North Trail Extension Update

I thought I would chime in and let everyone know what is happening as far as progress concerning the extension of the Green Hills trails north to campground 20.

I met recently with Phil Sneed, who is the land manager for the Poosey Conservation Area. We had a great meeting and I think we are very fortunate have Phil as our contact with the Conservation Dept. As with everything bureaucratic, Phil has to follow the policies, etc... and submit the proposal to the Northwest Region for approval. Their consideration will hinge around some of the following:
1. Need for more trail. Why build any more trail than is already existing? Who will use the trail?
2. Who will build and maintain the trail? What is the history up to date of maintenance, etc...
3. Does this fit into the Mission statement goals and vision of the Conservation Dept?

First, let me start by saying that we are just one user group/special interest group and Phil always has to think about all user groups that are impacted by any Conservation Dept. decisions. I think we have proven ourselves to be great partners concerning the public lands and have always worked to maintain all the trails that we have built over the past 10+ years.

In my conversation with Phil, I expressed my view point that the Conservation Dept. needs to be more proactive in serving Missouri residents that are not typical stereotypical "consumptive" users of Conservation lands. Statistics have proven that there are less residents hunting and fishing while still paying
one eighth of 1 percent sales tax, which is $1.00 per $800 spent to the Conservation Dept. It is my opinion that the Conservation Dept needs to start looking at the statistics and start meeting the needs of the majority of the tax paying constituency. Building more trails for hiking, trail running, biking, would fill some of those needs and better use public lands when hunting seasons are not in progress. I'm sure one of the concerns may be who will continue to maintain trails once they are established etc... when budgets have been reduced and resources are restricted! We are not typical as far as a group that has continue to honor our initial agreement and maintain our trail system with a vision.

Phil will contact me with the decision from the Northwest Region in the near future. Phil is submitting the proposal this month/February as that is protocol. I will report to you when I find out what the decision is and or recourse and plan of action, should it not be progressive. Let's just say I've already talked to at least two legislators and one influential lobbyists and it could end up being one big Pandora's Box! I've been told that this is already a "tinder box issue" with some of the other legislators. We have a very unique resource in our back yard. It is my vision that others can enjoy that resource as I have.

I think getting High School XC Mtn Bike Racing implemented in the Midwest would be a potent fuel for the engine of public relations with the Conservation Dept. With regards to maintainance, there would be a continually refreshed pool of new trail stewards. In a perfect world these stewards would continue their efforts after graduating and also encourage new riders to come into the sport.

Thanks Coach for all you do. Keep on them and hopefully someone will realize that the conservation land gets used way more than the 5 months available for hunting. I believe that last time I checked people were charging roughly $4/foot for trail building down in south Missouri. We're not asking to come in and build a golf course or tennis courts on the land.
I believe as a small group we do an amazing job of maintaining the trails and respecting the conservations rules, it basically sounds like all politics standing in the way of true improvements. Pretty normal!


I heard Chillicothe high is looking into starting a Mtn bike program. 29er Tim will be heading it up....with a few mods to the scooter, I know in my heart that an up and back is possible. Doghill may be rough to conquer with the "slicks" but i know where we can get some "knobbies". My dad has an awesome set of tools.....I can fix it!

thedawg28 wrote:

My dad has an awesome set of tools.....I can fix it!

Heh heh... I see what you did there.