#1313516 - 05/05/1104:22 PM
Blazing new trails on state forest land
Kootch
Member
Registered: 12/03/04
Posts: 195
Loc: Burlington
For the past couple of months there have been groups of mountain bikers cutting down trees and raking out miles of paths (racetracks) in the Nassahegon State Forest in Burlington. I already know this is illegal but my question is: how can this be stopped? I've already filed complaints and Encon has come out and issued one written warning, but that did little to dissuade the bikers. Without actually catching them in the act, there's little that Encon can do. The DEP forester for this area has also been out and has attempted to cover up the illegal trails, but every weekend the bikers rake them clean again. This is becoming more and more of a problem since MDC has closed off a popular mountain biking spot at Scoville Rd, near Sessions Woods.
I have no issue with mountain biking but I do have issue with blazing new trails through an area that already has more trails than undisturbed woods. Any suggestions?
#1313620 - 05/05/1111:29 PM
Re: Blazing new trails on state forest land
[Re: Kootch]
No Fish Today
Member
Registered: 09/04/03
Posts: 1402
Hey Captain,
I've seen MANY trails opened up over the last 5+ years in Meshomasic, too. Especially in the last 3 yrs they have been widened, extended and obstacles, ramps, jumps and technical features built. Some have even been blazed. I don't think it is limited to mountain bikers, I've seen dirt bikes and their tracks back among the trails, too.
Take a walk on the trail (on which the Meshamosic Letterbox is located) along Buck Brook. Quite the extensive development back there...
I've also noted extensively developed trails and features back behind the old Nike Missile Silo site.
It looks like they are beginning to develop features on the trails along the South-West flank of Meshamosic Mountain, too.
I've also observed dirt bikes on the trails at the other side of Rte. 2 between the state firearms range (exit 11 West) and the Planeta Rd. Fish and Game Club (E. Glastonbury F&G?).
If an Encon Officer wants a guide, I'm willing... However, I don't think anyone would have any trouble finding what I've seen.
Edited by No Fish Today (05/05/1111:33 PM) Edit Reason: Correction to direction.
#1315237 - 05/11/1102:21 AM
Re: Blazing new trails on state forest land
[Re: Kootch]
danny k
The Good Life
Registered: 02/14/03
Posts: 2565
Loc: Port Huron Michigan
Salmon River State Forrest is also suffering the same problem especially on Grayville Rd. Last fall I tripped on a booby trap of piled brush in the dark a homeowner at the end of the road placed behind his house on a trail he told me it was for the "bikers" and not meant for the hunters after he walked up to me as I was finishing my hunt.
St. Clair River. Port Huron, MI. #1 Prolific Fishery in North America Bar None!
Last fall I tripped on a booby trap of piled brush in the dark a homeowner at the end of the road placed behind his house on a trail he told me it was for the "bikers"
There's a crime also. Booby traps are against the law.
When there's no legal place to ride, everywhere becomes the only place to ride.
Edited by Rocketman (05/13/1101:53 PM)
In the beginning there was nothing. Even that exploded.
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