IMBA Michigan: Open Trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
03-08-06
Contact: Drew Vankat

303-545-9011

Bring Mountain Biking to Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

-- Write before March 17 to help open Alligator Hill

Cyclists have an excellent opportunity to introduce mountain biking to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. The national park is currently soliciting public scoping comments for its General Management Plan (GMP) update. The GMP will govern park management for the next 20+ years, making this an ideal time to ask for mountain bike access.

IMBA urges cyclists to provide letters asking for mountain bike access to the Alligator Hill area. Alligator Hill is a good area for mountain bikes because its logging roads are already open to horses and hiking and because it's an inland, forested area, away from the sand dunes. In addition, Alligator Hill is not being considered for Wilderness designation.

Comments should be received by Friday, March 17th.

Cyclists can provide their own written letters, or download a comment form:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?projectId=14651&documentID=13751

Letters should be sent to:
Superintendent
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630

Talking Points

Include a mix of these standard talking points and your own personalized comments or experiences.

• Please consider opening Alligator Hill to access for mountain bicyclists on dirt roads and trails.

• Mountain bicyclists donate close to 1 million hours of volunteer work on behalf of trails each year. If you would be willing to donate volunteer labor, please say so.

• Off-road cycling is a low-impact, human-powered, legitimate recreation group with more than 35 million annual U.S. participants (Outdoor Industry Association).

• Mountain biking is a great way to get kids and new visitors to the area and help turn them into lifelong champions of National Parks

• Mountain bicyclists are not seeking access to Wilderness areas or areas considered for Wilderness designation.

• Science shows that the environmental impact of bicyclists is similar to that of hikers.

• Off-road cycling gets people out of their cars to experience nature and helps combat the societal trend toward obesity.

• If you live in Michigan, please say so.

• If you would consider planning a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, please say so.