We recently received an email from Scott Dolus of the US Forest
Service stating that he would like to take a few moments to thank all
the Rampart riders for their patience and understanding about the
extended closure this spring. The additional time allowed the Forest
Service and the trails crew to work on the massive undertaking of
removing down trees and repairing some of the trail damage cause by
this winter's heavy snowfalls. While the work is far from completed,
the area is clear enough to be usable and many of you have already
taken the opportunity to enjoy some spring riding.

Scott would also like to reiterate that the Forest Service doesn't
close the trails without good reason. They are aware that everyone is
anxious to get up there and enjoy their chosen activity as soon as
they can, but sometimes we have to give the forest a break so that we
aren't causing more damage than we can repair.

While most riders respected the closure, there were a few
irresponsible individuals who bypassed the signs and entered the
area illegally. Their selfish behavior and desire to get around down
trees and obstacles "any way they can" has caused damage in some
areas which will be visible for years to come and in some cases will
require additional rehabilitation to avoid further erosion and
instability. It is extremely frustrating to all the people who work
so hard to maintain trails and keep them open for all of us to enjoy
to see their hard work destroyed by the carelessness of just a few.

Of course we know all of you who subscribe to RampartNews and visit
the website are the "responsible" crowd, but we ask that you please
help everyone by reporting any illegal activity and helping to
educate those who don't understand the problems they cause by
ignoring closures.

There is plenty of work to be done still, so if you're interesting
and putting "shovel to the ground", be sure to attend one of our work
parties this summer, and/or attend the meetings. See
www.rampartrange.org for more information.

Thank you.

-RRMMC