Hiking groups are asking their members to write letters to the State trying to limit where cyclists can ride in the Catskills. This is copied from the NY/NJ Trail Conference:
" ... * We support the prohibition of bicycles in Wilderness Areas and, though we do not conceptually oppose creating Primitive Bicycle Corridors in wilderness areas, we have the following concerns regarding two of the four proposed to extend through existing wilderness lands:
o The Overlook Turnpike route on Overlook Mountain has heavy foot traffic and adding bicycles will result in conflicts.
o The Colgate Lake Dutcher Notch Trail is a quiet shady environment which would be inappropriate for bicycle use.
* We do support establishment of bicycle trails in the proposed Elm Ridge Wild Forest area but we strongly oppose any plan that would allow bicycles on the Long Path/Escarpment Trail; bicycles are not compatible with the width, grade, sight-lines or intended use of the LP.
* The proposal to allow bicycles on all trails in Wild Forest areas unless marked otherwise will lead to confusion with Wilderness areas, where all trails will be closed to bicycles. The casual user not familiar with these regulations would have no way of knowing when he/she enters a Wilderness area, as some are as close as across the trail or road. If this situation is allowed to become fact, a major effort will be needed to mark all Wilderness trailheads against bicycles..."
It is very important that the DEC hears from cyclists supporting the new bike friendly Master Plan!
It is helpful if you indicate you are a cyclist and are interested in enhancing riding in the Catskills. Anything you can add is a plus, but please be one of the people who stood up for cycling, AND BE COUNTED FOR IT!
Even if you dont ride the Catskills much or at all, the new master plan will affect how other lands allow bikes on trails. Please...Let them hear from you!
DEC is accepting comments on the revised draft Catskill Park State Land Master Plan until May 19, 2008. Comments should be addressed to: Peter J. Frank, Bureau Chief, Forest Preserve Management, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4254, or by email to lfcat@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
" ... * We support the prohibition of bicycles in Wilderness Areas and, though we do not conceptually oppose creating Primitive Bicycle Corridors in wilderness areas, we have the following concerns regarding two of the four proposed to extend through existing wilderness lands:
o The Overlook Turnpike route on Overlook Mountain has heavy foot traffic and adding bicycles will result in conflicts.
o The Colgate Lake Dutcher Notch Trail is a quiet shady environment which would be inappropriate for bicycle use.
* We do support establishment of bicycle trails in the proposed Elm Ridge Wild Forest area but we strongly oppose any plan that would allow bicycles on the Long Path/Escarpment Trail; bicycles are not compatible with the width, grade, sight-lines or intended use of the LP.
* The proposal to allow bicycles on all trails in Wild Forest areas unless marked otherwise will lead to confusion with Wilderness areas, where all trails will be closed to bicycles. The casual user not familiar with these regulations would have no way of knowing when he/she enters a Wilderness area, as some are as close as across the trail or road. If this situation is allowed to become fact, a major effort will be needed to mark all Wilderness trailheads against bicycles..."
It is very important that the DEC hears from cyclists supporting the new bike friendly Master Plan!
It is helpful if you indicate you are a cyclist and are interested in enhancing riding in the Catskills. Anything you can add is a plus, but please be one of the people who stood up for cycling, AND BE COUNTED FOR IT!
Even if you dont ride the Catskills much or at all, the new master plan will affect how other lands allow bikes on trails. Please...Let them hear from you!
DEC is accepting comments on the revised draft Catskill Park State Land Master Plan until May 19, 2008. Comments should be addressed to: Peter J. Frank, Bureau Chief, Forest Preserve Management, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4254, or by email to lfcat@gw.dec.state.ny.us.