COVID-19 UPDATE – Keep Mitigation “Throttle” Twisted

Crush the Curve

COVID-19 UPDATE – Keep Mitigation “Throttle” Twisted

  

The announcement today by California Governor, Gavin Newsom, about a reopening pact with other Western states is good news.  It reinforces what I have been hearing over the last few days from other government officials about a growing sense of cautious optimism that our shelter-at-home, social distancing, park closures, and other mitigation measures have been helpful in Flattening the Curve.

Regardless of that good news, the recreation community (motorized and non-motorized) cannot relax but must continue to keep their mitigation throttle twisted over the next few weeks as part of our pro-active collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.

Part of that collaboration means that we should honor the spirit and intent of county stay-at-home orders/directives, soft or hard closures of recreation areas, and resisting the temptation to post inappropriate pictures of trail enthusiasts riding in groups or engaging in illegal and/or unethical travel activities.

As advocates for responsible recreation we have an obligation to set an example for the general public.  Many trail users are new to the sport and may not understand they are part of a much larger recreation community that consists of stakeholders from both the private and public sectors. 

Managed recreation in the 21^st Century exists because of efforts by trail leaders over the last 30 years to work in a substantive collaborative manner with land agencies, law enforcement, and elected officials in support of sustainable trail activities.

Based on the aforementioned information and my experience, I believe the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.  However, the length of that tunnel depends on our commitment to continue mitigation efforts out of respect for frontline workers, 1^st responders, and our trail community.

Our actions over the next several weeks remain critical as we move into the next phase of the battle to finally “Crush the Curve” so we can get back out on the trail and enjoy it with our family and friends.