News Release
| Release Number: | 07-114 |
| Dated: | 9/7/2007 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites the public to join in improving the Eugene to Pacific Crest Trail along Lookout Point Lake in Lowell, Ore., Saturday, Sept. 22.
In conjunction with the International Mountain Bicycling Association's Trail Care Crew, the Corps will work to improve the trail, teach others proper trailbuilding techniques and spend quality time digging in the dirt.
The trailbuilding school begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, in Lowell, Ore. The activity consists of a half-day of classroom instruction and a half-day of hands-on trailwork to improve and enhance a portion of the Eugene to Pacific Crest Trail along Lookout Point Lake. Lunch will be provided to all participants.
After working on the trails, participants can give them a test ride on Sunday, Sept. 23. Riders can meet at 9 a.m. in Lowell for a trail bike ride at a location to be announced during the Sept. 22 trailbuilding school.
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the weekend’s events, but must register in advance at http://go.imba.com/lowell. These activities are in support of National Public Lands Day, which is officially the last Saturday of September.
In 2002, the Corps of Engineers and IMBA established a formal partnership to create, manage and develop trail opportunities for mountain biking at Corps facilities. The Eugene to Pacific Crest Trail along Lookout Point Lake is already a popular biking destination, but improvements to the trail are needed to enhance the safety and enjoyment of the trail.
The award-winning IMBA Trail Care Crew program includes two full-time, professional teams of trail experts who travel North America year-round, leading IMBA Trailbuilding Schools, meeting with government officials and land managers and working with IMBA-affiliated groups to improve mountain biking opportunities. IMBA's crews have led more than 1,000 trail projects since the program debuted in 1997.
The crews teach "sustainable" trailbuilding, a method resulting in trails that last a long time and require minimal maintenance. This helps reduce trail damage, protects the environment and enhances visitor enjoyment. The crew's visit to Lowell is one of 70 on their 2007 schedule.
The IMBA Trail Care Crew program has inspired great volunteer trailwork across the U.S. and abroad. This is a big help to government agencies and land managers who have limited funding for trail construction and upkeep. As a direct result, there are now thousands of new and improved trails in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and several European countries.
For more information on the activities in Lowell, contact Amy Doherty, Corps park ranger, at (541) 942-5631.