Bluegrass Cycling Club

Cave Run Non-Motorized Trails Initiative Project
Project Update Newsletter
April 2011
I’m jumping into the April newsletter head first to pass on a couple of items that are significant to the Cave Run Trails project.
First, we are scheduling an additional public participation opportunity with Woody Keen and his Trail Dynamics team due to the confusion and low turnout at the previous event. Secondly, Trail Dynamics has added Dr. Susan Stormer to the Cave Run Trails assessment team of trails experts.
The April 9 and 10 workshop was not well-attended, for several reasons—late notification of the event, inclement weather forecasts, and of course, the “near” government shutdown, all of which caused confusion as to whether or not the event would occur. In spite of that, Woody Keen, Dr. Jeremy Wimpey, and Scott Linnenburger, along with a few energetic and interested trail users, were able to review and discuss the conditions and use of some of the Cave Run trails. Discussions were thought provoking and lively, as usual!
Since that weekend, Woody has welcomed Dr. Susan Stormer to his team to help review the assessment of the Cave Run trails and develop recommendations for management. Susan has been an avid equestrian for over 27 years, a mountain biker for 14 years, and a trail professional since 2003. She grew up and attended school in the southeast, where she began her trailbuilding experience. She and her husband, Ryan Spates, were trail educators with the Texas Trail Doctors program before starting S+S Trails based out of Austin, Texas. Susan has a doctorate in Psychology, but prefers digging in the dirt and building trails. She will be combining her trail experience and social science education to lend expertise to the Cave Run project.
We are extending the invitation to all who are interested, to join us for an additional public workshop and learning opportunity with the Trail Dynamics team. We are offering three different opportunities so that you can choose your mode of involvement and interest.
Saturday morning, May 21, we will be hosting an indoor presentation from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the Morehead Conference Center. Woody, Scott, and Susan will facilitate a slideshow and discussion of trail conditions, problems, use patterns, and solutions.
Saturday afternoon, May 21, we will host an outdoor field review, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Woody, Scott, and Susan will facilitate a review and discussion of trail conditions, problems, use patterns, and solutions. Those who are interested will meet at the Cumberland Ranger District parking lot, and head out to the trail from there. You will need to dress for the weather, and wear footwear adequate for hiking. (See schedule at end of newsletter.)
We welcome you to one or the other, or both sessions. These two Saturday sessions will cover similar information, so one or the other will serve to inform you of trail conditions determined through the Cave Run trail assessment. The field session will provide an on-the-ground look at problem areas and solutions, and provide additional time for discussion and education.
You are also welcome to join us on Sunday, May 22, for a hands-on demonstration and educational workshop where we will work together in simulating a trail layout. Trail design, trail layout, and building techniques will be discussed. We will meet at the Cumberland Ranger District parking lot at 1:00 p.m. You will need to dress for the weather, wear footwear adequate for hiking, and bring work gloves and plenty to drink.
Public involvement in the assessment is fundamental to the development and success of the future management of the Cave Run trails. Public collaboration offers participants opportunities for learning why problems are occurring, how to assess problem areas for sustainability, and technical concepts related to planning, layout, and management of sustainable trails. It also provides trail users a chance to share future visions and ideas, and consider opportunities, constraints, and concerns in an atmosphere of mutual cooperation and education. We all need to stay informed and work together, now and in the future, if we want to retain the opportunity to recreate on public lands that we believe are truly great places to fulfill our passions.
If you have any questions, please contact me at (989) 724-9381, or email rriegle@fs.fed.us. Hope to see you soon!
Respectfully,
Becky Riegle
Project Team Leader

CAve Run Trails Initiative meeting went well yesterday. Woody Keen and his team will present their report in July. They will be having a trail layout demo today if anyone is intrested. They are meeting at the ranger station on the main road by the lake at 1 oclock 5/22/2011.