Save The Syncline Trail

CAMBA is asking for your help to write letters to the Forest Service asking to keep the Syncline Trail from being closed to mountain bikes. 

Mail to:

Forest Service, Daniel Harkenrider, Area Manager, 902 Wasco, Suite 200,HoodRiver, OR 97031

NOTE FROM CAMBA:

We don't ask for your help often, and the last time we did you delivered!  We packed the house in January for the 2nd Syncline meeting.  We need your help again. We need letters to your local paper or to the Forest Service.  This will carry weight, maybe more weight than a pulaski even!  Remember a mailed letter is worth a lot of emails.  Here are sometalking points for you to consider, or write what you feel, write what you want, but please write. 

Talking points: 

•       We are a major User Group and Work Force 

•       Process flawed…at the beginning it headed in the right direction, but now seems to be going off in a divisive direction. Hiker only Trails discussion 

•       Access for the public, for the people, should be given on public land, unless scientific data to support restrictions is shown. 

•       Hiker only decision on Tracy Hill is arbitrary, non-research based 

•       Social bias, instinct, personal bias are unreasonable basis for closures •       Indefensible, unjustifiable, unreasonable. East Side Discussion, Public Access           Irreplaceable system—able to ride it during seasons other trails are closed. Long Distance Loop option, Disperse use, Precedent if closures allowed… 

•       Density issue/limited use—parking limits, level of trail limits, distance limits density.  This area is not perceived to ever be highly impacted by bikes, but should remain open for those who want the challenge of a longer loop…How does density affect resources?  User conflict shown? 

•       Small loop where density is extreme or riparian, for hiker only, that isn’t on a popular mountain bike route, would be acceptable. 

•       Restrictions:  only areas where biologically or scientifically determined…Sound practice for closure Other Observations about map: 

•       Courtney Loop Link—Desired Conditions for Burdoin wanted link top to bottom.  Link the two small loops 

•       Linking single track from Hidden to Maui needed for hiker/biker.   

•       No Shoe String alternative 

Inclosing, Please help NOW by taking the time to send a letter.  There is power in numbers should we ALL choose to act. Together we stand, or together we stand to loose a great trail. 

Thanks for your help – Ted D (CAMBA / PUMP member)