Big Wood Backcountry Trails

Working together to make your trails the best that they can be

Big Wood Backcountry Trails

Big Wood Backcountry Trails mission is to improve single-track dirt trail opportunities in and around Idaho's Wood River Valley for all user groups. We work to make your trails the best that they can be, doing that by promoting stewardship and personal responsibility for the trails.

Trail Updates: 

For the August 26, 2010 USFS and BLM Trail Update: click here.

 

Links To Local Trail User Groups:

Sawtooth Backcountry Horsemen

Wood River Bicycle Coalition

 

The New BWBT:

In 2009, Big Wood Backcountry Trails (BWBT) entered its new role as a trail advocacy group for the future planning & coordination between single-track dirt trail user agencies (BLM, USFS, SNRA, SunValley Company and Sun Valley Elkhorn Association) in order to provide information and planning for dirt trail users in the Wood River Valley of Idaho.

 

Letter to All Trail Users From BWBT Board:

Dear Trail Users: 

“This trail is really in terrible shape…I certainly didn’t trash it…it must have been the mountain bikers…or that terrible motorized group…those horses are the worst…why do the hikers insist on walking in mud when they should know better?...”

Does any of this sound familiar, as you are on your favorite trail, noting the damage?

We have just emerged from the heaviest rainfall period the Wood River Valley has ever encountered and our World Class trails are hurting. We all need to accept responsibility for the damage, no matter what may be our particular user group designation.

Finger pointing or assigning blame does not solve the situation, nor does a poll in the newspaper promoting divisiveness among user groups. Perhaps Bob Rosso is correct “The chipmunks did it, it’s their fault.”

Whining does not fix the trails. We all know it happened; anyone who has been on the trails in any way since mid-May has contributed in some form to the conditions we now face.

What is the answer? Pay attention to the weather and trail reports available from the USFS, BLM and Big Wood Backcountry Trails websites. Check with the local bike shops for information and suggestions. Volunteer for trail work sessions offered by the BLM and USFS. We all need to pick up rocks and downed limbs that we encounter, and assume accountability by not riding or walking through areas where our passage can be noted by everyone who follows for months to come.

Pitch in and help. Contribute in any and every way you can by fixing the problem, not contributing to it.

Remember, the trails belong to all of us, so it is up to all of us to work together to insure they are not abused and remain the best in the nation.  

Big Wood Backcountry Trails Board of Directors: Chris Klick, Jo Heiss, Nils Ribi, Nancy Humphrey 7-9-09

 

 

Pioneer Cabin