by Bill Mees, Nature Areas Committee

David Diamond and Mike Currier of the Sierra Club and CAS  spoke to Columbia Audubon Society members regarding the proposal to build mountain bike trails south of Gans Creek at the Gans Creek Recreational Area (GCRA).  Mike gave a history of the area, formerly known to many of us as the Crane Tract.  The area south of Gans Creek has been designated as an area recognized for being environmentally sensitive and has warranted protection.  Recent plans for GCRA call for inclusion of over 4 miles of mountain  bike trails in this same area.

The City Council tabled the south (blue) bike trails for further study.  Mike and David’s presentations provided documentation proving the sensitivity of the area south area and opposing any mountain bike trails.  They suggested the area be limited to single track hiking foot trails.  These trails will  limit environmental damage and also limit biker/hiker interaction, an issue of safety.  More information supporting the exclusion of mountain bike trails will be shared with you in future CHAT issues.

The city Council has already approved the construction of two mountain bike trails (Green and Yellow) both north of Gans Creek.  The picnic attendees via “raised hand vote” agreed CAS should oppose the establishment of mountain bike trails south of Gans Creek.  The hiking foot trails will provide access and a quiet nature hiking experience in the south area.

More information will be provided in future CHAT newsletters so CAS members can help save this environmentally sensitive area.