Mars Hill WMA Update - 2012 Oct 17

[polaris_dave]

Last night Manitoba Conservation hosted the last Focus Group meeting to roll our their Trail Management Draft Plan.

If I were to summarize the meeting in one word, it would be "FAIL".

When MC proposed some potential trail plans back in the spring, they equated to approximately an 80% reduction in trails. We also had numerous other concerns like access to the WMA from the East side, only one route going north to 317 on the west side of the golf course, and alternate trail options for people who wish to travel the WMA in the winter and not travese groomed Snoman trails. After those presentations to the groups in the spring, we expressed our displeasure with the process and went to the press. There were numerous radio interviews, the formation of the Manitoba Public Lands Access Group and also a public meeting to express our concerns to Government. That is when MC decided to form a Focus Group to develop a trail management plan. We felt good about our future at that point.

Last night's draft plan was basically the same as the maps we were shown in early 2012. The did not address any of the concerns that were expressed in the previous Focus Group meetings. The Manitoba Dirt Riders and their network of single track trails have been 100% closed, so that user group has been eliminated from the WMA. Trails in the vicinity of the Mars Hill Forest Alliance members residences are all closed to vehicle traffic, including cars & trucks. Coincidence? I think not.

Out of 33 people in attendance, only 4 of them were in favour of the Draft Trail Plan. This tells me that the process that MC employed to bring us all together to reach a mutual agreement amongst user groups has FAILED. How possibly could the outcome of a Focus Group representing all of the user groups fail so miserably you ask? It appears that MC has ignored our suggestions and recommendations, after asking us to participate and be part of the solution.

This Saturday, Oct. 20th, MC is holding a public open house to present and discuss the Draft Trail Plan. It will be at the Sun-Gro Centre in Beausejour from 12 noon to 6:00 pm. Please make every effort to attend and review the plan and offer comments. There will be a 2 week comment period.

The majority of us left last night's meeting extremely discouraged and disappointed in this whole process. I've been involved in the process from the beginning and it is going on 3 years. I feel that it has been a waste of my time and a huge waste of Government resources.

It's ironic that one of the key players in the Mars Hill Forest Alliance is not even from this area, nor does she frequent it, but yet she can be allowed to be a part of this decision making process. See here: http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Lindy-Clubb

When the Manitoba Powersports Association asked to be a part of the Focus Group, they were declined. Go figure.

Spread the word. Spread it wherever you can.

http://www.manitoba.ca/conservation/...fe/faq/wma_faq

[freelance]

I attended the info session in Beausejour several months ago but will be away this weekend. Doesn't sound good.

Thanks Dave for your continued vigilance on this issue. Please continue to keep us informed.

[TRX 500]

I say F%^$ MB CON me and 7 others are taking them to court very soon....they are unproffesional and ignorant...

[polaris_dave]

Here's a link to the actual proposal:
http://www.manitoba.ca/conservation/wildlife/share.html

[kawibrute750]

so basicly its set in stone if there was no movement, bunch of bs....by the way is the brokenhead game and fish involved in preventing this or are they not involved, almost all the members live up there and use the area so if they were left out let them know asap.

[Quadingmaniac]

I saw this.
http://www.manitoba.ca/conservation/...s_Hill_Map.pdf


All Out Team Nasty!!!!

[polaris_dave]

Originally Posted by kawibrute750

so basicly its set in stone if there was no movement, bunch of bs....by the way is the brokenhead game and fish involved in preventing this or are they not involved, almost all the members live up there and use the area so if they were left out let them know asap.

I doubt there will be any changes now unless we raise hell. This plan has been two years in the making and the comment period for the general public is two weeks.

Yes, there were guys from Manitoba Trappers Association and Manitoba Wildlife Federation. I believe there was a guy from the LdB club also, none from Brokenhead.

[polaris_dave]

Originally Posted by Quadingmaniac

I saw this.
http://www.manitoba.ca/conservation/...s_Hill_Map.pdf


All Out Team Nasty!!!!

Yes, that is the proposed trail system.

[polaris_dave]

We need everyone to try and attend the Public Open House to be held this Saturday, October 20th at the Sun Gro Centre (arena) in Beausejour from 12 noon to 6:00 pm to express your concerns about this proposal.

