A few more notes and thoughts, in no particular order:
* We already have the 'general' land manager contacts on the nsmba website. If you ever have a question about a trail, feature, whatever, please get in touch with me (or [email protected]), and we can direct your query or comment to the right place. Land managers and politicians here a LOT from people who don't like mountain biking. They don't hear a lot from mountain bikers. Lets work to change that, and make sure we come across as good strong signal, not just noise.
* If mountain biking, trails, and outdoor recreation matter to you, its an election year for DNV, CNV, and DWV. ASK CANDIDATES ABOUT TRAILS, PARKS, AND OUTDOOR REC.
* The Double Black proposal is currently in a bit of a 'holding pattern'. DNV has written up a risk management policy for trails, including trail standards. Once adopted, this will be a good thing, as we'll be able to build some really cool stuff. The problem is..... see above. Its an election year, and Council has to vote on this. In the meantime, we're moving forward with specific trail routing and feature planning, so that whenever this policy finally is adopted, we're ready to push forward.
* And keep an eye out in 2019 for some opportunities to provide input to the long term trails vision. Our annual survey is a major data source for us, and as you point out, its shifted over the past few years from the desire for more beginner and intermediate options, to more new challenging options. You'll see a shift in what we're working on, based on this (see: new Lower Digger). We're going to be putting together a full long term vision and plan, and input from members and stakeholders will be part of that.
So that's a long way of answering your question "How can I help?", the short answer is (as you have) - get engaged with us, and don't be afraid to engage with land managers. The same rules I posted at the very top apply; constructive feedback and an open mind for dialogue go a long way with land manager staff. And remember - you vote for politicians. Make them aware of what you care about, and where you think they should be spending money. For reference, CNV is spending.... what, $200M on the new Harry Jerome?
July 30, 2018, 9:58 p.m. - Cooper Quinn
A few more notes and thoughts, in no particular order: * We already have the 'general' land manager contacts on the nsmba website. If you ever have a question about a trail, feature, whatever, please get in touch with me (or [email protected]), and we can direct your query or comment to the right place. Land managers and politicians here a LOT from people who don't like mountain biking. They don't hear a lot from mountain bikers. Lets work to change that, and make sure we come across as good strong signal, not just noise. * If mountain biking, trails, and outdoor recreation matter to you, its an election year for DNV, CNV, and DWV. ASK CANDIDATES ABOUT TRAILS, PARKS, AND OUTDOOR REC. * The Double Black proposal is currently in a bit of a 'holding pattern'. DNV has written up a risk management policy for trails, including trail standards. Once adopted, this will be a good thing, as we'll be able to build some really cool stuff. The problem is..... see above. Its an election year, and Council has to vote on this. In the meantime, we're moving forward with specific trail routing and feature planning, so that whenever this policy finally is adopted, we're ready to push forward. * And keep an eye out in 2019 for some opportunities to provide input to the long term trails vision. Our annual survey is a major data source for us, and as you point out, its shifted over the past few years from the desire for more beginner and intermediate options, to more new challenging options. You'll see a shift in what we're working on, based on this (see: new Lower Digger). We're going to be putting together a full long term vision and plan, and input from members and stakeholders will be part of that. So that's a long way of answering your question "How can I help?", the short answer is (as you have) - get engaged with us, and don't be afraid to engage with land managers. The same rules I posted at the very top apply; constructive feedback and an open mind for dialogue go a long way with land manager staff. And remember - you vote for politicians. Make them aware of what you care about, and where you think they should be spending money. For reference, CNV is spending.... what, $200M on the new Harry Jerome?