Bicycling Group Report

By Ray Duff

Meeting of the Recreation Committee of the Jackson Advisory Group, June 28, 2008.

Participants: Ray Duff, Rick Riley, Chris Clutton, Jim Moorehead, and Jerry Blok

Results of short-term discussion of needs for bicyclists in Jackson Demonstration State Forest not necessarily in order of importance

1.      Staging areas needed for recreation. A place to park, unload and load bicycles, safe to leave vehicles.

2.      Longer trails for cyclists Connector trails and loop trails preferred. Dead end trails do not offer as much enjoyment for riders. Trails that loop or connect with other trails to allow longer rides for those who want ten to twenty miles of recreational use trail.

3.      Maps are needed showing all trails, include loop trails, roads, staging areas.

4.      Connecting trails between watersheds

5.      There are problems with homeless and dope growers in State Forest. Cyclists are aware there are people living outdoors in forest and some illegal gardens, these pose special needs and concerns.

6.      Signs are needed for trails, posted at trailhead and at intersections along trail

a.      Identified trails are one way travelers do not get lost

b.      Signs advise distance to objective, and rigor of trail.

c.      Signs establish an identity for the trial that can be referred to in logging plans and             decommissioning of roads.

7.      Multi use trails with rating on use – these can advise on need for closure during seasons. Trail use for some trails might have to be restricted in wet weather for protection of environment, and closed entirely at certain times.

8.      Signs to find Jackson State recreation areas from Hwy 20, and at Camp 1, and Red Schoolhouse.

9.      Post rules for trail use at trailheads and staging areas include restricted trails; e.g. trails only for hikers, or those trails for multi use, and locations of hazards.

10. Shooters deserve a separate area away from trail users, possibly out of sound distance with location well marked for persons who might happen into the perimeter.

11. Safe access for neighbors of the JDSF. There are property owners who live against or near the Forest. These need an opening to Forest that is safe.

12. Concern for timber operations that would inhibit trail use. Logging plans ought to include alternative recreational directions. If a logging plan includes cutting near recreational trails, an alternative area for recreation ought to be designated that is user friendly, easily accessible and in condition for use.

13. Roads may need to be decommissioned for environmental necessity, but previous road closures have left few alternatives for established recreational use. Consideration should be given to bridges, other amenities, and mitigations to promote recreational use.

14. Recreational Users of JDSF ought to be notified and allowed comment and input prior to road closures or decommission of roads.

15. A recreational crossing of Highway 20 is needed that avoids need to interface with traffic, possibly a tunnel under the highway. This would need to be a multi user passage.