Advocacy Alert! - Saratoga Sand Plains Managment Area

[Goddy]

Dear fellow mountain biker - We hope this message finds you staying warm and dreaming of warmer days riding the Stables. As you dream of the warmer days that 2010 still has in store, there is something you can do -- right now -- to help promote mountain biking in the Saratoga area.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is starting to develop a plan for managing the 570-acre Saratoga Sand Plains Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located in the Towns of Wilton and Northumberland. Much of this area is currently off limits to bikes but is open to most other forms of recreation. Portions of it already have trails which many of you enjoy for snowshoeing, cross country skiing or hiking.

Here's where you the mountain biker come in - there will be a public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Wilton Town Court. If you are available please consider attending this meeting and making it known that off road cycling should be included in the future of this important natural resource.

A few talking points to consider:

* Be Positive! It sounds basic but avoid negative comments.
* Stress that trail use should be inclusive, not exclusive. Mountain bicycling, hiking and trail running are very similar sports and there are many scientific studies that show the impacts to be the same. Therefore, any regulations should treat all trail users equally.
* "I am an avid lover of outdoor sports (pick a few hike, bird watcher, runner) and a mountain bicyclist."
* Talk about "shared trails," not Multi-use Trails.
* Talk about how we are all there because we enjoy the nature experience. Shared trails will unite all users to work together to help preserve the natural resources within the preserve.
* Cyclists give back to their local trail systems by volunteering on public land, protecting the environment and preserving open space.
* Off-road cycling is a great form of exercise and helps combat the societal trend toward obesity.
* It is a healthful activity with low impact and high benefit.
* Wildlife habitat enhancement is important but encouraging more people to use the trails will create a larger volunteer base to draw upon when work projects or fundraising is needed.
* "I would love to volunteer to help maintain trails that are available for mountain bicycling. Our club currently maintains trails within the general area."
* Mountain bicycling, hiking and trail running are very similar sports and there are many scientific studies that show the impacts to be the same. Therefore, any regulations should treat all trail users equally. (show link to studies from IMBA)


The official press release including directions to the Wilton Town Court is located here - http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/61631.html

Can't make the meeting? Email your comments to: r5info@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Please help promote off road riding in our area and participate in this important process!

Consider this: The world is run by people who show up.
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www.saratogamtb.org