Mountain Biking and Wilderness Clarification

Matthew Weintraub

2015-11-18

Hi Folks,

I wanted to clarify a message that was passed along in the November Newsletter regarding a proposed Wilderness on the slopes of Mt. Hood. The link and story included were actually generated over a year ago by the environmental protection group Oregon Wild, and they do not constitute the views or ideas of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), Northwest Trail Alliance (NWTA) or the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA). All three of our organizations do not support their proposal in its current form and the placement of this article was the result Oregon Wild���s actions and miscommunication.

As the IMBA Associate Regional Director for the PNW, I have been collaborating with local mtb advocates and Rep. Blumenauer���s office to help ensure that not a single mile of trail is lost to a proposed Wilderness. These trails are essential not just for mountain bikers on Mt. Hood, but all cyclists in Oregon. At the moment, we are working vigorously to ensure that future trail building options and connectivity remain on the table in all available landscapes on the slopes of our beloved mountain.

Here in Oregon and the Portland area, cycling is an integral part of our recreational culture, and so is access to quality and preserved natural spaces. At IMBA we wholeheartedly support both the beautiful American ethos and practical implementation of Wilderness, but not at the expense of mountain bike access. Thank you for your understanding and support.

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Matthew Weintraub
Pacific Northwest Associate Region Director
International Mountain Bicycling Association
mobile: (206) 661-8587
matthew.weintraub@imba.com

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