Public lands act regarding mtb trails...

Fatduke

Active Member
This bill seems to be a big win for mountain bikers and, in all likelihood, for the environment. Let's not forget, however, some of the details. Per Outdoor Life:

". . . it would be an oversimplification to consider this bill's passage as Congress categorically supporting public land conservation. The Natural Resources Management Act aggregates more than 100 local and regional bills in states all around the country. And these local bills represent personal wins for lawmakers (and more importantly, their constituents) who might otherwise oppose actions like increasing wilderness, expanding acreage in national parks, and blocking potential mining projects. . .

. . . the bill includes specific provisions like a land exchange of 360 acres in Custer County, S.D., to allow the county to expand its airport . . .

. . . The bill would also consolidate 100,000 acres of Utah trust land to be more easily developed. . . .

A cynic might argue that this bill is just an example of lawmakers focusing on special projects within their own states to up their approval ratings. I'd argue just the opposite. This is what good government is supposed to look like. Compromise and nuance. Everyone gets a little something, no one party gets everything. Together, we move forward. Our public lands and waters are valuable to many people for many reasons, and this bill reflects just that." (https://www.outdoorlife.com/house-p...ands-package-natural-resources-management-act (emphasis added)).

Ultimately, this bill is a good thing. Just a friendly reminder to stay vigilant about the other dangers lurking. Like the tens (hundreds?) of millions of acres still slated to be opened for drilling both on and offshore which, at best, would spoil the natural beauty of many an otherwise pristine ride . . . except in Florida of course, which may get a special exception. Mar a Lago and all.
 
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