SIERRA CLUB SURVEYS A PROPOSED MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

In April and June the Houston Sierra Club surveyed part of the proposed 12-mile mountain bike trail (MBT) on Sam Houston National Forest and provided recommendations to the U.S. Forest Service about the route that had been flagged.

The proposed MBT would connect with existing trails that are found next door in Huntsville State Park. The proposed MBT layout was paid for by a trails' grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that was awarded to the Greater Houston Off-Road Bicycling Association (GHORBA)

Recommendations included removal of non-native invasive plants species from within a minimum of 30 feet on both sides of the MBT; relocation or removal of a proposed crossing of Alligator Branch due to concerns about soil erosion and water quality; relocation of the proposed MBT from an ephemeral stream and swales; and avoidance or use of an old woods road for the proposed MBT.

The Sierra Club will continue its survey of the proposed MBT until it has walked all 12 miles. Upcoming issues of the Bayou Banner will provide further information on this natural resource protection effort.

by Brandt Mannchen