Erin,

I am writing this letter to provide my comments regarding the Potential Wildlife Area plans that include the Samaniego and East Catalina and other areas within the Coronado National Forest.

I am a member of the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists.  I am also a father that has raised one daughter riding these trails to enjoy the quality of life that the great outdoors of the Coronado Forest provides. Mountain biking is a passion that enables this experience for them, me, and thousands of others in Tucson and beyond.

I participate regularly with the City of Tucson, Pima County, and the US Forest Service doing trail maintenance as related to our local mountain bike community. Our groups have spent many hours assisting with trails in the area of study, and harbor a great sense of pride and ownership in protecting the beauty and nature of our land.

Mountain biking is a growing sport with a developing communication infrastructure and knowledge base. An increasing amount of people are visiting Tucson to experience what we have to offer. The mountain bike trail systems on Mt. Lemmon and Samaniego areas are some of the most coveted trails in Arizona, with unique and world class aspects. Several local mountain bike tour groups use these areas to offer exposure to recreational areas like no other place in the country provides. Several times folks have considered moving here just after one experience.

The exclusion of mountain bikers as a user group in the USFS plans is concerning. Most of the time we appear to be the majority users on these trails. It would be devastating for myself and the other mountain biking citizens if these areas were taken from us. Please consider revising the plan to include mountain biking as a legitimate, and accepted, user group.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Mark Hildabrand

9600 E Banbridge St
Tucson, AZ 85747
(520) 979-5526
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