Copied over from MTBR:
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Alert: Expanding Wilderness threatens great trails in the Inyo, Sequoia & Sierra NF'sAction Alert: Outstanding mountain bike accessible recreation trails in the Kernville area are in danger - this includes parts of the infamous Cannell Plunge Trail. Your input is needed NOW! The Forest Service is considering a new Wilderness designation in this area - eliminating MTB access to many important trails.
The Forest Service can protect these area with alternate designations that promote conservation of the land and conservation of muscle powered recreation like Bicycling! Instead of Wilderness It could be designated as "backcountry non-motorized" or "National Conservation Area" or "National Recreation Area".
Read, personalize, and send your input by Monday Feb 1st. Save some trails! Do it. (The Kernville economy is also endangered by the closure of trails to MTBs...)
https://www.imba.com/blog/inyo-sequoia-sierra-plansForm (at bottom):
https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/P ... oject=3375Map:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 815403.pdf"Dear ..........
If it were not for the misguided USFS regulatory blanket ban on bikes in Wilderness, I would wholeheartedly support adding to the Wilderness inventory. However the Forest Plan Revisions for the Sequoia, Sierra and Inyo Forests as currently constructed would close numerous trails to mountain biking in areas where it is growing exponentially and the need is great.
Firstly mountain bikes are quiet human powered means of travel entirely consistent with Wilderness values. Not all but many mountain bikers prize the kind of solitude and beauty found only in Wilderness. Scientific studies have demonstrated that mountain bikes are about on par with hikers in environmental impact and have far less impact than horses. So these proposed revisions need to be taken back to the drawing board.
I support the careful and considered comments from Stewards of the Sequoia.Threatened loss of trail access includes these important trails:
Cannel Trail
Just Outstanding Trail
Mud Hen Trail
Remington Trail
Mill Creek Trail
Badger Gap Trail
Kern Canyon Trail
Kern River Trail
Long Canyon Trail
Little Dry Trail
Dry Meadow Trail
Willow Gulch Trail
Thank you for your timely consideration."