural beauty of the Middle Fork Valley is unsurpassed in western Washington. However, the area is being threatened by a number of activities, including unauthorized dumping, methamphetamine laboratories and illegal shooting.

The Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Watershed Access Travel Management Plan addresses many of these issues by presenting five management alternatives. Of the five alternatives, Alternative "E" protects the natural environment and opens the trail to mountain bikers on a seasonal and alternate day basis. The IMBA affiliate Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC) supports Alternative "E", as do many other groups who have provided input. Alternative "E" is also favored by the U.S. Forest Service.

Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club has worked for years with other conservation groups and the Forest Service to gain mountain bike access on the Middle Fork Trail. The club has pledged 300 volunteer hours a year to help the trail.

Now it's time for mountain bikers to publicly support Alternative E that will open the trail for cycling and protect the natural beauty of the valley. While there is solid support for Alternative "E", more letters and phone calls are needed now. The deadline for comment is May 8. Please tell the Forest Service that you support Alternative "E."

More information on this important trail decision and a comment letter template is available at the Backcountry Bicycle Trail Club website at: www.bbtc.org/php/show_page.php?page_id=23

IMBA encourages you to send comment letters directly from the BBTC website. Or, you can email, snail mail or phone your comments to:

Snoqualmie Ranger District
Attn: Doug Schrenk
42404 SE North Bend Way
North Bend, WA 98045
Phone: 425-888-1421 x 233

Email:

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	Help Open the Middle Fork Trail Action Alert For Immediate Release 05-01-02 Contact: Dan Vardamis, advocacy associate and IMBA Trail News editor 303-545-9011 IMBA is asking mountain bikers to help open one of the most spectacular trails in the Pacific Northwest to cyclists. The Middle Fork Trail is a 13-mile non-motorized multi-use gem just 90 minutes from downtown Seattle. The trail is currently closed to mountain bikes, but a new proposal includes an alternative that would open the trail to cyclists while protecting the natural environment of the Middle Fork Valley. The Middle Fork is an outstanding trail. Breathtaking views overlook cliffs above the rushing Snoqualmie River. Old growth trees drip with ever-present moisture. On hot days, swimming holes beckon at every turn. The trail twists but never climbs or descends too steeply. The trail is also long: it will take a full summer day and a lot of energy bars to ride the entire length then back. The scenic natural beauty of the Middle Fork Valley is unsurpassed in western Washington. However, the area is being threatened by a number of activities, including unauthorized dumping, methamphetamine laboratories and illegal shooting. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Watershed Access Travel Management Plan addresses many of these issues by presenting five management alternatives. Of the five alternatives, Alternative "E" protects the natural environment and opens the trail to mountain bikers on a seasonal and alternate day basis. The IMBA affiliate Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC) supports Alternative "E", as do many other groups who have provided input. Alternative "E" is also favored by the U.S. Forest Service. Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club has worked for years with other conservation groups and the Forest Service to gain mountain bike access on the Middle Fork Trail. The club has pledged 300 volunteer hours a year to help the trail. Now it's time for mountain bikers to publicly support Alternative E that will open the trail for cycling and protect the natural beauty of the valley. While there is solid support for Alternative "E", more letters and phone calls are needed now. The deadline for comment is May 8. Please tell the Forest Service that you support Alternative "E." More information on this important trail decision and a comment letter template is available at the Backcountry Bicycle Trail Club website at: www.bbtc.org/php/show_page.php?page_id=23 IMBA encourages you to send comment letters directly from the BBTC website. Or, you can email, snail mail or phone your comments to: Snoqualmie Ranger District Attn: Doug Schrenk 42404 SE North Bend Way North Bend, WA 98045 Phone: 425-888-1421 x 233 Email:


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