Flightline Progress Blog

From what I gathered at the meeting, the most important issue is that the trail users want input on the trail designations and design.

Things to do:

Start with Ms. Vancio, the County Trails Coordinator. Try to get the Conservation Easement to allow bicycles.

Next- appeal to the right County Department or Supervisor. Get letters, and an appeal into the right hands. We need to know who is in the position to do something. Maybe Maryanne Vancio can advise which Supervisor to address an appeal to.

The idea was raised at the meeting to solicit for a lawyer. Filing for an injunction to halt destruction of the Skyline trail should be possible, but it is not a do-it-yourself process. There might be a good argument that the structures can not be removed without an impact assessment.

For those who are not familiar with the process, this is my understanding of how the designation of new trails usually works:

1. A committee is formed, including Land Managers and representatives from all the trail user groups, to do an assessment of the area.
2. They assess things like sustainability, potential user conflicts, sensitive areas and safety.
3. The assessment committee makes a recommendation for a trail plan.
4. After considering the recommendation, the Land Manager proposes a Trail Plan.
5. There is Public Notice of the proposed plan.
6. There is a comments period.
7. The plan is accepted or appeals are made.
8. Finally a Trail  is born.

It is possible to invite experts in the field of trail design to the initial assessment. The IMBA Trail-Care Crew or IMBA’s Trail Specialists-for-hire, such as Joey Klein, would be able to offer experienced advice.