North Fruita Desert Management Plan Action Alert Update

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
10-28-03
Contact: Dan Vardamis

303-545-9011

IMBA has received many comments on our October 22 North Fruita Desert (Colorado) Management Plan Action Alert. We want to clarify our position.

Fruita is one of the world's top mountain biking destinations. While the needs of all recreational trail users must be respected in Fruita, IMBA believes it is reasonable that a small percentage of trails there be dedicated to non-motorized recreation.

Many mountain bikers prefer Fruita because it has traditionally offered a quiet trails experience. This experience would be affected by increased motorized vehicle use that would likely stem from the implementation of the proposed North Fruita Desert Plan. We're also concerned that increased motorized use on twisty, narrow desert trails would widen them. Finally, adding motorized vehicles to the trail system would increase crowding.

It's important to understand what mountain bikers are asking for in Fruita. The proposed plan addresses recreation management on 76,000 acres on BLM land. Of this, 4,000 acres would be managed primarily for mountain bicycling. IMBA would like this to be expanded to 12,000 acres, to accommodate steady growth in Fruita mountain biking. This would still leave approximately 80 percent (more than 60,000 acres) of the total area in question open to motorized vehicles.

This action alert should not be interpreted as a shift in IMBA's positions on shared-use trails or motorized vehicles. IMBA strongly believes in shared-use trails. We also support responsible motorized use in appropriate locations.

Our position on this issue was shaped by our local IMBA affiliates. The Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association, the Mesa County Cycling Association and the Grand Valley Mountain Bike Patrol are experienced, respected and innovative IMBA clubs.

For more information contact IMBA's western Colorado representative Bill Harris at .