MTBrider
12-06-2005, 01:23 PM
For the last 6 months members of Club MTBrider have been busy canvassing support for the need for sustainable managed trails in our forests. We have been in almost constant contact with Lord Rooker (head of DARD) via letter and email (much to the annoyance of Rooker himself) and we have gained support from several local politicians, Jeffery Donaldson in particular.
Recently Lord Rooker told Mr. Donaldson that Forest Service were to be asked to hold a meeting with all interested parties regards off road cycling, MTBrider and the local IMBA rep were amongst those who would be formally invited to attend.
Whilst there has been no formal invite, or indeed notification of any meeting todate, it was today learnt that just such a meeting has been planned by Forest Service for Saturday 17th Dec at 1pm in Castlewellan. It is at present unclear who if anyone has been invited, and how if at all the meeting has been publicised as no press releases have been seen regarding it. Very odd for something that is being billed as a public meeting.
The agenda as we understand it is:
To give those attending the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how Forest Service manages its assets for public benefit.
To outline to the meeting how any proposals, affecting the management of public forests, are assessed by Forest Service.
To establish if there are any individuals / groups / clubs who wish to be involved in shaping future decisions who accept a level of responsibility proportionate to the level of influence they seek to exercise.
"To review the use of public forests for mountain biking. To explore the scope for further development"
We strongly suggest everyone with an interest in off road cycling attend the meeting.
Once MTBrider receives it's official invite we will of course confirm the details.
Recently Lord Rooker told Mr. Donaldson that Forest Service were to be asked to hold a meeting with all interested parties regards off road cycling, MTBrider and the local IMBA rep were amongst those who would be formally invited to attend.
Whilst there has been no formal invite, or indeed notification of any meeting todate, it was today learnt that just such a meeting has been planned by Forest Service for Saturday 17th Dec at 1pm in Castlewellan. It is at present unclear who if anyone has been invited, and how if at all the meeting has been publicised as no press releases have been seen regarding it. Very odd for something that is being billed as a public meeting.
The agenda as we understand it is:
To give those attending the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how Forest Service manages its assets for public benefit.
To outline to the meeting how any proposals, affecting the management of public forests, are assessed by Forest Service.
To establish if there are any individuals / groups / clubs who wish to be involved in shaping future decisions who accept a level of responsibility proportionate to the level of influence they seek to exercise.
"To review the use of public forests for mountain biking. To explore the scope for further development"
We strongly suggest everyone with an interest in off road cycling attend the meeting.
Once MTBrider receives it's official invite we will of course confirm the details.