Four years ago, I returned to Eureka Springs after living away for almost 30 years. In that time the population of Carroll County has doubled, and I observed that the environment had been degraded in many ways as a result of over population.
I was especially concerned to see so many trails being built so quickly into what had previously been almost a wilderness area in Lake Leatherwood Park. I felt there should be more environmental assessment of the impacts of the destroyed plant communities and animal habitats and that development should be slowed to include the different use groups in the community.
I asked for a community-wide meeting to find ways to move forward in a balanced way between revenue and conservation perspectives. I presented a petition for a moratorium on building new trails until more environmental assessment and the public forum could take place, ideally before the vote on giving Parks the sales tax revenue. Of particular concern was the idea that all these trails were multi-use and suitable for mountain bikers, hikers, families with children, birdwatchers, etc.
I expressed my concerns but have not had that courtesy returned in my interactions with the Parks Commission. Clearly, they had a vision in mind that would transform Eureka Springs into a mountain biker destination in alignment with and funded by the Walton Family Foundation and have moved to that end as quickly as possible, regardless of publicly stated concerns.
The Chair has stated on several occasions that 70 percent of their users are hikers and those of us who speak for that group are native plant gardeners and many are Master Naturalists. None of us are against the mountain bike community, however the Park has been designed for and given to this one group. This policy is being veiled by calling all the trails multi-use (except for the clearly dangerous downhill trails).
The two uses are not compatible due to safety concerns; accidents are not hypothetical but have already happened and will continue to happen. Cindy Rimkus’s mother was hit by a mountain biker and her hip was broken.
It is clearly in the best interests of both the mountain biker and hiking communities to separate trails into single use areas so children can safely run ahead of you on a walk, and elderly people such as myself can safely enjoy a walk in nature without having to be hypervigilant and fearful of accidents.
Now the Parks Commission is asking for public input, now that they have accomplished much of their mountain-biking only agenda. Many of the changes they have made, such as banking trails against our oldest trees, which will almost certainly lead to their dying, cannot be changed. But there may be some areas that can still be protected from further human footprint, and it is in everyone’s interest that the trails be divided into single use for hiking and biking.
Please fill out a questionnaire at the Eureka Springs Parks website (paper copies may be available at the Parks’ office) to give your input.
And to the mountain bike community, I ask that you share the environment and take further steps toward stewardship and learning about our unique plant and wildlife communities that can only take place at a slower pace. Please join us in working together to save the Ozarks from the many threats which include overdevelopment and invasive plants.
Glenda Moore
As a hiker and mountainbiker. I recently spent almost a year exploring the adirondack mountains. They divided their trails systems quite well over there with simple signs and plenty of space in between.I knew exactly what each trail was intended for. It was great. I believe Black Bass Lake should be the first focus for foot only traffic in Eureka, as it is not quite on the mountain biker radar yet and is still such a peaceful quiet place at the moment. With that said, We cannot stop the growth thats coming our way but we can promote the area as a family friendly walking trail. Perhaps add a swing set and small workout area. I agree with you, we can’t just have all biking trails. There is no such thing as multipurpose offroad trails. Each come with their own experience and should be seperate from one another. I for one don’t want to look behind my back as I’m trying to connect with myself and the earth and I don’t want to worry about hikers when Im flying down a trail trying to learn the limits of what I am capable of. Thanks for your article. Peace and love.