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Your Input Needed for the Proposed Timberline Bike Park
Last year, Timberline Resort announced plans to develop a lift-assist bike park within the confines of the existing developed resort area. As part of their lease agreement with the US Forest Service, the proposal was required to undergo an Environmental Assessment. The Environmental Assessment (E/A) is a formal evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of the project, to determine whether they are compatible with the responsible management of our public lands. The Preliminary E/A has been issued by the Forest Service and they are soliciting comments from the public before issuing their final decision. We are strongly urging our members to provide their support for the project. There are two ways you can do this - by attending the Open House scheduled from 4-7pm this coming thursday at the Zig Zag Ranger Station, or by submitting a letter to the Forest Service during the public comment period, which runs through April 1st. The NWTA Board of Directors supports the project for a number of reasons:
- This project will provide a resource for mountain bikers that is currently lacking in the Portland area. Though similar facilities are currently provided at Ski Bowl, the current proposal will provide a world class facility aimed at bikers for all skill levels, in a family-friendly environment.
- Placing the park in an area which is already developed minimizes the footprint of the project, by utilizing existing roads, parking, and other infrastructure already available at Timberline.
- Timberline and their design partners, Gravity Logic, have taken great care to minimize impacts to the valued natural resources present on Mt. Hood. Great care was taken in the design to minimize impacts to trees, streams and wetland areas.
- The project will provide a boost to the local economy, capturing dollars that currently go out of state to other, similar parks in California and Vancouver, BC
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