Testing the Terrain Off-road Cycling Pilot Project in Wirth Park

Testing the Terrain Can a sustainable trail, which is both challenging for off-road cyclists and compatible with other park users, be established in Wirth Park?

Minneapolis Off-road Cycling Advocates (MOCA)  Formed in response to the “silent sports in Wirth Park” meeting called by the park board and Mayor R.T. Rybak, May 2002  Dedicated to environmentally sustainable off-road trails in Minneapolis  Minneapolis affiliate of Minnesota Off- Road Cyclists (MORC)

Off-road Bicycling in Minneapolis  Popular, mainstream recreational activity  Approximately 10,000 avid (ride more than 1x/week) off-road cyclists in metro area  Valued use of city parks  Trails also ideal for other uses, i.e. snowshoeing

Off-road Bicycling in Wirth Park  Trails in Wirth Park have been used by cyclists for over two decades  Many areas open to bicycles but trail network not formalized  Certain areas closed to bicycles

Today’s Presentation Agenda  Sustainable trails and how they are constructed  MORC/MOCA provide signage, trail building schools, and volunteer labor coordination

MORC/MOCA Mission  Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists is a non- profit volunteer organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of mountain biking in Minnesota through the promotion of responsible mountain biking, the establishment and maintenance of mountain bike trails, and the preservation of Minnesota’s natural resources.

MORC Background  Established in Organized around saving Terrace Oaks Park, Burnsville  400 individual members (metro)  1500 additional members through affiliated clubs throughout MN  Funded by membership dues and special fund raising events

How MORC/ MOCA Work with Land Managers Adopt-a-Trail

MORC/MOCA Adopt-a- Trail  Single point of contact for land manager  Trail monitoring & user education  Consulting on trail design and erosion mitigation  Coordination of periodic volunteer trail maintenance sessions  MORC/MOCA provide trail construction tools  MORC/MOCA provide standard trail signage for use, direction, difficulty, & safety

MORC/MOCA Adopt-a- Trail  Minnesota River Bottoms  Terrace Oaks - Burnsville  Lebanon Hills - Dakota County  Battle Creek - St.Paul  Harmon Park – Inver Grove Heights  Chippewa Nat’l Forest  Duluth, Winona, Mankato  Wirth Park???

Sustainable Trail Construction

Trail erosion is hastened by a combination of trail users, water and gravity

Fall line vs Contour design

The Contour Trail Erosion resistant and low maintenance Keeps users on the trail Keeps water off the trail Sustainable and yet fun trails are the best way to achieve the balance between resource protection and user recreation

Sheet Flow

Grade Reversals, or constant undulations in a contour trail, act as GRADE DIPS, which are another defense against water damage Grade Reversals

How do other land managers view MORC? “I have found that MORC has been very responsive in working on correcting trail problems.” “Illegal trail use has been all but eliminated.” “I would encourage any agency considering mountain bike trails to work with MORC.” John Moriarty Natural Resource Specialist, Ramsey County Parks Department

Our Philosophy on Trail building: Build a trail correctly the first time, use it for a Lifetime!

Testing the Terrain

Minneapolis Bicycle Trail System Concept

Demonstration Project History  MOCA presented a project proposal to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on March 19, 2003  The board directed staff to work with MOCA on an agreement for bike trails in Wirth Park  The MPRB requested a smaller demonstration project  Successful completion of the demonstration project will lead to negotiations to expand the trail system

Hwy 55 - Olson Memorial Hwy Theodore Wirth Pkwy

Timeframe  We anticipate beginning construction in the spring of 2004  The pilot project evaluation period will begin when trail layout complete, tentatively Fall of 2004  One year evaluation period

Memorandum of Agreement  Trail Design Standards  Maintenance and Monitoring  Education and Awareness  Signage  User Conflicts  Expenses  Evaluation of the Pilot Project

Trail Design Standards - Trail Sustainability  Minimal impact to the area’s natural systems  Negligible soil loss  Minimal damage to native plantings or proliferation of invasive species  Negligible impact on the area’s animal life  Low-maintenance

Maintenance and Monitoring  MOCA and MPRB will regularly inspect the trails  MOCA will be responsible for maintenance of trails  MOCA will arrange for the North Central Mountain Bike Patrol to patrol area on a regular basis

Education and Awareness Goals: 1. Promote use of the Pilot Project area 2.Raise awareness of the IMBA “Rules of the Trail” to preserve trails and prevent user conflicts  Produce a pamphlet with trail map and Rules of the Trail

Signage  Signs will be installed at major access points with Rules of the Trail and trail map  Directional signage will identify designated trails for use

User Conflicts  Six member Grievance Committee (MPRB, MOCA, hiking/skiing, neighborhood)

Expenses  The MPRB will not provide direct funding for this project  The MPRB will provide staff resources to support the project  MOCA’s volunteers will construct and maintain trails  MOCA will seek grant funding for signage and pamphlet

Evaluation  Trail Sustainability  Trail Maintenance  Park User Satisfaction  Promotion and Awareness

Trail Maintenance and Monitoring  MOCA’s ability to maintain and monitor the trails to achieve Trail Sustainability will be evaluated

Park User Satisfaction  On-site surveys  On-line survey  Survey at bike shops  Community meeting

Promotion and Awareness  People’s level of awareness of the Pilot Project and the Rules of the Trail will be evaluated