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US FOREST SERVICE PLAN Hikers, bikers, riders want to coexist on Ashland Trails Comment By John Darling for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 9, 2015 at 6:15 PM Updated Jan 9, 2015 at 6:16 PM By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 9, 2015 at 6:15 PM Updated Jan 9, 2015 at 6:16 PM » Social News Scores of trail lovers jammed a Thursday evening open house at the Ashland library put on by the Forest Service to take comments and trade ideas on proposals for an evolving watershed trail system that can handle increasing numbers of hikers, bikers and horses. Forest Service folk stood about the perimeter of the small room with detailed maps of trails, both official and “unauthorized,” as part of a 30-day comment period on the Forest Service’s plan for its preferred “Alternative 3,” which was based on extensive surveys and proposed trails (and trail closures) from the Ashland Woodlands & Trails Association over past years. Comments have to be in writing, so few were submitted at the open house, but Forest Service workers conversed with all comers, spelling out the details and problems of the trail system, especially on the watershed’s east side — and explained proposed closures where existing trails adversely impact wildlife and soil stability. Trail usage has tripled in this century and has surpassed 50,000 users a year. After much input from locals, and with a helpful eye to the environment, the Forest Service is proposing 7.4 miles of new trails and closure of 9.9 miles in the hills southwest of Ashland. “This is a fantastic turnout and shows the power of social media,” said Rob Cain, AWTA president. “The plan brings better separation between high-speed users and slower users. High-speed mountain bikers are a significant portion of users. We’re all attempting better separation, with some trails designed by and for downhill mountain bikers.” All users have been treated fairly by the Forest Service in forming the plan, said Cain, and while everyone didn’t get everything they wanted, “everyone got three-quarters of a loaf.” Biker J. P. Newman said he’s happy with Alternative 3 as it keeps important existing trails, authorizes trails that are already in use (but not authorized) and allows reconstruction of poorly designed trails. He said it’s do-able to create trails just for bikers and others just for hikers and horses. “I hike too and like to bring my kids up there,” Newman says. “It all requires mutual respect.”  Hiker-biker Sean Fairbairn said the Forest Service’s proposal is best because encompasses sustainable use by all three groups, although he doesn’t like separation of the groups and doesn’t see any conflict between them.  “Plan three has provisions for all to enjoy the watershed,” he said, with the Forest Service building new trails while they take others offline, much like rotating crops.  When the comment period ends in the first week of February, the Forest Service makes a “draft decision,” then subjects it to a 45-day objection period (from earlier commenters), then will sit down with them and try to work out remaining hangups, said Don Boucher of the Forest Service.  "The problem is we have a lot of bikes and walkers using the same paths,” said Boucher. “When you ride a bike, you like to have a path you can fly down till you hit the bottom, without meeting a hiker at a blind corner. If you’re a hiker, you want to look around and enjoy nature without spending time looking for a bike to come down at you. The problem is never going to totally go away but we can minimize opportunities for conflict by limiting the use of certain trails. “Walkers should have their own trails ... and we will suggest they don’t go up trails where bikes are coming down. There’s no such thing as a perfect plan, but we’ll be encouraging self-policing, signs, public education. We don’t want to get in the ticket-writing business.” The most problematic trails, he said, are called Catwalk, Toothpick and Caterpiller, all on the east side of the watershed. Equestrians wore “close the gap” tags at the meeting, meaning they want a one-third mile section of Caterpillar trail bridged, creating a long, continuous, bike-free section, said Joy Trevey Lowell. The Forest Service is “very receptive,” she adds. Cain first approached the Forest Service six years ago with proposals for certain trails and, he says, they told him they want to approve a whole system that works for all users and the environment and “that’s what started us out.” Reach Ashland freelance writer John Darling at [email protected]. By John Darling for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 9, 2015 at 6:15 PM Updated Jan 9, 2015 at 6:16 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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