FAMB Encourages Mountain Bikers to Submit Comments to Keep Bitterroot Backcountry Trails Open to Bikes

Trail access in the Bitterroot Valley (near Hamilton) is at risk. The Forest Service is trying to shut bikes out of the Blue Joint and Sapphire Wilderness Study Areas. The Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists have put a ton of effort into saving these trails because they've been riding (and maintaining them) for years. We need mountain bikers to submit written objections to try to keep the Forest Service from shutting bikes out of 525 miles of trail.  

Suggestions for your Objection:
-There's virtually zero scientific evidence that mountain bikers are negatively impacting the environment in these areas.
-These trails are remote, and use levels are low.  User conflicts are essentially a non-issue.
-Forest Service Region 1, and Montana in particular, has taken an anti-bike stance in Wilderness Study Areas, and that is at odds with similar discussions elsewhere in the country.
-Mountain biking is a quiet, human powered use that is compatible with backcountry trails.  The Forest Service should not shut bikes out of every remote and wild piece of trail.

Due Date:
Submit your Objections by November 19, 2018

How to Object: 
Email your comments to:  appeals-northern-regional-office@fs.fed.us and put "Bitterroot Travel Plan Objection in the subject line.  In the email, include your name, address, and phone number.

More Info: 
The Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists have a bunch more information about this on their website: https://sites.google.com/site/bitterrootbackcountrycyclists/news/talkingpoints?authuser=0