[Grizzlypeg]

Are we allowed to drive ATV's on the Trans Canada Trail shown on the map in the summer?

[mailman]

No. Trans Canada trail is non motorized

[Don-don]

Originally Posted by Grizzlypeg

Are we allowed to drive ATV's on the Trans Canada Trail shown on the map in the summer?

No the TCT will be for non-motorized use only.

On the map you will note the east side or almost 1/2 of the WMA is for non-motorized. I expect everything on that side will grow in except for the TCT that will need to be maintained or it would grow in too. Motorized trails for recreation riding, hunting, berry or mushroom picking will 35.6 KM.

[Grizzlypeg]

Originally Posted by mailman

No. Trans Canada trail is non motorized

That's what I thought, but they've marked what used to be a pretty common atv route as trans canada trail. Pretty restrictive. No trail or access to the two sand bowls near the golf course entrance anymore it would appear.

When did the route to the two sand bowls become Trans Canada trail?


As an aside, the "Trans Canada Trail" would be the most messed illogical route to take across Canada. Here on the West edge of Winnipeg, they closed the crossing across the Perimeter that would take you to Boudry Park, and instead want to you to North of Winnipeg. Completely messed up route.

[polaris_dave]

Hi Everyone,
Here is a summary of the issues with Manitoba Conservation’s proposed trail plan for the Mars Hill WMA. Please use these facts as reference if you plan to attend Saturday’s public open house.
Thanks

[boakley]

very sad issue without a doubt for the people who ride the area... but really does it come as a surprise.

3 Years ago many people were talking about the risks associated with pushing for designated trail systems. few listened.

Of course designated trail systems come with lots of advantages !! like hopefully rest areas, maps, etc... as the process grows. Clubs are great aditions to the sport and endless hours are donated to the cause by the dedicaed few.

HOWEVER like the old sayings like
- nothing comes without a cost ...
- for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction...
- yin / yang ....
- balance of nature....
- basic politics ....
- etc...

so with designated riding areas and support / funding for same can we really expect that the same that are responsible for allowing and funding will not take away what they (or others) may view as sensitive areas (due to environment or pop. density or other users wanting the areas for their use, etc..)

designated riding areas = accepting non designated riding areas

discussion 3 years ago sure didn't go very far but here come the results folks.

Alot of people will not like whats coming over the next years but for sure IMHO count on changes. Doesn't take a "rocket surgeon" to see and feel it coming.

very sad

[Neverenuff]

I think these changes were coming whether or not anyone was pushing for designated riding areas. This is not the result of people pushing for designated riding areas. Pushing for designated riding areas is a result of being threatened with all out bans on riding areas. No one in the ATV Community woke up one day and decided designated trails is the only way to go. They woke up one day and realized it may be the only way to have the hobby survive. Not many believed them three years ago. Well, the day has come and it's only the beginning, now we must fight to preserve whatever piece of riding freedom we can and yes, that is going to mean restrictions to what we do and where we go. We can either fight the entire system and lose, or change with the times, make compromises and move on.
If you really think the act of "trying to get designated areas approved" caused this situation I believe you are mistaken IMO. I may be misinterpreting what you are trying to say, however. If so, my apologies.

[polaris_dave]

Everyone, please head down to the SunGro centre today to express your concerns!!

[polaris_dave]

Thanks to everyone who showed up today! The most important thing is for everyone to submit their comments. If you weren't there in person, please do it on line. If someone wants to discuss what the issues are, just send me a message.

[polaris_dave]

Everyone please continue to submit your concerns for these trail closures in the Mars Hill WMA. Important issues that you can mention are access for hunters & trappers, access to all sides of the WMA by motorized vehicles and alternate routes to avoid motorized vehicle use conflict. The majority of the trails proposed to be left open are the Snoman trails, but there is no complete route through the WMA for other motorized users in the winter. That means ATVs, trucks and other vehicles have no option but to use the groomed trails for access in and out of the WMA. That's a recipe for disaster.
Go here:
http://www.manitoba.ca/conservation/...fe/faq/wma_faq

The more people in opposition to these closures & limitations the better! We need to speak in numbers! This is the last chance!