As a member of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) and an interested party in developing shared use and sustainable trails in the Turkey Hill Preserve, I would like to respond to Neal McNamara’s article appearing in the Friday, Feb. 22, edition of the New Haven Register.
We look forward to working with the Conservation Commission and the Board of Selectmen to create a sustainable and environmentally responsible trail system for the whole town to enjoy and experience. Our proposal is in agreement with the concerns to develop the site for outdoor recreation in a manner that is responsible for safe and appropriate use for the environment and the recreation users.
Walkers, hikers, runners, dog walkers, bird watchers, mountain bikers, cross country skiers and other recreation users are constantly seeking new areas to explore and to have an enjoyable experience. Our plan is to create a sustainable trail network that is enjoyable for everyone.
NEMBA is proposing to construct shared use trails that will be an asset for the entire community of Orange.
NEMBA has been working with landowners to build and maintain numerous trails throughout the state. Our goal is to encourage families, children and beginner mountain bikers to learn and practice safe riding skills. We stress proper trail etiquette in order to assure trail use compatibility and ongoing trail maintenance. On the trail, our Trail Ambassadors ride the trails and perform on the spot maintenance, educate the public about shared use trails and proper trail etiquette.
NEMBA shares the town’s concern for the environment and the proposed trails will be designed to minimize erosion, avoid wet areas and protect sensitive natural resources. We use low-impact trail construction techniques and design natural surface trails that are safe and require minimum maintenance. At no cost to the Town of Orange, we are proposing to construct shared use, sustainable trails for individuals, groups and families.
The benefits to the Town of Orange are the following:
• A shared use trail for everyone to enjoy
• Great for families, children, groups and individuals whether a beginner or more advanced
• Novice to intermediate levels with bail outs and bypasses
• Sustainable trail building techniques to ensure low maintenance and to avoid erosion
• Will be maintained by NEMBA
• Possible integration with existing community, club or other local organizations (Boy Scouts, school groups, outdoor hiking clubs, community service projects)
• Increasing a sense of community ownership and pride by being a part of creating and using the site in a safe, shared and environmentally friendly manner I thank the Town of Orange for taking the time and energy to consider NEMBA’s proposal and look forward to working with the town and the community to create shared and environmentally friendly alternatives for the outdoor enthusiast.
Ed Perten
Orange