Cause for Alarm! Natural Trails Surface Study

The results of this study are part of planning for future trail development. Review by ATAG members shows that by far the top survey response called for allowing "mountain bikes" to access trails in the future in sensitive/vulnerable areas of forested lands that are home to the county's dwindling wildlife population. This is in conflict with other findings including that 68% of the respondents reported traveling to use trails on foot and 62% of the of respondents being age 50+. It looks as though this "natural" trail effort is being hijacked by a small number of bike enthusiasts who are unsatisfied with Arlington's extensive on- and off-road trail network where bikes are permitted.

In the past, extensive damage has been inflicted by unauthorized mountain bikers in Mary Carlin Woods, who chopped down trees and constructed bridges, ramps, etc., disturbing local wildlife: (p. 4) https://www.bluemontcivic.org/newsletters/BCA_News_202004.pdf. Lacy Woods Park also sustained major damage in 2020 with holly trees chopped down. Restoration was time-consuming and expensive requiring additional volunteer efforts: https://www.bluemontcivic.org/newsletters/BCA_News_202008.pdf.

Additional community engagement opportunities will occur late this summer and in the fall. We urge all of you to take a closer look and to express any concerns to the Dept. of Parks & Recreation as well as to County Board members. Contact the County Board at CountyBoard@arlingtronva.us, the County Manger at CountyManager@arlingtonva.us, and the Parks and Recreation Department planner, Ryan Delaney, at 703-228-3336 or rdelaney@arlingtonva.us For more information, review the County’s webpage. News story from ArlNow and comments from the Bluemont Civic Association.