Page 79 of the PDF file. SB is recommended to become a nature preserve. (I like this idea)

Page 68 recommends biking only on paved roads inside nature preserves. (don't like this so much)

Maybe an exception can be made for SB because the trails are already there? And there's an injured dedicated bunch of trailworkers taking care of it.

Locomoto wrote on 02/28/08 at 4:15pm:

Actually Fisher Farm Park was the first one.  And I've got a witness!  (me).

If I remember correctly, Sherman Branch was supposed to be a Nature Preserve anyway.  That's why Enoch kept the trail out of some sensitive areas.

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I've always heard this, but their presentation would lead me to believe otherwise (isn't a mountain bike a "non-motorized vehicle"?).  This is why I asked the question, and why I continue to ask.   

I was told "bikes aren't allowed on the trails, unless guided by our staff".  Their concern is that we would go off trail and make new corridors.  (Couldn't a hiker do the same thing?)  I was also told that "Ten speeds are welcome on the roads".  But my bike has 27 speeds....

I still continue to question the logic, especially when there are thousands of acres of nature preserves and the data and public feedback show overwhelming need for bike trails.

Am I wrong?

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Not at all, but bike bans seldom have anything to do with logic.  I remember when I moved to Charlotte being surprised how much public land mtb-ers have access to.  Bikers have gradually been chased out of the woods every place else I've lived or else confined to one or two very crowded trails.  Typically it involves some politically well connected hiker group seeking exclusivity for themselves with the excuse that bikes damage the environment, disturb the wildlife, menace other users, etc.  I worry that attitude may eventually take hold here as the population grows.

I know there is a study being conducted around Sherman as to the wildlife. I am not 100% sure what division it is. I am also aware that some of the land was off limits to building any trail due to a certain species of bird.

I doubt that any particular hiking group has lobbied for changing the status of SB in order to get rid of the MTB trails. I do know that we have some neighbors that are part of the carolina raptor center that have released some hawks and such in the park but in speaking with them they seemed very happy to have the trails there.

Our presence has stopped (certainly curtailed) various illeagal activities in the park..Hunting, ATV, Moto, etc and I really have not noticed very many hikers on or off the trails.  I hope the powers that be see that we have added to the enjoyment of the public and neighbors by having trails here.

Is there a contact that would be appropriate to reach out to in order to discuss what restictions would be put in place or avenue to change the proposed designation of nature preserve to ensure that the future use is including the trails.

OR am I getting concerned over nothing???

Thanks for going, if you can. I have family obligations and can't make it myself 

Make sure you shave, dress nice, and take a wad of cash to bribe and represent the club in a positive manner 

Thanks for the update. I guess that is overall good news 

In a lot of land management issues, horses are considered natural users while cyclists are seen as a form of "mechanized transport" equivalent to dirt bikes, ATVs, etc.

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I wouldn't count on us loosing that land.  We are on the master plan for that park.