June 3, 2023
In what may be a first in Southern Utah history, over 50 local mountain bikers, NICA teams, government agencies and local bike shops gathered at Bearclaw Poppy to celebrate National Trails Day.
National Trails Day® is an annual event hosted by the American Hiking Society that encourages support of our nation’s public trails. Trails are an important part of urban and rural communities and have a positive impact on our mental and physical health. National Trails Day® “…is a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service. Thousands of hikers, bikers, rowers, horseback riders, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses come together in partnership to advocate for, maintain, and clean up public lands and trails.”
A Worthy Cause
Selecting Bearclaw Poppy (BCP) as the event site was a no-brainer. One could argue there’s no trail system in Southern Utah more vulnerable and fragile than BCP. The area sees heavy year-round use from locals and visitors and is a favorite training ground for NICA teams.
Trail signage is either lacking, vandalized or confusing, making navigation a challenge. This is exacerbated by online trail apps like TrailForks that include illegal trails. Visitors and first-time riders are faced with a confusing array of trails, many of which are unsanctioned ‘social’ trails.
A number of agencies have oversight and/or input into the area, making cohesive planning and control challenging.
Endangered Trails
Perhaps the greatest threat to BCP is the proliferation of illegal trails, many of which cut through cryptobiotic soils and threaten the habitat of two protected species in the area. The Dwarf Bear Poppy is endemic to Washington County, while the Desert Tortoise is an endangered species. As a result, the area is closely monitored by the US Fish and Wildlife Agency, which is empowered to close some or all of the area due to overuse and/or abuse.
Education First
A key challenge in protecting BCP is the lack of awareness among users about the fragile and protected environment in and around BCP. Education is the natural first step in promoting responsible recreational use. Representatives from the BLM and the Red Cliffs Desert Preserve presented information about area management and planning. Attendees received a refresher course on trail etiquette and received tips on DIY trail maintenance.
On the lighter side, local bike shops exhibited their wares and donated gift cards and shop gear to a huge raffle. There was even an official t-shirt printed and sold on-site, with 100% of the proceeds donated to preserving and protecting BCP.
What’s Next?
As successful as the event was, it’s only the first step in a long journey. The ultimate goal? To ensure Bearclaw Poppy remains open for responsible recreational use today, tomorrow, next week and next year. This gathering demonstrated that our community is committed to the cause. It was so encouraging to have representation from every local bike shop, government agencies, NICA teams, and local mountain bikers all united in their desire to protect these beloved trails.
Join Friends of the Claw!
Friends of the Claw is a group of concerned and engaged trail users committed to helping keep the Bear Claw Poppy trail system open for all to enjoy responsibly.
The BCP history, location, management and environment create a unique set of challenges, requiring a multi-faceted approach to protection, including:
Education
Signage
Ambassadorship
Maintenance
TASU is actively working with the BLM and Red Cliffs Desert Preserve to ensure that mountain bikers are represented in the decisions affecting BCP trails. We MUST be active in the fight. Boots on the ground, shovels in hand, and voices educating trail users are our weapons.
If you’d like to assist us in protecting the legacy of Bearclaw Poppy for current and future generations, consider becoming a Friend of the Claw!
For more information, contact TASU today!
