Wednesday, June 18, 2008

User Groups and Sustainability?

The topic of trail users damaging the ecosystem seems to keep coming up in discussions around me lately. Some discussions positive and some negative. Groups like Sirbikealot Racing, Kelso, the Ontario Fereration of Snowmobile Clubs, and IMBA - Internation Mountain Bike Association (I'm still not convinced that all their re-routes are necessary but they are doing the right thing as a whole) etc. have been putting in a lot of effort into sustainable low impact trails over recent years. However, our public image isn’t necessary improving by leaps and bounds. After being asked the other day how can you call yourself environmentally responsible while participating in hobbies such as Motorcycling, Snowmobiling, Quading and Mountain Biking without feeling guilty? I figured I should say something. ?????? How do you address this question! Lets look at it through two points.

Firstly I'd ask what is the true impact of these groups. Our core environmental problem do not result from the recreational users. I’d be surprised if recreational activities even make up 1% of the overall environmental problem/impact after you take into consideration the footprint left by corporations miss-use of our resources such as non-sustainable logging practices, oil extraction and processing, mining, steel production, etc., then add the environmental impacts of transporting goods in our current global economy by boat, planes and trucks, wait now don’t forget all the commuters. I think you’ll find the recreational impact becomes a minute point. Ultimately I think their interest in protecting these areas benifit the protection of the environement which is where I'll go with point#2.

Most recreational users implement practices such as bring out what you bring in (many bring out more then they bring in, and sustainable trail usage i.e. not to mountain bike in a sensitive area after rain for example). Many also argue that simply using the land damages the natural habitats and vegetation. I also think this is often blown out of proportion. Find a mountain bike trail that has seen 10 years of traffic but has been closed for about 2 or 3 seasons and you will most likely see that the vegitation has taken over the trail in most cases. However, we do realize that sensitive ares need to be protected and the trends in trail building are towards building “sustainable” trails that minimize the environmental impacts. Involvement from Environental Scientist or Biologist in reviewing plans and evaluating areas for new trails is quickly becoming the norm. Many leaders in trail building now even come from an environmental background. I believe both of Ontario’s principle race promoter come with educational backgrounds in environmental science for example. The majority of those large beaten paths through the woods you find unsightly and damaging are generally from old logging operations, farming and back roads traveled by heavy vehicles. Also agruments are often heard that motorized recreational products simply cause polution with no real need. However, this is being minimized with motor sports users making purchases based on cleaner product with this trend being reflected in the sales of Yamaha Canada’s nearly exclusive use of cleaner running 4 Strokes and BRP/Envinrudes Ecotec 2 Strokes engines running cleaner, quiter and more efficiently.

Secondly I actually think recreational users may be part of the solution. We have a vested interested in protecting green areas and the environment because without them our hobbies would no longer be accessible. Quite often you will find that the majority of people who participate in these types of activities are the primary advocate groups for environmental protection and are often leading the clean up initiatives, protection and lobying. I don't think many will argue that the majority of the spring cleanup in Toronto’s Don Valley due to the garbage from the surrounding apartments are done by the mountain bikers who use the area. To expand on being a primary advocate group when it comes to protecting these areas. We have a strong interest in protecting the areas we use as escapes into mother natures heart because we’d all mostly be admit into insane asylums if we where all left living in the hustle and bustles of North America’s cities without our escapes.

That's all for my thinking aloud (I'll have to re-read this later, I doubt this article will stand on its on two feet with the little thought or research I put in, but hopefully it may make you think a little). However, next time you think of trying to ban a user group or attack them because of your perception that they are the cause of our environmental problems, or deterioration of your favourite park or conservation area why not try working with them and hopefully you will find 1) they are on the same side you are and 2) the extra impact you have due to the increased number of supporters will fast track your efforts to stop the true villains.


Oh and a quick thanks Dave Stone as I stole the pictures from him (sshhh don't tell him)

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