Forest Service, Mountain Bikers Clashing over Forest Trails
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service is cracking down on unauthorized trail-building in the Black Hills National Forest, and that's prompted a backlash from some area mountain bikers.
District Ranger Ruth Esperance recently sent a letter to leaders of the mountain biking community, warning that violations of the ban on unauthorized trails could result in criminal prosecution and even prison time. Esperance said meetings and discussions haven't been enough to stop the illegal trails.
Mountain biking group spokesman Jason Kingsbury told the Rapid City Journal the letter was "threatening, bullying and inflammatory." Kingsbury said he doesn't condone unauthorized trail-building but disputes the legality of prohibiting mountain bikers from riding trails they encounter in the forest.
Both sides say they hope to cooperate on a plan for future trail development and maintenance.
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