Local Issues

Local Issues

Over 400 Miles of Montana Singletrack to be Closed to Bicycles

Comment now on the Lolo, Bitterroot, and Flathead forest plans to preserve mountain bike access to some of the best trails in the state.

The revised forest plans for the Lolo, Bitterroot, and Flathead National Forests will exclude mountain bikes from trails in areas that are proposed for wilderness designation. Bicycles have always been legal in these areas despite the fact that they have been proposed wilderness for many years. This change in management style is not in response to any problems caused by mountain bikes, but is a bureaucratic dictate from the Washington office. Our use of these areas has been so subtle over the years that the Forest Service does not realize how much we ride these trails and how important they are to Montana mountain bikers. Now is the time for mountain bikers to speak up and let the Forest Service know that we cherish rides like Heart Lake, Monture Creek, Bluejoint Creek and Blodgett Canyon. (Go to our website for a complete list of trails affected.)

Write a comment letter today! Some talking points:

Mountain bikes do not harm the land or its Wilderness potential.

Mountain biking is a low-impact, human powered form of recreation that is compatible with and should be managed the same as other non-motorized recreation such as hiking and horseback riding.

We support the permanent conservation of Montana’s roadless areas from development and road building through diverse designations that in addition to Wilderness, can include National Recreation Areas, National Conservation Areas, Remote Backcountry Areas or other forms of conservation that protect the land while allowing bicycles.

There are numerous ways to create a Wilderness that accommodates bicycles. It is premature to ban bikes from an area just because it is proposed as wilderness.

Thank for Forest Service for continuing to allow bicycles in the Swan Crest, and the Cube Iron-Silcox and Allan Mountain roadless areas.

Be specific about what threatened areas you ride and why you cherish those rides.

Please send Comments by August 7th to:
Proposed Land Management Plan

Bitterroot National Forest
1801 North 1st Street
Hamilton, MT 59840
Email: wmpz@fs.fed.us

More information on the Forest Plan Revision process can be found at Mountain Bike Missoula's man in charge, Dave Ryan, talks with New West's Dana Green about trail issues, users groups and our relationship with the forest service.

click here to make a comment to the Forest Service

Wilderness

We would like to remind riders that bikes are not allowed in designated Wilderness Areas. In the last few years Forest Service resource managers have seen more evidence of their use in Wilderness. Please remember, "Abuse it, and lose it." That is, one solution may be to close trails to mountain bike use that lead to Wilderness Areas. Keep that in mind the next time your biking the Stuart Peak Trail in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area.

Trails Closed to Biking

Kim Williams Trail to the top of Sentinnel: This steep trail, known to some as the "Smoke Jumper Trail" which goes from the Hellgate Canyon to the top of Sentinel and the Crazy Canyon Road (gate where the hang gliders drive to) is closed to bikes.

The Face of Sentinel: The face of Mount Sentinel is under a conservation easement with the city and provides public access for foot trafic only. Bicycle use is not permitted.

Jumbo: Most Jumbo trails are designated for multiple, nonmotorized use. However a few mountain bike restrictions do exist. The "Paraglider" trail leading from the U.S. West Road to the summit, the "L" trail, and the "Backbone Trail" on the summit are closed to mountain bikes.

Blue Mountain: The Maclay Flat Nature Trail and Blue Mountain Horse-Hiker trail (north of Blue Mountain Road #365) are closed to mountain bikes.

Mount Jumbo

Loss of bicyclist Right-of-Way to to city property - With the rash of home building taking place on Mount Jumbo, recreationists in Missoula have lost several of the access points that were used to get to the city-owned open space land. One access point, at the bend on Lincoln Hills Drive, has been designated as "Hiker Only" by the owner. The land owners have the right to do this because it is private land. However, one undeveloped easement exists just to the north of this, and goes through another property, owned by Steve Loken. LIMB is interested development of this use by the public. We'll try to keep you posted about this issue. If you have questions, please contact Kurt Krueger at 549-8064.

Winter Closure - Don't forget about the winter closures on Mount Jumbo to protect the herd of 50 to 100 elk that winter there each year. The "Saddle Trail" or Road between Lincoln Hills and Marshall Canyon serves as the divider for opening dates. The area to the south of the Saddle Trail is closed to hiking, biking etc. from December 1 to March 15, while the area north of this trail is closed from December 1 until May 1.

Etiquette

Seen one of these signs appear on your favorite biking trail? By observing a few common courtesies and considerations when encountering other trail users, you can help ensure that trails remain open to mountain biking use. REMEMBER THAT ALL MOUNTAIN BICYCLISTS WILL BE JUDGED BY YOUR ACTIONS -Make contacts with others pleasant, no matter how breif. -Speak up at first sighting! Try not to startle people an yield to hikers and horseback riders. -When approaching oncoming livestock on trails, speak slow down, and move off the trail to the down hill side. When passing livestock from behind, speak out and ask for instructions. Let both livestock and riders know you are a friendly human. -Ride in small groups and in single file when passing. -Ride in control and pass others slowly. Slow down for blind corners or where terrain or vegetation causes limited sight distance. -Respect private property and route closures. Abused privileges are often lost. -Tread lightly and leave no trace by packing out litter and avoiding muddy trails. Stay off vegetation and on designated routes. -Try not to distrub wildlife.