courtesy IMBA

June 13, 2002 – Community trail projects will have a stronger mountain
biking perspective thanks to a new agreement signed by the International
Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and the Rivers, Trails &
Conservation Assistance (Rivers & Trails) program of the National Park
Service.

The five-year agreement will develop four to six trail projects annually.
2002 projects include:
* Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Salt Lake City, Utah
* Roanoke Valley Greenways, Roanoke, Virginia
* Arroyo Seco Watershed Restoration Project, Los Angeles County, California
* Spring Mountain Perimeter Trail, Spring Mountains, Nevada
* Boston Hill Trail, Silver City, New Mexico

The agreement will also:
* Promote mountain biking as a family activity with health benefits.
* Encourage the design of trail systems with broad appeal.
* Develop and promote mountain biking success stories.
* Develop a model “Urban Trails Park” concept.

“Rivers & Trails projects are the kind of broad-based community initiatives
in which mountain bicyclists need to play a part,” said IMBA executive
director Tim Blumenthal. “Most IMBA members live in urban areas and are
always looking for appealing places to ride. This partnership will help
create new dirt trails that are integral components of community trail
systems.”
Rivers & Trails helps communities build trail and greenway systems,
restore rivers and wildlife habitat, and preserve open space. Their work
largely focuses on urban and suburban locations, where demand for trail
networks is the greatest.

Last year, Rivers & Trails helped develop more than 700 miles of
trail, protected 1,000 river miles and preserved almost 30,000 acres of
open space. Local mountain bikers are often involved in these projects.
Rivers & Trails helps build partnerships, engage public participation,
identify funding and provide technical planning expertise. They have 30
field offices and 90 professional conservation and recreation planners who
facilitate projects in all 50 states.
“A successful trails project needs the perspective and
participation from all trail users,” said Attila Bality, NPS Recreation
Planner. “Our local project champions are delighted we can help bring
IMBA’s trail expertise to the table. We’re really excited about the
opportunities this partnership can bring to community trails projects.”

To find your local Rivers & Trails field office and a list of
projects in your state visit:
http://www.ncrc.nps.gov/programs/rtca/index.html For more information
contact Jenn Dice at jenn@imba.com or Attila Bality at
Attila_Bality@nps.gov.