Menomonie School Forest Single-Track Mountain Bike...

Menomonie School Forest

Single-Track Mountain Bike Trail Proposal

Presented by:

Menomonie Area Mountain Bike Association (MAMBA) and

Chippewa Valley Off Road Bicycle Association (CORBA)

CORBA Trails Proposal 1/31/2014

Menomonie School Forest Proposal Introduction

We, MAMBA and CORBA, propose that the Menomonie Area School Board formally recognize, authorize and partner, on the creation of a network of single-track mountain bike trails on the Menomonie School Forest property, as a recreational resource for the students and general public, as well as a revenue source for the School District.

CORBA proposes to cooperatively design, build, and maintain the proposed single-track mountain bike trail system with the Menomonie Area School District and its designated leaders of the site. CORBA is dedicated to building, improving and promoting mountain bike opportunities in Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley. This mission directly aligns the district’s strategy to improve academic outcomes for all students and ensure student engagement and achievement by maximizing available resources, as well as supporting the development of a plan to promote opportunities at the Environmental Site and in the Community Education program as potential sources of revenue. Background

MAMBA was formed to create mountain biking opportunities in the Menomonie area. MAMBA, in cooperation with the Dunn County Facilities committee has successfully developed mapped, marked single-track trails Menomin Park that enhance the user experience.

CORBA was formed as a result of a request to build trails at Lowes Creek County Park to host a mountain bike race. We have since taken over, created or assisted in trail development and maintenance in 3 other areas in the Chippewa Valley. We are a group of local cyclists and long-term Chippewa Valley trail riders who are passionate about preserving unpaved multi-use trails in the Chippewa Valley. CORBA is also the Chippewa Valley affiliate of The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin; a statewide non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of bicycling in Wisconsin. CORBA is a Chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Proposal

The Menomonie Area School District School Forest offers an unmatched opportunity for area mountain bike enthusiasts and for the school district. The large site offers vast vertical challenges that no other existing site in Western Wisconsin possesses. The proposal is to craft the area and its unique terrain into a regional attraction that would enable educational, recreational, and revenue opportunities. The site can be a draw for local and regional mountain bike riders and the gateway to the CORBA sites across the Chippewa Valley. With the addition of properly designed and maintained single-track mountain bike trails to the school forest, the district can reduce maintenance costs, create revenue, as well as create additional educational and recreational opportunities for the students.


Parking Revenue

The School Forest currently lacks parking for regular users of the site. The revenue opportunities start with CORBA collaborating with Fairmont Minerals to build a parking lot on the North boarder of the facility off of 700th Ave (near the Northern end of the logging road). The lot would contain signage and a pay station for daily and annual passes for bicycle riding in the park. For example, Eau Claire County has seen revenue increase at Lowes Creek mountain bike facility to more than $20,000 annually, with the addition of CORBA single-track trails,

Site Facilities Revenue

The site currently contains excellent, yet underutilized facilities that can be rented to mountain bike riders as well as snow shoe/winter campers. The campfire ring and sheltered picnic tables provide outstanding opportunities for day rental as well as the primitive cabins for overnight rental. Future opportunities include groomed ski trails and fees for year round users.

Timing August 2013 – Present to School Officials and Administration September 2013 – Present to School Board October through February 2014 – Plan site March 2014 – Start construction of lot and initial trails Costs

CORBA will provide volunteer assistance and expertise required to design and build a single-track trail system and parking lot in cooperation with the designated leads of the School Forest site. The cost of parking lot and trail design / build will be funded by CORBA and our business partners.

Site Trail Building and Maintenance

The site currently has miles of hiking trails maintained by school district resources. The proposed single-track trail system could include the existing hiking trails and could almost eliminate maintenance of the hiking trails by the school district. Experienced has demonstrated to both groups, that well designed trails with regular use require less maintenance, than trails that have little use. Single-track mountain bike trails are frequently multipurpose hiking and biking trails where IBMA “Rules of the Trail” promote behavior conducive to multi-use.

A well-designed off-road bicycle trail is largely self-maintaining. CORBA and its

volunteers are dedicated to building and maintaining environmentally sustainable mountain bike opportunities. CORBA holds regular, trail maintenance events at their sites improving trails, clearing downed trees and mowing growth along trails. Volunteers are trained and approved on the use of CORBA power equipment and


comply with approved agreements of site owners. Regular use by an assigned CORBA liaison and other members will increase the monitoring of the site and facilities as well as close any unwanted and superfluous trials.

Potential Issues Addressed

As with any new trail system there are potential issues that must be considered. CORBA has identified what we feel to be the most critical issues and address them as follows.

Environmental Sustainability - By drawing on the expertise of IMBA, CORBA will design trails to ensure the trail system is environmentally sustainable. The trails will be built to IMBA trail standards, which were originally developed by the US Forest Service. User Conflicts – Students and other school district forest users at the site will have priority for school functions at the site. The new single-track trails can be designed with current uses in mind and help avoid interaction of students using the forest and riders. Students and other educational users may utilize the trails for educational and recreational opportunities. Trails can be marked as shared, to alert both walkers and bicyclists to the presence of other trail users. Educating bicyclists and walkers on IMBA’s “Rules of the Trail,” which ask cyclists to slow and yield to pedestrians, is the best way to minimize potential conflicts (Appendix 7).

