Tread Lightly!/FS Banner at eMTB Presentation
As many of you know, California State Parks has been in
the “transformation” process of their agency which includes both motorized and
non-motorized recreation programs. QWR supports the ongoing efforts to increase
staff efficiency and fiscal responsibility by cross-pollination of personnel
(each with their own skillsets, equipment, and expertise) from Boating and
Waterways, OHV, and non-motorized State Park units.
CA State Park Director Talks about Trail Recreation and eMTB Use
QWR believes inclusion/facilitation of an eMTB panel at
the 2018 California Trails and Greenways Conference (historically a
non-motorized event) was indication of the agency’s commitment to bring diverse
recreation interests together in a collaborative manner to build relationships/trust
and find solutions to managing trail-based opportunities in the 21st
Century.
Good Turnout for eMTB Panel
The presentations from the Forest Service and
regional/local eMTB interests highlighted the complexity of planning for legal
and sustainable eMTB recreation on lands managed by local, state, and federal
agencies.
Also, noted were efforts to find solutions including the
FS using tenets of the Travel Management Rule to designate eMTB-only trails via
“designation by motorized vehicle type.”
One current example cited is on
the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit where the FS is working with eMTB recreationists
to find new opportunity for said use. Currently, eMTB use is restricted to OHV routes on federal lands.
eMTB Demo Trail Rides
Many states have -
or in the process of - creating legislative or policy/regulatory solutions to
enhance eBike access on roadways, paths, and dirt trails managed by local and
state jurisdictions.
After the panel presentations, there was an hour devoted to
robust dialogue between non-motorized and motorized stakeholders and agency
leads.
While not many solutions were identified on what is a
very complex issue, QWR believes that CA OHV Commissioner, Ted Cabral, summed it
up best when he stated it is important for the collective trail community to
work more collaboratively and build partnerships going forward to address
management challenges that face both motorized and non-motorized recreation in
California and elsewhere.
Former CA IMBA Representative, Jim Haggen-Smit (L). and Don Amador (R)
Talking about eMTB Use and Decades Long Collaborative Efforts on Land-Use Issues
QWR also wants to thank the California Trails Conference
Foundation for doing the “legwork” by hosting the eMTB event and for their
ongoing efforts to promote sustainable trail-based recreation in the Golden
State.
*Comments/feedback always welcome.
