The Forest Service

Latest Forest News:

From Jim Hasenauer of IMBA:

When the San Bernardino decided to close all non-system trails to mountain bikes on October 31 of 2005, several things happened.  Many of you organized to work with the Forest to inventory important trails in the San Jacinto District and bring them into the system, and IMBA went back to revisit what we had considered to be very positive Forest Plans.

We felt that the San Bernardino was in error in implementing a blanket closures to bikes.  The other three Forests said they wanted to evaluate the non-system trails over time.  After unsuccessfully trying to resolve this issue internally with the San Bernardino, we felt compelled to appeal the Forest Plans.  Since we were concerned that other Forests might follow the San Bernardino lead, we appealed all four plans.  To its credit, the San Bernardino never created the closure order that we had feared and your good work in inventorying trails and cooperating with the Forest has been positive in every way.

On November 8, 2006 I met with the Southern California Forest Supervisors and staff.  We had very positive discussions and came to an agreement on the issue which led to our appeal.  They agreed:

"In response to the December 21, 2005 appeal of Jim Hasenauer on behalf of the International Mountain bicycling Association (IMBA), the southern California national forests intend to follow the language in the Land Management Plan Records of Decision (RODS) that allows for the resolution of unclassified non-system routes over time.  When necessary, site-specific closures related to resource protection, public safety, or emergency needs closures will be implemented through Forest orders."

The Forests have sent me a letter (dated 12/8/2006) memorializing this agreement and it is signed by all four Forest Supervisors.  Our concern was blanket closures of non-system trails on the San Bernardino and potentially other forests.  This will not happen.  On this basis, today I wrote Chief Bosworth and withdrew the appeal.  Thanks so much to Daniel Greenstadt, Gary Sprung and Kirk Bailey who collaborated on writing an appeal which led to our success.

"Idyllwild Cycling is closely involved with the San Jacinto Ranger District in helping sort out problems with the new Forest Service Management Plan that went into effect at the end of last year, which in its current language excludes mountain bikes from non-system trails.  Most of the mountain bike trails in Idyllwild and the surrounding areas are non-system designated, including Hurkey Creek Park.

To help solve this problem, we have put forth a designation proposal for our trails, and in doing so have logged hundreds of volunteer hours working with the Forest Service.  The Forest Service is in the process of issuing an Exemption to the Forest Order, which would allow Mountain Biking to continue on the trails identified in the Temporary Designation Inventory while a suitability determination (and Environmental Analysis through NEPA) is completed.

Following the public outcry against the plan revision, the Forest Service has moved this matter high on their priority list, with funding allocated to a Mountain Bike System Trail Network Plan.  Additionally, Idyllwild Cycling plans to dedicate a percentage of its proceeds from the Idyllwild Spring Challenge mountain bike race (May 3-4, 2008 at Hurkey Creek Park) to maintain and build this network of mountain bike trails in intent to help solidify Idyllwild's network of mountain bike trails for both recreation and future events."

In Remembrance Of The Five Fire Fighters
Who Died In The Line Of Duty.

Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, Jess McLean, Jason McKay, Daniel Hoover-Najera and Pablo Cerda lost their lives in the line of duty October 26th, 2006. The Idyllwild Cycling Team extends their deepest sympathies to the families of the Alandale Station Crew. These guys were willing to sacrifice themselves to protect the forest and the homes of people who lived in the path of the fire.

We appreciate the work of the Forest Department and Fire Fighters who are such a vital link to preserving the San Bernardino National Forest. They do much more than just respond to fires. This seems like a good time to let them know how much they are appreciated.

Mountain bikers ride in these mountains and never take for granted how quickly this could all change. We are very fortunate to live in Idyllwild, experience the mountains and forest, and have men and women who are willing to sacrifice themselves to protect it.