“We depend on Lionhead's backcountry trails and setting,” says Kelli Sanders, co-owner of the IMBA-affiliated bicycle and ski retailer Freeheel and Wheel. “Visiting cyclists highly value the solitude and challenge of traversing the Continental Divide Trail or visiting the pristine Coffin Lakes. We hope the Forest Service continues to protect this important area and its traditional bicycling trails.” The trails, considered the best in the surrounding area, also provide a cherished escape for Bozeman and Big Sky residents and are instantly popular with visiting mountain bikers. Take Action! Tell the Forest Service to protect the Continental Divide Trail and other trails in a bicycle-friendly manner. The deadline for comments is July 18. Additional Information Lionhead's trails have been respectfully ridden by bicyclists and shared successfully with equestrians, hikers and other trail users for decades. Cyclists have contributed many hours of trail maintenance in the Lionhead area and are invested and responsible stakeholders in the future of this trail system. The Lionhead area is already designated non-motorized and the continued presence of bicycles will not damage the resource or diminish its wilderness character. Bicyclists enjoy the Lionhead trail system for the same reason as other quiet trail users. We value the solitude, beauty and challenge of exploring backcountry singletrack. The Forest Service can protect the land and allow for continued bicycling - there is no need to choose between the two. The Lionhead RWA is a perfect candidate for a Congressional designation such as National Recreation Area that can permanently protect the area from new roads and mining while allowing continued bicycle access and giving the Forest Service better management options. The economic, social and health contributions of mountain biking in the Gallatin National Forest should be nurtured and promoted as an integral piece of forest planning and a lucrative component to the regional recreation mix. Writing Your Own Letter Unique, personalized messages are extremely important. Concerned mountain bikers can submit their comments using either IMBA’s simple online form or through their own email address or a mailed letter. All options allow you to edit your comments for maximum effect. If you want to write your own letter, please be sure to include the following: (1) name, address, telephone number, and organization represented, if any; (2) title of the action (i.e. “Lionhead Bike Prohibition”); (3) specific facts and supporting reasons to be consider; and (4) signatures. Letters can be sent to: Gallatin National Forest Attn: Steve Christiansen P.O. Box 130 Bozeman, MT 59771 r1_gallatin_comments@fs.fed.us Mountain bikers want to protect the trails and land near Yellowstone National Park. Photos: Bob and Estela Allen. Three Things You Can Do 1. Take Action! 2. Help save trails like these around the country by donating to the IMBA Legal Fund. 3. Tell your friends to take action! Epic Areas at Risk This decision would close 27 miles of traditional mountain biking trails. The routes slated for closure include the iconic Continental Divide Trail and backcountry singletrack leading to Sheep Lake and Coffin Lakes. |
