Say what?

Did I read that right? Did mountain biker and Jackson Mountain park proponent Annie Sewell refer to the Bible to explain how illegal trail building in our national forests is inevitable? (re: Durango Telegraph, Sept. 29).

How about we update that statement to reflect the realities of the 21st century: Illegal trail building will always be with us as long as some mountain bikers act like complete A-holes and ignore the rules and ride wherever they choose. And why not? Do enough damage and the Forest Service will reward you with a formal designation of trails, as Jackson Mountain project opponents have pointed out.

This behavior is tacitly condoned by the relentlessly pro-trail construction International Mountain Bicycling Association, despite the lip-service they give to responsible riding, and is evidenced by IMBA’s Shane Wilson blaming livestock for creating illegal trails on Jackson Mountain that have been “sometimes exploited by humans.” Thank you, Sergeant Schultz (“I see NOTHING!”).

DUST2’s – the Pagosa Springs mountain biking advocacy group – goal of getting youngsters outside and on bikes is laudable but misguided if it does not include teaching ethics and explaining that this form of recreation can have serious negative impacts on the land. Ask them if gaining some “challenging” and “technical” bike trails “conveniently” close to town is worth losing critical habitat for wildlife. As explained on Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers’ website in a recent memo on illegal trails, the science is clear. You can’t have both.

– Gregory Moore, Grandview