"This trail is really in terrible shape. I certainly didn't trash it. It must have been the mountain bikers or that terrible motorized group. Those horses are the worst. Why do the hikers insist on walking in mud when they should know better?"
Does any of this sound familiar, as you are on your favorite trail, noting the damage?
We have just emerged from the heaviest rainfall period the Wood River Valley has ever encountered and our world-class trails are hurting. We all need to accept responsibility for the damage, no matter what may be our particular user group designation.
Finger pointing or assigning blame does not solve the situation, nor does a poll in the newspaper promoting divisiveness among user groups.
Whining does not fix the trails. We all know it happened; anyone who has been on the trails in any way since mid-May has contributed in some form to the conditions we now face.
What is the answer? Pay attention to the weather and trail reports available from the Forest Service, BLM and Big Wood Backcountry Trails Web sites. Check with the local bike shops for information and suggestions. Volunteer for trail work sessions offered by the BLM and Forest Service. We all need to pick up rocks and downed limbs that we encounter, and assume accountability by not riding or walking through areas where our passage can be noted by everyone who follows for months to come.
Pitch in and help. Contribute in any and every way you can by fixing the problem, not contributing to it.
Remember, the trails belong to all of us, so it is up to all of us to work together to insure they are not abused and remain the best in the nation.
Chris Klick, Jo Heiss, Nils Ribi, Nancy Humphrey
Big Wood Backcountry Trails board of directors
