Horses and Mountain Bikes
May Get More Places To Ride
In National Forest—

Green Mountain National Forest officials are looking at increasing opportunities for equestrian and mountain bike enthusiasts on some of the existing roads and trails throughout the Forest.

"We are looking for areas based on interest and compatible uses," said District Ranger Tracy Tophooven. "We are interested in input and comments from citizens on expanding these recreation opportunities in the Green Mountain National Forest."

Some examples of areas being considered are existing roads and trails in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area where specific single track hiking trails could be considered for mountain bike use.

The Appalachian Trail, Long Trail and Congressionally designated Wilderness Areas are not being considered.

The Forest is focusing on enhancing existing trails before the development of new trails, and providing multiple use trails instead of single use trails where possible as well as improving existing trails.

The Forest hopes to partner with local organizations to assist with maintenance, and will be considering issues like ample parking at trailheads, loop opportunities, potential user conflicts, monitoring of impacts of new use and mitigation measures for possible environmental impacts.

The Forest is requesting comments before April 21, 2008 on the best trails to provide such uses. Postal comments and hand-delivered comments can be submitted to the Rochester Ranger District, 99 Ranger Road, Rochester, 05767. Oral comments can be directed to David Harloff, North Zone Trails Manager, at (802) 767-4261 ext. 530. Email may also be submitted.