Overuse – Creating and publicizing a trail system in the school forest will increase the number of cyclists on the trails. A well-designed trail actually benefits from frequent use because the trail surface (tread) hardens and becomes resistant to erosion as more cyclists use it. Trash – Cyclists, as a group, tend to be particularly environmentally conscious, travel light, and do not typically leave items on the trail. In our experience, other users, not cyclists, typically leave trash and litter. In the event that litter on trails becomes a problem, CORBA will help organize periodic trail cleanup days. Uninformed Cyclists - We propose to continue a comprehensive educational strategy including pamphlets to be distributed at local bicycle shops and online, a few well-placed informational signs to help educate cyclists about CORBA sites and proper use of the trail system. MAMBA has also partnered with the District and is planning a continuing education class for the Fall, Introduction to Mountain Biking. This approach will help avoid user conflicts, minimize unauthorized trail building, and help preserve the trail system. The pamphlets and signs will include trail maps, IMBA “Rules of the Trail,” tips on responsible riding (when and how to ride).

Maintenance - Bicycle trails are typically constructed and maintained using simple hand tools. When maintenance is required, CORBA will provide the necessary volunteers, expertise and assistance to complete this work.


Volunteers organized by CORBA are also insured when doing trail work. We encourage you to review the attached letters of recommendation from other local governmental units regarding the ongoing contributions made by CORBA to their trail systems.

Conclusion

We would like to thank the School Board for considering the proposal for single-track trails on the School Forest property. CORBA and MAMBA have created many successful alliances in the Chippewa Valley to provide top rated mountain bike opportunities as well as revenue generation for local government and increased tourism revenue for the Chippewa Valley.

Appendices Appendix 1 – MAMBA Board Members & Contacts Appendix 2 – CORBA Board Members & Contacts Appendix 3 – Map of site and proposed parking lot Appendix 4 – Maps of example proposed trail network Appendix 5 – Example parking lot design Appendix 6 – About IMBA Appendix 7 – CORBA reference letters – Eau Claire County, Chippewa County, Altoona Appendix 8 – CORBA Certificate of Liability Insurance Appendix 9 – CORBA Liability Waiver – Eau Claire Appendix 10 – CORBA Volunteer Waiver Agreement Appendix 11 – CORBA Altoona Otter Creek Trail Agreement Appendix 12 – IMBA “Rules of the Trail”


Appendix 1: MAMBA Board Members & Contacts Chris Schrantz – President Steve Brown – Vice President Jerry Porter – Secretary / Treasurer Zach Anderson – Trail Marshal Joan Carlson – Member at Large MAMBA Jerry Porter Secretary / Treasure Email: [email protected]

Web: http://www.menomonieareamountainbikeassociation.org Appendix 2: CORBA Board Members & Contacts President – Danny Deetz Vice President – Dean Roth Secretary/Treasurer – Jereme Rauckman Trail Marshal – Jay Plummer Board Member at Large – Viet Van Dong Lowes Creek Co-Liaisons: Jon LaVelle and Laura Plummer Northwest Park Co-Liaisons: Matt Andrews Otter Creek Co-Liaisons: Dave Olson & Sue McDonald Hickory Ridge Co-Liaisons: Noah Michaelson & Brian Kelley CORBA Danny Deetz President Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.chippewaoffroad.org

http://www.menomonieareamountainbikeassociation.org/

http://www.chippewaoffroad.org/


Appendix 3: Map with proposed parking lot


Appendix 4: Maps of example proposed trails network


Appendix 5: Example parking lot design


Appendix 6: About the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) was established in 1988.

IMBA creates, enhances and preserves trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide. Encourages low-impact riding, volunteer trail work participation, cooperation among different trail user groups, and innovative trail management solutions.

Worldwide network includes 32,000 individual members, more than 450 bicycle clubs, more than 100 corporate partners and an equal number of bicycle retailer members. IMBA's members live in all 50 U.S. states, most Canadian provinces and in 30 other countries.

Principal projects: o Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew o National Mountain Bike Patrol o IMBA Trail building Schools o IMBA Sprockids o IMBA Epic Rides o a variety of educational efforts that comprise international, national,

regional, state and local efforts.

IMBA works to keep trails open and in good condition for everyone.

IMBA is a tax-exempt, non-profit educational association.

Contact Information: International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)

207 Boulder Canyon Dr Boulder, CO 80302

Telephone: 303-545-9011 Fax: 303-545-9026

Email: [email protected] Web: www.imba.com

Hansi Johnson

Midwest Representative Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.imba.com/


Appendix 7: CORBA Reference Letters

To Whom It May Concern

The Eau Claire County Parks and Forest Dept. has experienced an excellent working relationship

with the Chippewa Off Road Bike Association for many years. CORBA has developed high

quality and highly regarded single mountain bike trails at Lowes Creek County Park. The trails

were developed by trained volunteers who utilized contemporary design elements in an

environmentally challenging valley with a creek running through it. I am impressed with their

concern for long term durability and sustainability of the trails and of the environment as a

whole.

I have found the leadership of CORBA to be organized, flexible and very understanding of Eau

Claire County’s policies and concerns.

I have the opportunity to work with many recreational user groups and CORBA is certainly one

of the best.

Mike Torud Eau Claire County Parks and Forest Director 227 1st Street West Altoona, Wi. 54720 715-839-4787


Appendix 8: CORBA Certificate of Liability Insurance


Appendix 9: CORBA Liability Waiver – Eau Claire


Appendix 10: CORBA Volunteer Waiver Agreement


Appendix 11: CORBA Altoona Otter Creek Trail Agreement


Appendix 12: IMBA Rules of the Trail

The way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance our sport's access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association. These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA's mission is to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible. 1. Ride On Open Trails Only.

Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

2. Leave No Trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle! Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

4. Always Yield Trail. Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.

5. Never Scare Animals. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.

6. Plan Ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.

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