In my 6 summers working for Forest Service trails crews, I have seen a surge in the popularity of mountain biking, especially when it comes to "downhill" riding. This has led to an increasing number of conflicts between users. We have heard stories of horsemen being hit or nearly missed by bikers, one such case resulting in a man being thrown from his horse and knocked out cold. Horse riders can't hear bikers coming and bikers are riding too fast to stop in time. Just this morning we found a log that was intentionally placed in the trail to slow bikers. This situation isn't good for anybody.
In an effort to solve this problem, downhill riders have gone in search of new trails. In some cases this means using a trail that is not on the map ("Lower" Bennie Creek) and in other cases new trails are being built specifically for downhill use (Squaw Peak). This has created a unique management issue for Forest Service trails crews and law enforcement. Are we to shut down these rogue trails and ticket riders or ignore them? Because we are managing more trail (320 miles) than we have the resources (2 guys) to properly maintain, we are not looking to add new trails or more miles. Until we see current system trails managed to their specifications (Cottonwood 2nd Water), adding new trails seems like a bad idea. Ignoring the issue isn't really an option either as unmarked trails that are not on the map will cause confusion for users and without maintenance will eventually be unusable.
Fortunately we are not the only Forest Service District to deal with these problems. The Jackson Hole Ranger District, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, has been successful in managing these same issues. In an attempt to manage illegal downhill trails, the Forest Service went looking for a group to adopt them. The Adopt-A-Trail program is a great idea. It allows individuals or groups to assume the responsibility of maintaining any particular trail. This ensures users access for the future and gives them a great sense of ownership. The need for a sponsor of these illegal downhill trails is what gave birth to the Teton Freedom Riders. Under the direction of this unique volunteer group and its founders, the Jackson Hole Ranger District has become a premier downhill biking area. Up to 40 riders arrive to help build trail on every "Dig Day" and local shops help by sponsoring the events with food, drinks, etc.
These efforts eventually got the attention of the Wyoming Business Council who allocated $50,000 in grant money for the construction of new downhill trails. The money generated by biking tourism was a big plus for the community and the potential value was recognized. This money provided wages for about 7 guys working all summer to build downhill specific trails. How cool is that? Now rather than working against each other, Forest Service trail crews and downhill riders are working side by side to build some awesome features.
Currently the Jackson Hole Ranger District has trails designated for Horse/Hiker only, for Cross-Country mountain biking only, and for downhill biking only. These trails are well marked and downhill trails indicate that no uphill travel is permitted. It is the responsibility of the trail adopter (Teton Freedom Riders) to keep these signs properly marked and maintained. Were the TFR to go away, the downhill trails would soon follow suit.
This is where good leadership comes into the picture. Without a good leader who can see to it that the program doesn't fall apart in the winter, these groups die off. This nearly happened with the Teton Freedom Riders. The Uinta Trail Council is a great example of a dependable volunteer group on our District. When we recognize a need on a motorized trail, we simply notify these guys of the need and they pretty much take it from there. By doing so, they protect their privilege and ensure future access. The Teton Freedom Riders have gone so far as to visit Whistler in Canada to learn how to build better features.
The potential is there for our Forest to be a destination biking location. We currently have 31 trails on our District alone designated for mountain bike use. There is potential beyond this for adding non-system trails (Kuntz Flat, near Shram Creek #124) to the map. We need to start somewhere though.
We are currently in the process of planning a "Dig Day" to improve Bennie Creek #071 in Payson Canyon. Work will consist of berm removal, water bar installation, brushing and rock removal. It will probably take place around mid-September. If you are interested in taking part, get in touch with us at SpanishForkTrails@gmail.com
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