This proposal is being submitted in order to help maintain the trail system at Gambrill’s State Park & the Frederick Watershed, located in the Appalachian Range just west of Frederick, Maryland. It is being submitted by Dr. Stanley R. Manstof on behalf of Webmountainbike – an IMBA member for 4 years. This area is one of the premier mountain biking sites in the state. I have done trail work there previously with Philip Van Workoven of M.O.R.E. & also David Scull – the IMBA representative from Maryland. Having worked with the Park Rangers here before, they are receptive to this plan. I am very familiar with this area, and have ridden there for over 12 years. Objective: To remove trash /debris from the access areas utilized by the mountain bikers who ride here. This includes at least 5-8 parking areas and overlooks within the trail system. Also includes the removal of debris, and/or trash from the trails themselves to help preserve the natural qualities of this forested ridge-top area. Plan: To enlist the help of the local school kids in the Barnesville Middle School mountain biking program to clean up the trails. Approximately 15 children ages 11-13 will be involved, and supervised by our three staff members, along with other volunteers from Webmountainbike. Park rangers will also provide any needed guidance. This endeavor will teach and promote environmental education to the children, and also help to inspire conservation in our community. Permission slips will be obtained and transportation provided in our touring van. Other groups and persons may also be invited to participate. ******************************************************** Contact: Jody Flemming, IMBA jody@imba.com, 303-545-9011 or Dean Mayer, Clif Bar Inc. dmayer@clifbar.com, 510-558-7855, x130 Clif Bar Inc. Donates Another $3,000 to IMBA Conservation Projects IMBA is pleased to announce the second round winners of 2002 IMBA/Clif Bar Trail Preservation Grants. Six $500 grants will be awarded to support projects that preserve and enhance trail access, promote environmental education, and inspire conservation in the mountain bicycling community. The 2002 IMBA/Clif Bar Trail Preservation Grant second-round winners are: Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists, Twin Cities - MORC will build a mile-long interpretive singletrack trail, designed for beginner mountain bicyclists and families. The trail will include information about sustainable trailbuilding techniques and multi-use etiquette. Kentucky Mountain Bike Association, Louisville, KY - The club will work with Metro Parks to install signs and barriers at Waverly Park trailheads to ensure appropriate use. Tarheel Trailblazers, Charlotte, NC - The Trailblazers plan to construct information kiosks in four Mecklenburg County parks. The kiosks will include trail descriptions, maps, emergency contacts, and information on trail etiquette, environmental guidelines and IMBA's Rules of the Trail. Webmountainbike, Frederick, MD - In a collaborative effort with kids from Barnesville Elementary School, volunteers will remove trash and debris from Gambrill State Park and learn about the environmental impacts of visitation. |
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| Webmountainbike fulfills IMBA GrantOn Friday, November 15th Web Mountain Bikes had the field trip with the Barnesville Middle School mountainbikers & was able to accomplish the objectives set forth in the grant from CLIF/Imba that we received in the summer. On a clear, warm, and sunny day, the 10 participants, along with 3 adult supervisors of our staff, removed trash and debris from the area of Gambrill's State Park & the Frederick Watershed. This is a natural ridge top area located in the Appalchian mountains west of the city of Frederick. It is a wonderful place to ride, with many miles of interconnecting trails, and difficult and rocky singletrack abounds. Our group was able to remove a dumpster load of trash, broken glass, old roofing shingles (lots of salmanders here!!), old building supplies, discarded carpet, and other items discarded by those without regard for our environment. The participants were then treated to a "pizza party" for their efforts, with tons of pizza and drinks at the local wood burning pizza restaurant. The budget also allowed us to make a donation of tools to the rangers in the park including a rake, loppers, post hole digger, and hand pruner. The rangers allowed us the use of their dumpster, and Rentals Unlimited gave a big discount on the rental pickup truck to transport the trash. All-in-all, the event went according to plan. The area is now a lot cleaner, which is important because it is a natural watershed with a series of lakes designed to hold and clean the water as it moves down the mountain. Also, the kids got a first hand experience to learn about the effects of "littering" & also a brief talk from the rangers on how the watershed works. Visiting mountainbikers and other trail users will also benefit from the enhanced esthetic appeal of the area with the substantial amount of trash & deris removed... |
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