MAY’S PEAK trail closures

Friends,

COSMBA formed just months ago from clashes with COS Parks staff and riders frustrated amidst this same sort of miscommunication. Digging Black Sheep provided an avenue to rebuild those relationships.  COS park staff collaborated with us and remained keen to learn more about what we like to ride. In return, we committed to work alongside rangers and remained open to learning the complex art of managing open space. This model proved tremendously successful.

This is important because the frustration many of us feel is wrapped up in this SAME dissonance between riders and the US Forest Service (USFS). The miscommunication is this:  USFS needs our group to hear that closing trails is directly tied to our desire to create trail without authority. And riders need USFS to understand that closing trails punishes riders, not those digging, thus creating the next generation of frustrated rogue trail builders.

In short, what is lost is TRUST on both sides. The great thing is that you live in a democracy. So, the best thing you can do is take Jolie’s advice and call USFS and kindly let them know that some trust has been lost.  After that, make it a goal to vote with a shovel.  Find a day to dig on a trail you support through the great organizations that exist in COS:  COSMBA, MWTA, TOSC, and RMFI. 

These orgs struggle to get 60 people to fill out a survey when advocating to build new trails, yet over 600 people can sign a petition to try and stop closing a trail.  We need to change that dynamic if we are to solve this problem.

These issues won't be solved overnight. Natural Resource management happens over time. Please make sure your expectations are in check. We have to go slow to go fast. 

Go ride your bikes. The trails you love are still there.