gopherhockey
10-24-2006, 01:20 PM
New Study Examines Mountain Biking Impacts
For Immediate Release
10-24-06
Contact: Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Manager
<SCRIPT type=text/javascript inserter="Spam Vaccine 1.3"><!--spam_vaccine( new Array("\m\a\r\k\e\l\l\e\r", "", "\i\m\b\a", "", "\c\o\m", ""), new Array() ) ;//--></SCRIPT>markeller@imba.com (markeller@imba.com) <NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT>
303-545-9011
A study published in the summer 2006 Journal of Park and Recreation Administration (Volume 24, Number 12) takes a close look at the environmental impacts of mountain biking. Researchers measured trail erosion and other impacts on 31 trails used for mountain biking in the southwestern U.S. The study concludes that, "certain impacts to mountain bike trails, especially width, are comparable or less than hiking or multiple-use trails, and significantly less than impacts to equestrian or off-highway vehicle trails."
Recreational ecologists Dave White from Arizona State University and Pam Foti from Northern Arizona University led the three-year research project titled "A Comparative Study of Impacts to Mountain Bike Trails in Five Common Ecological Regions of the Southwestern U.S." The researchers used "Common Ecological Regions" (CERs) to provide consistency in comparing the ecological effects of mountain biking with those of other recreational activities.
The team also published a 60-page guidebook titled "Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails" that includes a condensed version of the study, recommendations for trail management, and tips for responsible mountain biking. Funding for the research and guidebook was provided by a Shimano American Corporation donation, along with administrative contributions by Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Download a PDF of the research paper: A Comparative Study of Impacts to Mountain Bike Trails in Five Common Ecological Regions of the Southwestern U.S. (http://www.imba.com/resources/science/white_et_al_study.pdf)
Download a PDF of the guidebook: Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails (http://www.imba.com/resources/science/shimano_guidebook.pdf)
The conclusions reached by the authors are consistent with previous trail research (http://www.imba.com/resources/science/index.html) that suggest the impacts of mountain biking are similar or less than other trail use. "Our study contributes to the growing consensus that mountain biking can be a sustainable activity on properly managed trails," said researcher Dave White.
Don Applegate of the BLM said, "These new trail monitoring techniques are defendable methods to sustain trail systems that respect the natural environment as well as the need for high quality recreational opportunities."
IMBA has long worked to develop and share trail management techniques that minimize resource impacts and provide high quality visitor experiences. IMBA Trailbuilding Schools (http://www.imba.com/tcc/trailschool.html), held weekly for bike clubs, land managers and volunteers, highlight the principals of sustainable trail management. IMBA offers state-of-the-art trail design and construction services through its professional trail consulting program Trail Solutions (http://www.imba.com/trailsolutions/index.html), and has published a book on the topic of sustainable trailbuilding. Titled Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack (http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/trail_solutions.html), the 272-page resource has drawn widespread praise from land managers.
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For Immediate Release
10-24-06
Contact: Mark Eller, IMBA Communications Manager
<SCRIPT type=text/javascript inserter="Spam Vaccine 1.3"><!--spam_vaccine( new Array("\m\a\r\k\e\l\l\e\r", "", "\i\m\b\a", "", "\c\o\m", ""), new Array() ) ;//--></SCRIPT>markeller@imba.com (markeller@imba.com) <NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT>
303-545-9011
A study published in the summer 2006 Journal of Park and Recreation Administration (Volume 24, Number 12) takes a close look at the environmental impacts of mountain biking. Researchers measured trail erosion and other impacts on 31 trails used for mountain biking in the southwestern U.S. The study concludes that, "certain impacts to mountain bike trails, especially width, are comparable or less than hiking or multiple-use trails, and significantly less than impacts to equestrian or off-highway vehicle trails."
Recreational ecologists Dave White from Arizona State University and Pam Foti from Northern Arizona University led the three-year research project titled "A Comparative Study of Impacts to Mountain Bike Trails in Five Common Ecological Regions of the Southwestern U.S." The researchers used "Common Ecological Regions" (CERs) to provide consistency in comparing the ecological effects of mountain biking with those of other recreational activities.
The team also published a 60-page guidebook titled "Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails" that includes a condensed version of the study, recommendations for trail management, and tips for responsible mountain biking. Funding for the research and guidebook was provided by a Shimano American Corporation donation, along with administrative contributions by Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Download a PDF of the research paper: A Comparative Study of Impacts to Mountain Bike Trails in Five Common Ecological Regions of the Southwestern U.S. (http://www.imba.com/resources/science/white_et_al_study.pdf)
Download a PDF of the guidebook: Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails (http://www.imba.com/resources/science/shimano_guidebook.pdf)
The conclusions reached by the authors are consistent with previous trail research (http://www.imba.com/resources/science/index.html) that suggest the impacts of mountain biking are similar or less than other trail use. "Our study contributes to the growing consensus that mountain biking can be a sustainable activity on properly managed trails," said researcher Dave White.
Don Applegate of the BLM said, "These new trail monitoring techniques are defendable methods to sustain trail systems that respect the natural environment as well as the need for high quality recreational opportunities."
IMBA has long worked to develop and share trail management techniques that minimize resource impacts and provide high quality visitor experiences. IMBA Trailbuilding Schools (http://www.imba.com/tcc/trailschool.html), held weekly for bike clubs, land managers and volunteers, highlight the principals of sustainable trail management. IMBA offers state-of-the-art trail design and construction services through its professional trail consulting program Trail Solutions (http://www.imba.com/trailsolutions/index.html), and has published a book on the topic of sustainable trailbuilding. Titled Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack (http://www.imba.com/resources/trail_building/trail_solutions.html), the 272-page resource has drawn widespread praise from land managers.
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