Hiking in Reservoir Woods
From:
Ken Yokanovich
Date:
2007 Nov 14 04:33 UTC
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This is a great park. There are drawbacks to keeping a park secret... I
think it draws a certain negative element. I've startled a youth or two
while passing through trails. Let's just say that I don't think that they
were smoking cigarettes. I think more use by normal people helps keep people
honest and discourages negative behavior. More users might discourage
people from dumping trash too I know that there is the desire to keep the
park natural and undeveloped, but I personally would love to recruit
volunteers and have permission to construct more sustainable trails. Is
there a Roseville organization of hikers?
I belong as a member of the International Mountain Bike Association
(IMBA) as well as our local advocacy group the Minnesota Off Road Cyclists
(MORC.) Talk about a group of hearty volunteers who are capable and ready
to put sweat equity into digging and constructing mountainbike and
multi-user trails. I've been to IMBA trailbuilding school as well as
volunteered here and there working constructing sustainable trails in areas
such as Theo Wirth, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, and Salem Hills. Off-road
cyclists enjoy a nice quiet ride through the woods too.
I think Three-Rivers Park District has embraced the success that they have
had in partnering with MORC in developing off-road cycling opportunities as
well as multi-user trail projects such as with the trails created in Theo
Wirth Park.
The principles of design and construction for a sustainable "soft trail"
(meaning non-improved surface) do a lot to enhance usability of trails.
Good design and construction techniques do a lot to shed water to reduce the
pooling of water and reduce erosion. This allows trails to be more-usable
without negative effects. A good design is also compatible for multiple
types of users to enjoy the same area and trails. Partnering with a
non-profit organization to improve park facilities and offer an improved
user experience seems to me like a win-win. (I am admittedly very biased on
this subject.) People with a vested interest in using the land make for
good stewards for care.
The network of trails that exist were not really designed well. As such,
when one trail gets wet or eroded, people make a new one. There are some
trails that are covered with wood chips. While this may SOUND like a good
idea, it actually holds more moisture on the trail surface and in the long
term makes for more maintenance. There are a number of design principles
involved with the construction of trails. I would pull out my
trail-building book, but alas I have loaned it to Nicole. Perhaps she can
offer some words too?
I think it would be great to get a group together for an afternoon walk
through the park. Perhaps the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The "Work Off
Your Turkey Walk" Bring a backpack or trashbag with, and we can pack out
more than we pack in!
.