Sacramento Area
Mountain Bike
Association

Hello Bob,

As you know, SARA was part of the 2008 Parkway Plan UCAC process and during that time, SARA expressed concerns about the already known affects of off-paved trail bicycle use within the American River Parkway. In addition to SARA's official rep, Frank Cirill, several SARA Board members attended most of the UCAC sessions. SARA always takes our motto of Guardians of the American River and Parkway since 1961 very seriously.

I'm sure you are also aware that, in the end, SARA supported the consensus vote allowing for a demonstration project for off-pavement bicycling -- in specifically designated areas, with the approval of the the Parkway Manager -- currently Director of Regional Parks, Janet Baker -- as well as other conditions stipulated in the American River Parkway Plan.

Janet Baker has advised both SARA and the Parkway Coalition that you have asked that this process be implemented, and that as recently as today, a meeting was held on the Parkway to review the specified sites and determine next steps.

Last Saturday, January 30th, I was hiking, with my camera, in the Sacramento Bar area of the American River Parkway -- one of my favorite parts of the Parkway. I parked at the Fair Oaks Parks Dept. lot on Bannister, walked down the paved path toward the river, then took the first dirt trail on the right -- which will take a user to the river just above San Juan Rapids. If one continues on the path, which increases in width just enough to accommodate a motorized vehicle -- like a ranger truck -- past this first access to the river (next to the creek and Waldorf School's eastern fence), then take the next dirt path on the right. This path will take you down a slope across an opening and up the opposite side -- at the top of which is a grove of large heritage oaks -- all fatally burned in an arson fire 2-3 years ago.

On my way to this area, I encountered 13 dogs off-leash and 6 mountain bikes (3 couples not riding together, i.e. 2 persons at a time) on the dirt trail leading to the area I am about to describe. Both of these inappropriate behaviors have been thoroughly vetted at recent Parkway Coalition meetings. It is very frustrating that individuals believe their violation is OK because they were able to get away with it.

The 3 attached photos were taken as I ascended the hill leading up to the heritage oak trees. All 6 mountain bikers had passed and preceded me up the hill shown in the photos. They did not do the damage shown in the photos. However, someone else decided they needed to illegally and inappropriately ride to this area and then -- as the photos show -- proceed to tear up the area for their personal "enjoyment".

These in-your-face infractions are infuriating to me, to SARA, and all other Parkway stakeholders, who use and attempt to preserve and protect the American River Parkway for the beautiful natural space that it is. What is SAMBA's reaction to this insult to the Parkway? Is SAMBA concerned about these ongoing infractions? Is SAMBA willing to provide volunteers in areas not designated for off-pavement use to educate violaters, in the interest of furthering SAMBA's good steward image?

I just re-read the SAMBA website info regarding "off-road" bicycling in the American River Parkway. I acknowledge SAMBA for communicating the current status. However, I think it would be even more helpful if your website spelled out the negative consequences of "off-road" use -- which the included photos show one consequence of.

Also, what is SAMBA doing -- today -- to protect the Parkway from inappropriate use by off-pavement users who refuse to obey the rules? If not, why not? Once an approved demo project begins in the designated areas, what plans does SAMBA have to educate the participants as to the negative affects of off-pavement riding in non-approved areas. As you are aware, the Parkway ranger staff has been severely reduced. Does SAMBA have any plans to pick up the slack left by ranger reductions?

Bob, as you know the American River Parkway is an incredible treasure. We cannot afford to lose it -- due to the current funding crisis, or due to selfish use by the few. It is the our joint responsibility to preserve this gem for use by responsible parties, as well as future generations. Please let me know how you see SAMBA, SARA and all other stakeholder organizations working together to preserve the Parkway. Thank you,

Warren

Warren V. Truitt
President, SARA
Save The American River Association, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit
www.sarariverwatch.org

SARA: Guardians of the American River & Parkway Since 1961

Note:  Mr. Truitt actually included three pictures of the same scene.  We are including one to reduce file loading time.