Help Improve Biking Opportunities at New River Gorge National River
Action Alert
For Immediate Release
05-31-06
Contact: Drew Vankat, advocacy coordinator
303-545-9011
Climbers and boaters flock to the National Park Service's (NPS) New River Gorge National River for its world famous rock climbing and whitewater paddling. Lesser known is this West Virginia park's tremendous potential as a mountain biking destination. Bikers currently have access to several routes, but significant opportunities exist for a much more extensive trail system.
The NPS is currently soliciting your comments on a variety of issues, including trails, as they develop alternatives for the General Management Plan (GMP) revision. This is your chance to ask the planners to create new mountain biking opportunities that match the excellent climbing and river resources.
Rapid development in surrounding communities is creating a need for a more comprehensive shared-use trail system, a fact the park has recognized. New sustainable routes will benefit the entire non-motorized trails community and bring visitors into the park and local businesses.
The deadline for comments is July 15, 2006.
Calvin Hite, Superintendent
New River Gorge National River
P.O. Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846
Online
New River Gorge Planning Website
Click on "Open for Public Comment," select "Newsletter #2" and then "Comment on Document" at the left of your screen.
What to Say
- Please expand opportunities for mountain biking within New River Gorge National River.
- An expanded, shared-use trail system will attract more visitors to the area, benefit local businesses and increase awareness and use of the park.
- Mountain biking is a quiet, low-impact, muscle-powered activity compatible with the NPS's goal of promoting health and wellness.
- Shraed-use trails work in the National Park Service: at least 46 NPS parks allow mountain bikes on dirt roads or trails.
- Narrow, primitive, nonfragmenting trails are an ideal, low maintenance way to let visitors explore remote areas of the park like the 7,000 acre Ward Tract.
- Research at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee shows user impacts can be successfully mitigated through attention to trail position, grade, alignment and water drainage.
- Volunteer trailwork by local mountain bikers and trails organizations can help the NPS maintain trails (If you would like to volunteer, please tell the planners).
To Become More Involved
If you would like additional information or are interested in becoming more involved in this opportunity, please contact:
Adam Stephens
104 East Maple Ave
Fayetteville, WV 25840
304-574-2337
