by John_H » June 8th, 2004, 4:15 pm
I'm not aware of any DNR closure of the trail there at this time. I just spoke to the mmba trail coordinator for out there last week. We are always treading on thin ice out there though. We have to remember that we are guests out there and riding there is a privledge, not a right. The land is first and foremost managed for hunting and game management. Just the fact that there is any official trail recognized that allows mountain biking is amazing.
I could definitely see the DNR closing if something like -- illegal bandit trails were made, or built up stunts showed up, or if enough hunters put up a stink about us being out there.
On the issue of the DNR not allowing trail re-routes. This is somewhat true. The MMBA has in the past been able to do some re-routes to fix sections that were poorly designed. The problem is that it is extremly difficult to get these changes through the proper approvals. This once again comes down to the issue of the purpose for that land -- game management and hunting. Any trail changes have to go through serious study on affect they may have on game animals and hunting.
Come out to the work day there this Saturday and Tony the trail coordinator can explain also.