Poll: Do You Want Continued Bike Access In The South Chilcotins?

 The new bill restricts mountan biking in the south chilcotens, because apprently it speeds up the erosion process and is destroying the wildlife.

But the new bill will open the area to Heli Skiing, Snowmobiling and Oil 'TESTING'.

Its all for money, the government dont give a shit about the enviroment, more about lining there pockets !! Makes me sick!


www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/planning/mgmtplns/lillooet/background-documents/big-creek_south-chilcoltin/sc-mtns&big-crk-draft-mp.pdf


www.desmog.ca/2014/03/25/bill-4-passes-b-c-parks-now-officially-open-pipelines-and-drilling

 I think the park's ecosystem health should come before recreation, but I don't see how mountain biking is any worse for the environment than hiking, and especially equestrian trail usage.

 Coming from an area with lots of horse riders, and being one myself I see horses tearing up the trail ALOT more than mountain bikes, except on the case of digging up dirt for jumps/berms; yet mountain bikers seem to get shafted the most when it comes to trail usage. It really is too bad, as there are some pretty awesome places withib bc/ Canadian parks that would be a riot in a bike, but shut are for hikers/bikers only. Hopefully this doesn't happen in the chilcotins, seems like a wicked place to ride!

 It's a well documented fact that horses have a negative effect on the integrity of a trail system. I have in fact ridden in the Chilcotin's and have seen what degradation that the equine traffic causes to the trails. I also think it's sad that you can put power lines through this region let alone prospect for mineral extraction. If the govt had a monetary gain in allowing mtn biking in the region things would be different.

 For more on this topic www.pinkbike.com/news/chilcotin-parks-plan-public-comments-needed-by-april-30-2014.html

Here's a summary:

-------------------------
The Chilcotin is one of the world's beautiful places to ride mountain bikes in the alpine. It's now become part of the BC Parks system. BC Parks has put forward a draft plan seeking to regulate and restrict mountain biking in the area.

The BC Parks's draft plan unfairly singles out mountain bikers as impacting wildlife. The draft plan is based on conjecture, guesswork and is unfair in its recommendations. Please ask BC Parks to make decisions on a science-based factual approach and not just restrict mountain biking because of stereotypes of the mountain bikers.

Comments must be received by May 30, 2014. Send comments here www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/planning/mgmtplns/lillooet/lillooet-dmp-online-comments.html

 Not being fortunate enough to visit BC (yet) as a Brit, I think it would be a shame for any national park to restrict biking. Fair enough if they plan to introduce specific way-marked routes to avoid hikers and equestrian folk, so long as we're not left out. Riding trails is hardly damaging to the environment (or at least over here). We should all have an equal opportunity to enjoy the beauty of these areas no matter which way we choose, so long as it keeps the future in mind. Surely a horse churns up more than a bike tyre? Shouldn't they impose restrictions on them too, if that's the way the intend to play?

 I think 38 people clicked yes on the last question by mistake. No way anyone feels the mtb is well represented in BC Parks.

 So oil and gas pipeline can go through a park but not a mtn bike? Am I missing something? It doesn't make any f*ckin sense!! This government should f*cking shack their head in shame.

 Horses dig up trails worse than anything, mountain bikes are pretty trail friendly.

 In reference to the comment about mtbikes causing erosion: These trails were first made by horse-packers and continue to be used by horses. It's a fact that horses cause far more erosion than bikes. I wish some university type would do a scientific study to prove to the "powers that be" at Parks Canada, (as our Mountain N.P. have some sweet trails to be ridden, if they were open to it), and BC Parks that this is so. So that this long-time held belief and dispute btwn bikers, horses and hikers would be put to rest. The key point for us mtbiker's is to to STAY on the trail, particularly in those alpine zones that are sensitive and ofcourse, ride don't slide. I've been going to the S. Chilcotin's for 20 yrs and feel blessed to be able to ride there. Hope to continue! for man years to come!!

 What's the point of this poll? Somehow I don't think an online poll on a mountain biking website is going to carry much weight with the folks at BC Parks.

I've only biked in the Chilcotins once, but it truly is an incredible experience and hopefully the bureaucrats listen to the feedback they get from mountain bikers. There's no way you can say mountain bikers do more trail damage than horses.

 Everybody, be sure to submit something to the government! It needs to go on record, don't give the politicians a chance to say "well we only had a dozen submissions against the proposal". There is power in numbers, you don't need to do anything fancy. Just say what they are doing is irrational, throw in a few simple points, and get on with life.

 Have a read here www.imba.com/resources/research/trail-science/environmental-impacts-mountain-biking-science-review-and-best-practices. It contains a wealth of information regarding studies etc. The only tacitly true comment in the report for the Chilcotins parks is mountain biking can impact grizzlies more than others. We move quickly and quietly. This might entail closing some sections at certain times of the year and get this set minimum rider counts for riding on trails. The suggestions seem to contradict the desired outcome. Mountain bikers impact trails at worst the same as hikers. Hikers tend to do much more off trail excursions so loose out there.

I've ridden in the Chilcotin's for more than 20 years. Been on the Gun creek trail more times the many of the local trails. It would indeed by a terrible change if mountain bikers where to be banned. I know most parks people couldn't care less. Manning park has strict policies against riding but my friends ride there and do substantial trail work. The BC Parks people are happy they are there. So in the end a single grumpy outfitter won't really impact my riding. The place is so large you can get lost and never be seen by the train of horses heading to Spruce Lake from their camp.

I'd say the finger pointing in the original article by Lee was lacking in substance i.e. why its not valid to state what is there. I would never have known about it though so kudos for bringing it to peoples attention.

One last word. I hate horses but cows they are the worst. So many rides spoiled when you ride through a fresh danish on the trail that was covered with dust. So many places allow free range cattle yet technically no bikes allowed.

 ya the district doesnt care about the enviroment. here in north van the district destroys all bike trails and keeps the walking trails and even builds new ones. so what if some one breaks a branch or digs a hole. the government does it all the time. its better than driving a big ass truck to the trail to destroy it. revolt

 Discouraging access in any way from a natural park spells bad news for mother nature and good news for loggers. What's worse, an eroded trail, or a clear cut?

 I've been fortunate to have ridden the Spruce trails and surrounding area for many years, and it would be a terrible loss to have these trails closed to our use.
A few points to address are (and these may have been covered by others, but I haven't had the chance to read all the posts):
(1) We need to remember that these trails were established by horse and cattle from the ranches that operate(d) in this area for many decades (and road apples and cow pies are part of the mix that creates dirt :-) ).
(2) The biking community needs to work with other similarly impacted users, including equestrians, as this creates a much stronger voice to represent our position to the governing bodies.
(3) It is possible to work with BC Parks and other administrative bodies to continue and expand mountain biking within BC Provincial Parks. One of the best examples is NOCS (North Okanagan Cycling Society www.okcycling.com) and their work maintaining and establishing biking trails within Kalamalka and Ellison Provincial Parks.

 its not like there are motor cycles going in and ripping up the nice land. just mountain bikers checking out the rad trails and sceneries like a hiker would

 Annnd there's always the one obvious answer.

 such a pretty area. You guys living nearby sure are lucky.