Sunday, June 27, 2010

Trail System Changes: Compromise Ideas

3 comments:

  1. Undesignated trails should not be eliminated or kept simply because they exist. Recently, OSMP's attitude has been to eliminate undesignated (undesignated by OSMP!). Redundant trails should be eliminated, but be aware of elimination for reasons of protecting the flaura and fauna. For instance, there is very little scientific evidence, even in the Knight and Miller paper so often quoted, that the presence of humans on trails causes a reduction in the population of grassland birds. The authors agree that natural predators on the trails may explain results in the paper. So please, representatives, fight against trail closures for unsubstantiated reasons that "protect the environment" against humans.

    M.J. Post, South Neighborhood, 4748 Eldorado Springs Dr.

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  2. I support maintaining our Open Space trails in their present form. We created and supported them for 40 yrs with our taxes and would hope to continue enjoying flowers, wildlife and the luxury of these trails so close to our urban area,w/out having to dodge bikes. The difference in the North & South Spring Brook trails compared to the Goshawk trail, where there are no bikes, shows their effect:Widened, rutted trails, few hikers it became mostly a bike trail. Bikers DO NOT YIELD as required by signs. I support keeping our West TSA trials for quiet, contemplation rather than for transportation corridors. Anne/Mike Fenerty, 2805 Stanford Avenue, 303 494 8562

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  3. What we need is not an exlusive but inclusive trail use policy. All users groups should be able to enjoy these areas. I am a hiker, mt. biker, climber and runner. I understand the concerns of each user group but like to think from each user group's point of view. To me, the only winning formula is one in which we make space for everyone and each group gives respect to the other. Education of each trail user groups is part of the solution. If it's really that much of an issue create an online certification course for the user groups that explains how to act on the trails and respect other user groups as well as report abusers. As an example, the cyclists could take a course designed to address the issue of approaching hikers at high velocity, learning to call out to the hiker from a certain distance when approaching and not passing the hiker at any more than a slow speed. Fast cyclists cause fear of a collision and then resentment. Right of way to hikers would be reinforced. You want to ride on the few trails in Boulder County that are on the so called "certified trail" list....take the certification course, print out your card and carry it with you. Don't have a card while on one of the few "certified trails", you get a warning and then a fine. Put a sign at the trial head and notify the user groups. It's not that we should exclude certain user groups, it's that we should educate. In this way the respectful users are not lumped in with the abusers. And the abusers get educated. The certification are for everyone, hikers, biker, climbers. That level of involvement, if done properly, could create a population of caring users more interested in taking care of other user groups and their needs and lessen the numbers of complaints. Everyone's got a right to be out there! Let's celebrate our different user groups and enjoy the joy we feel while respecting their chosen method to enjoy our beautiful lands. Sean

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