Activism

Help! My Favorite Trail is Being Closed. What Should I Do? Get permission from the group to which you belong, before representing them at any meeting. Get the facts regarding the closure. Don't rely on rumors. Key questions to ask are:   •  Why is the trail being closed?   •  Who is making decisions regarding the closure?   •  Where exactly is the closure?   •  How does the closure fit in with the overall trail plan?   •  What's the timetable? Get involved with other local trail user groups. Often other clubs will already be working on the issue. Ask the decision-maker if you can provide input if necessary. Ask for a delay in decisions to gain time. Help mobilize your group. Hold meetings, attend hearings, provide information, volunteer for trail work, etc. Get businesses with economic interest in the local trails to back you, including sporting goods stores, resorts, tourist groups, and other local companies. Be respectful and develop a responsible reputation. Ranting and raving will not keep trails open. The political process requires cooperation, patience and tenacity. Learn from the process to anticipate future problems. It's much more effective to work with land managers and other user groups before a situation reaches the crisis stage. (Submitted by Alan Hill from the International Mountain Bicycle Association Newsletter.)