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Time to Show Up and
 Have Our Voices Heard
Draft Betasso Preserve Management Plan
Public Open House
March 24, 2009
4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Houston Room, Boulder County Clerk & Recorder's Office (1750 33rd Street, Boulder)
 

   This is one of those times where numbers will make a difference.  Come for 30 minutes to an hour, the format is not structured, so when you come is not as important as just showing up.
 
   We really encourage you to take the time to read this plan.  The plan and all it's accompanying documents can be found here.  It is a well constructed piece of work, but if you want to cut to the chase and only look at the trails information, go to page 78 and start there.  The map of trail options is here.
 
The Issues 
  • The Wednesday/Saturday unilateral restriction on cyclists is unacceptable.  Either all user groups share in the restrictions, or none of them do.  This goes for both time restrictions and directional use.  This is a showstopper for BMA, as we believe this practice of making cyclists 'second class citizens' in their management of open space a dangerous place to be.  BMA sees this propagating to other management plans unless we stop this NOW.
  • The new trail loop doesn't go where it needs to go.  IMBA Trails Solutions developed a alignment that created a loop that had flow and made sense.  The proposed trail loop number 2 should extend further to the west into Benjamin a certain amount, instead of switchbacking repeatedly. While we would enjoy Trail Option 3 or 4, if that is not possible, We support trail 2A, instead of 2B as proposed in the plan.The maps can be found here
  • This plan shuts down the possibility of an east west corridor. This is an unmet recreation need; what is BCPOS going to do to address this need?

Talking Points

  • Thank staff for the opportunity to speak to this issue.
  • Make it personal;
  • Talk about what your usage pattern has been at Betasso... how often, how many loops, etc
  • Talk about he opportunity to get a high quality user experience without the use of a car.
  • Always keep in mind in your comments to support BCPOS where you can, but give constructive criticism where appropriate.
  • We are members of the Boulder County community; there are aspects of this plan that put cyclists in a 'less than equal' standing with other user groups.  
  • It's not about environmental damage, the science available shows bikes don't cause more trail damage than hikers
  • It's not about user conflict, we have demonstrated that we can share the trail and be courteous to each other.
  • Cyclists make up half the user population on the trails where we are allowed. 
  • We are one of Boulder County's most active and loyal stewardship organizations. 
If you cannot attend, send an email NOW

Comments to the plan must be delivered by April 8 and sent to betassopreserve@bouldercounty.org
 

It's about equal treatment.  See you there.
Are you interested in Better Trails for Boulder County?  Then consider joining the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance and be part of the solution!  We have memberships starting for as little as $25.  Please click here to be taken to our web site membership section to learn how you can join.

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