shelby_farms

The Wolf River trails are the most politically sensitive in our area. These trails are used by
many other groups that would like to see bikes banned completely. To prevent that -

Ride on approved trails only. The map below shows which trail segments are open for multi-
user and which are restricted.

Maintain proper bike control. Slow down when you meet hikers or runners. Let them know
you are there when you approach from behind. Be careful on blind curves.

Keep your speed low. Do your fast training rides on some other trail where bikes are less of
an issue.

Complaints about bikes have increased. If this continues, Shelby Farms will take action
against us. The best was to improve our trail access is to peacefully coexist with the other
trail users. The best guide is the IMBA rules of the trail. Find them at www.imba.com.

Present Acceptable Use Policy

In October 1995, a change in policy was enacted by the managing agency in concurrence with the State Natural
Areas Program to prohibit all non-pedestrian use (including sports use, i.e. jogging). The use by the general public
and special event organizers for jogging, bicycling, and other non-pedestrian activities is detrimental to the natural
area. These activities degrade the trail system and cause erosion. It has been determined that this multi-use is in
conflict with the protection goals under the Act and Rules for Natural Resource Management.

In late August the construction manager for the Walnut Grove / Humphries project closed access to the trails
for safety reasons. Mid-South Trails Association met with Drake Danley of Ellers Oakley Chester & Rike at
the site on Sept. 3. We walked the site and discussed alternate routes to the trails. On Wednesday Sept. 7,
MSTA submitted pictures of the site with the proposed route drawn on them to Drake Danley and Park Supt.
Steve Satterfield. Both accepted the proposed plan. On Thursday Sept. 9, Supt. Steve had the pipeline
corridor mowed. On Sunday Sept.11, park rangers were installing the fence that separates and guides users
to the trail. A bridge will be constructed across the drainage structure soon. The new entrance to the
eastbound trails about half way down the hill on the gravel road leaving the parking lot. Cross the drainage and
keep the blue fence on your right side. The fence will lead you to the pipeline corridor and the trails.

On June 11, the Shelby Farms Trail Crew rerouted a section of the Tour-de-Wolf trail on the east end in
the Willow Pond Area. The park superintendent requested the trail be removed from the Willow Pond
dam. The other goal of the project was to move the trail away from the low spot in that field that turns
into a mud hole in the wetter months. As a bonus, the trail is now even longer. Below is a map of the
new trail.