The BLM is currently in the process of flying more supplies into the Bear Claw Poppy Reserve to finish the trail fencing project they started months ago. As we reported then, the fences are going in as a response to habitat degradation and demands from Fish and Wildlife to maintain the integrity of the Bear Claw Poppy Reserve.
It was over a year ago that the DMBTA was first contacted by the BLM to keep us in the loop on the United States Fish and Wildlife Services’ concerns of habitat degradation within the Bear Claw Poppy Reserve. The ridiculous amount of braiding and illegal trails that had amassed had resulted in a net loss of habitat for the poppy. What this meant for the BLM and us mountain bikers was that we either closed the trail or found a way to control the braiding and widening of the trail.
The original fences were met with some grumbling, but overall, they have eliminated sections of trail that were confusing to new users and have helped turn the tide in the never-ending battle against trail braiding.
As the most used trail in all of Washington County, we feel that it is essential to keep this corridor open to mountain biking. We wish that trail users would remember that they are guests within the Bear Claw Poppy Reserve, but do support the BLM with the compromise that they were able to strike with Fish and Wildlife. Moreover, we hope that trail users will see this as a wake up call that we need to be sure to keep singletrack single.
Original post here.
