Mountain bike task force agreement ignored

I'm a bit out of my element on this one, but this from Bob Compton of MORE doesn't sound good.

According to Officer McDaniel, two weeks ago Luke Brackett instructed the Ranger Force to start implementing the rules of the 1998 plan.  Therefore, the Rangers are issuing written warnings for riding on any single-track or woods roads that are not on the plan.  I was told by the aforementioned rangers that: IF YOU GET caught twice you will get a ticket.  If you further push the issue you will be arrested.  If you ride 48 hours after a soaking rain (note: there is no definition of a soaking rain) you will get a written warning.  Do this twice and you could get a ticket.

I asked why written warning were being issued?  After all, this is not what was agreed to at the Mountain Bike Task Force Meetings.  The officers informed me they were there to enforce the laws.  The Task Force does not make the laws.  The 1998 Plan is the law.

I asked why I was not made aware of the change in policy?  I told Officer McDaniel that I should have been made aware of the policy since I am the Co-Chair of the Task Force.  Officer McDaniel informed me that once the maps and guidelines were posted on the kiosks notice was given.  I told him this is not what was agreed to and that Luke, who has attended some, if not all of the Task Force Meetings should know what was agreed too.

I said the written warnings were to stop.  I was informed that I do not make the laws and I had no right making this demand.  In essence, nothing that has been discussed at the Mountain Bike Task Force meetings matters.  The Rangers are going to enforce the 1998 plan and they are doing this now!

Also, I was told by both Officer Janos and Officer McDaniel that in the not too distant future all single-track trails will be closed to ALL users.  If you read this and you like to walk, run, fish, etc. at Loch Raven, Liberty and Pretty Boy Reservoirs... Even if you do not mountain bike you will soon be subject to the same "laws" as mountain bikers.

There is more here and much more here.

Comments

[Blue-eyed Devil]

"If you further push the issue you will be arrested."

Wonder what qualifies as "pushing the issue"...sounds suspiciously like asking a question.

The relatively recent increases in fines and fees in local parks and the sudden drive to crack down on enforcement, not to mention the sh!tty attitude towards people who actually *use* the parks, is getting out of hand.

[TurbineBlade]

Sent my supportive email to all the people Bob mentioned in his message!

Thanks Wash, your hard work once again has brought this kind of thing to my attention.

TB