More trail trouble...

[Mr.Ed]

   This is an email I just received today,  Now the cops are involved...Good



Guys,







I just heard about some piano wire boobytraps set in the Ruhenstroth area.  They are serious traps set at throat level.  Be aware if you go out that way.  If you have any information let me know.







I have contacted the BLM. Douglas County Sheriffs are taking a statement from the individual that found the traps.  It is considered attempted murder at this time.





Just thought to pass along more troubling news...



any suggestions?



Ed

[shovelon]

Ed,

Are there any trail maintance groups or hiking groups in the area? A little visit to thier group meeting and a blurb in the newspaper can work wonders.

And carry a disposable camera and some red tape along. If anyone finds a wire, tag it a take pictures to send to the authorities. If those shots again make it  to the media, something can be achieved.

Good Luck,

Terry

[Mr.Ed]

Terry,

 The fellow that sent that email is the president of the Pinenut Mountain Trails Association. This group includes people from all user groups.
 Newspapers have been notified already, no response.
 Great idea about thered tape and camera....thanks

 Ed

[Frankd3000]

Attempted murder? Ooooooooh, someone's gonna get it reeeeeal bad if they get caught.

I'm glad to hear that this is being taken in a very serious manner  - as it should be, IMHO.

[rapiddescent]

We haven't quite identified the man who was seen putting logs on the trails in my area (in scotland) but he has stopped after a biker told him we were all talking about it online (Stirling Bike Club) and had police involvement...

I hope they catch the criminal in your area.
callum
rds

[Mr.Ed]

thanks for the input guys
I find it real suspicious that the bulk of the "wire traps" are being found where the trails come out by an expensive neighborhood. maybe this means something, maybe not?
Ed

[Matno]

We haven't quite identified the man who was seen putting logs on the trails in my area...
callum

Where I come from, putting logs on trails is considered "trail maintenance" - a good thing!

(Of course, that only applies if I can still ride over them!)

[jimbo]

thanks for the input guys

I find it real suspicious that the bulk of the "wire traps" are being found where the trails come out by an expensive neighborhood. maybe this means something, maybe not?

Ed

We had different situation.  Not blatantly dangerous like yours.  This idiot bought the last lot next to a area zone for conservation.  The conservation area is owned by the home owners association.  The idiot decided that he didn't like mtbrs and hikers entering the conservation area next to his lot so he put up a fence blocking the access.  That created an uproar not only for the mtbrs and hikers but the some of the residences in that area since they like to take evening walks there too.  



I called the property manager of the home owners association that owned the blocked off conseration area.  The manager was aware of the fence and wouldn't do anything about it.  I warned him that since the association owned the land they would be reponsible regardless of whoever put up the fence.  He blew me off saying that he's been able to fix building permits issues before.  It turns out that the Sierra Club got blew off by the manager too.



Well the association got fined big time by the Depart of Land and Natural Resources.  The charges were building an illegal structure (the fence), destruction of of convervation land (the idiot leveled the land way beyond his property line) and illegal use of ATVs on conservation land (the idiot and his family created a private ATV park).    The State did not charge the Idiot because it was not his land.  The Association had to sue the idiot to collect on the fines and cost to restore the land.  



The fence is now gone and mtbrs and hikers are back to accessing the trails.   EXCEPT, it really noticable that the Idiot's fence around his house is the only one with graphitti (sp) in the nice exclusive neighborhood.  I guess some neighbors are still pissed.

[sammydog]

Thank god we haven't had to contend with piano wire at this stage. We are currently fighting the National Parks and Wildlife Service to retain our trails.

To date the worst we have had placed on the trails in lagre logs at ground level in blind corners and jumps and thick branches at head height.

Anyone interested in the fight in our little part of the woods, have a look at www.glenrocktrailalliance.tk.

If your from australia, please log on and show your support for retaining Glenrock in Newcastle. If your ever up here you must ride here, it is an awesome riding area.

[Mr.Ed]

Finally made the news.....

http://www.ktvn.com/default.asp?area=fullTopStory&storyid=3218