There have been many questions in the last few days about e bikes and whether they are allowed on non-motorized USFS trails. The following is the official response from the USFS:
By definition, E-Bikes, also referred to as an electric mountain bike (eMTB) is a type of MOTOR vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other, equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric MOTOR of less than 750 watts that meet the requirements of one of three classes. The current Forest Service description of non-motorized trails is exactly that – no motor. Therefore, e-bikes are considered motorized and not allowed within the Gateway Trail System or any non-motorized trails on national forest system lands. The Forest Service is currently reviewing policy directives. If you’d like more information it is recommended to contact the Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest at: 530-926-4511
There are increasing reports of motorcycle riders on established Gateway trails and new trails currently under construction. This post is a reminder that access roads and single-track trails within the Gateway System are for non-motorized use only, including hikers, runners, bicyclists, and horseback riders.
The Mount Shasta Trail Association (MSTA), in partnership with the US Forest Service (USFS), has raised and spent about $550,000 over the last 11 years to create these trails. Finishing the newest 46 miles of trail will require at least another $1.5 million and several years of construction. The trails are carefully planned and designed according to Forest Service specifications and will not tolerate motorized use. Motorcycles damage the trail tread, increase maintenance costs, and decrease sustainability. In addition, heavy vehicles traveling at high speed are a significant risk to pedestrians, dogs, and bicyclists. Use of these trails by motorcycles is prohibited by Forest Service regulations.
Some motorcycle riders have commented on social media that they are being “kicked off trails” they have traditionally used and have asked why MSTA isn’t building trails for them. Please understand that all these trails on USFS land are created with the consent, approval, and participation of the USFS. The designation as non-motorized is a decision made by the USFS.
Requests for more motorized trails or more access should be directed to USFS personnel. The Travel Management Plan and Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) available from the Forest Service show many miles of designated routes where motorcycle use is permitted. ( Shasta-Trinity National Forest – Home).
Interested users can find maps and information at the local USFS ranger stations as well.
Let’s all work together to optimize the use and sustainability of our trails.
The US Forest Service Shasta-McCloud Management Unit fire and fuels programs will be burning slash piles on the newly constructed Ten Gallon Trail (BMZ-7), which is within the Gateway Phase 2 trail system. The first ¾ miles of trail will be CLOSED on Weds., December 8th (from proposed trailhead to where trail crosses the road – approximately ¾ mile long). For safety of yourself and FS fire personnel please respect this closure and stay out of the area. Prescribed burning signs will be posted on sites of closure.
As weather permits, the remainder of slash piles on Ten Gallon, BMZ-11, and BMZ-12 will be burned as well over the coming weeks. The trails will be closed during burning operations. See map for locations.
Nearly everything MSTA does (except what can be accomplished with volunteer work) costs money. That includes building trails, rerouting trails, buying signs, buying tools, getting permits, and doing environmental work preceding trailbuilding.
Mastication equipment is starting work near the trailhead on Monday, November 22nd. They’ll be working the trail sections closest to the parking lot and around the Lollipop trail. There will be temporary closures next week. As a reminder, never approach working mastication equipment. Stay at least 300 feet away. Thank you and stay safe!
Here’s a copy of the letter that we recently sent out to members, just in case you didn’t receive one. Lots of great information on all the trail projects we are working on. If you can, please help us with a donation this Giving Tuesday. Thank you!
It’s hard to believe but we have created another award winning classic “Oh Yeah, the Movie.” This engaging iMovie was created with the hopes of inspiring donations to the MSTA for Giving Tuesday which is in November 30th, this year. Early giving begins November 16th. Please share with other trail lovers — whether they are hikers, mountain bikers, runners or equestrians!
This morning we had 15 volunteers and 2 Trail Labs representatives show up for finish work on BMZ 11 and 12 (BMZ=Big Mountain Zone). Welcome to newcomers Dave, Jenny, and Dana, and also to almost-newcomer, Sandy. The trails look fantastic and we hope to get them approved as legal trails soon.
When we arrived back at the trailer and were putting tools away, I said, “This was a really great turnout on a cool, misty morning.” And Alyssa snapped, “It wasn’t misty this morning,” once again callously hurting my feelings and questioning my toughness.
I need to look for a nicer trail work coordinator.
To give people a brief window to drop by the ski swap tomorrow morning, we’re changing the start time for the work day to 10 am. Meet on Old McCloud Rd. about 2 ½ miles east of Mt. Shasta Blvd. (a short distance above the RR tracks).
Regarding weather: rain predicted tonight and showers tomorrow. When I cancelled last Saturday’s work day due to rain, Alyssa called me a wimp and really insulted my masculinity. So we’ll be working tomorrow if it rains, unless Alyssa cancels. I just can’t take another hit to my fragile ego.
Let’s try again! If it’s not raining much, we’ll go work on the newest segments of Gateway. As before:
We’ll be meeting on Old McCloud Rd. at 9 am. From south Mt. Shasta Blvd., go east on Old McCloud about 2.5 miles, cross the RR tracks, and a short distance further you’ll see my brown pickup with the MSTA tool trailer. We’ll be lopping roots, raking tread, and doing other finish work on the recently cut-in trails. It doesn’t require much hiking. We plan to work from 9 to 12, but you can leave anytime you wish.
