To: Erin Boyle, Assistant Forest Planner

 

I would like to comment on several of the potential wilderness areas
outlined by the draft forest plan.  First, many of them have a glaring
omission in the "current use" section.  Mountain biking is not mentioned
as a current use in any of the documents.  Yet, in some of the areas I
would argue that mountain biking is a primary use -- even higher usage
than hiking on some trails (specifically in the East Catalina PWA and the
Samaniego Ridge PWA).
 
I have personally enjoyed numerous mountain bike rides in the following
PWAs:
 
    Dragoon Potential Wilderness Area
    East Catalina Potential Wilderness Area
    Mt. Wrightson Addition Potential Wilderness Area
    North Chiricahua Potential Wilderness Area
    Samaniego Ridge Potential Wilderness Area
    Tumacacori Potential Wilderness Area
 
I know of many other mountain bikers who enjoy riding in these areas, as
well.
 
This summer, I will be spending many a weekends in the Lemmon area this summer on my bike. As a local trail builder, this are the same trails that I have maintained. Should you take some time to come hike this area, I am sure you will find many a mountain bikers camping, riding, and hiking in this area. I love to camp on Bigelow, just beyond the towers. 
 
I urge you to re-evaluate your look into these areas in the fact each is used by many mountain bikers.

 

 

 

Chad Brown

Spanish Teacher   Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

*: 520.822.7323| *:  <mailto:chad.brown@prca-tucson.org> chad.brown@prca-tucson.org

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