Post on 15-Jan-2016
description
Testing the Terrain
Off-road Cycling Pilot Project in Wirth Park
Testing the Terrain
Can a sustainable trail, which is both challenging for off-road cyclists and compatible with other park users, be established in Wirth Park?
Minneapolis Off-road Cycling Advocates (MOCA)Formed in response to the “silent
sports in Wirth Park” meeting called by the park board and Mayor R.T. Rybak, May 2002
Dedicated to environmentally sustainable off-road trails in Minneapolis
Minneapolis affiliate of Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC)
Off-road Bicycling inMinneapolis
Popular, mainstream recreational activity
Approximately 10,000 avid (ride more than 1x/week) off-road cyclists in metro area
Valued use of city parks
Trails also ideal for other uses, i.e. snowshoeing
Off-road Bicycling in Wirth Park
Trails in Wirth Park have been used by cyclists for over two decades
Many areas open to bicycles but trail network not formalized
Certain areas closed to bicycles
Today’s Presentation Agenda
Sustainable trails and how they are constructed
MORC/MOCA provide signage, trail building schools, and volunteer labor coordination
MORC/MOCA Mission
Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of mountain biking in Minnesota through the promotion of responsible mountain biking, the establishment and maintenance of mountain bike trails, and the preservation of Minnesota’s natural resources.
MORC Background
Established in 1994 - Organized around saving Terrace Oaks Park, Burnsville
400 individual members (metro)1500 additional members through
affiliated clubs throughout MNFunded by membership dues and
special fund raising events
How MORC/ MOCA Work with Land Managers
Adopt-a-Trail
MORC/MOCA Adopt-a-Trail
Single point of contact for land managerTrail monitoring & user education Consulting on trail design and erosion
mitigation Coordination of periodic volunteer trail
maintenance sessionsMORC/MOCA provide trail construction
tools MORC/MOCA provide standard trail
signage for use, direction, difficulty, & safety
MORC/MOCA Adopt-a-Trail
Minnesota River BottomsTerrace Oaks - BurnsvilleLebanon Hills - Dakota CountyBattle Creek - St.PaulHarmon Park – Inver Grove HeightsChippewa Nat’l ForestDuluth, Winona, MankatoWirth Park???
SustainableTrail Construction
Trail erosion is hastened by a combination of trail users, water and gravity
Fall line vs Contour design
The Contour Trail•Erosion resistant and low maintenance
•Keeps users on the trail
•Keeps water off the trail
•Sustainable and yet fun trails are the best way to achieve the balance between resource protection and user recreation
Sheet Flow
Grade Reversals, or constant undulations in a contour trail, act as GRADE DIPS, which are another defense against water damage
Grade Reversals
How do other land managers view MORC?
“I have found that MORC has been very responsive in working on correcting trail problems.”
“Illegal trail use has been all but eliminated.” “I would encourage any agency considering
mountain bike trails to work with MORC.” John Moriarty Natural Resource Specialist, Ramsey County
Parks Department
Our Philosophy on Trail building:
Build a trail correctly the first time, use it for a
Lifetime!
Testing the Terrain
Minneapolis Bicycle Trail System Concept
Demonstration Project History
MOCA presented a project proposal to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on March 19, 2003
The board directed staff to work with MOCA on an agreement for bike trails in Wirth Park
The MPRB requested a smaller demonstration project
Successful completion of the demonstration project will lead to negotiations to expand the trail system
Hwy 55 - Olson Memorial HwyTh
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Timeframe
We anticipate beginning construction in the spring of 2004
The pilot project evaluation period will begin when trail layout complete, tentatively Fall of 2004
One year evaluation period
Memorandum of Agreement
Trail Design StandardsMaintenance and MonitoringEducation and AwarenessSignageUser ConflictsExpensesEvaluation of the Pilot Project
Trail Design Standards - Trail Sustainability
Minimal impact to the area’s natural systems
Negligible soil lossMinimal damage to native plantings or
proliferation of invasive speciesNegligible impact on the area’s animal lifeLow-maintenance
Maintenance and Monitoring
MOCA and MPRB will regularly inspect the trails
MOCA will be responsible for maintenance of trails
MOCA will arrange for the North Central Mountain Bike Patrol to patrol area on a regular basis
Education and Awareness
Goals:1. Promote use of the Pilot Project area2.Raise awareness of the IMBA “Rules of
the Trail” to preserve trails and prevent user conflicts
Produce a pamphlet with trail map and Rules of the Trail
Signage
Signs will be installed at major access points with Rules of the Trail and trail map
Directional signage will identify designated trails for use
User Conflicts
Six member Grievance Committee (MPRB, MOCA, hiking/skiing, neighborhood)
Expenses
The MPRB will not provide direct funding for this project
The MPRB will provide staff resources to support the project
MOCA’s volunteers will construct and maintain trails
MOCA will seek grant funding for signage and pamphlet
Evaluation
Trail SustainabilityTrail MaintenancePark User SatisfactionPromotion and Awareness
Trail Maintenance and Monitoring
MOCA’s ability to maintain and monitor the trails to achieve Trail Sustainability will be evaluated
Park User Satisfaction
On-site surveysOn-line surveySurvey at bike shopsCommunity meeting
Promotion and Awareness
People’s level of awareness of the Pilot Project and the Rules of the Trail will be evaluated