Biking In Portland's Forest Park Draws Attention To Off-road Cycling Plan

Author
by Clare Duffy 

Tucked into the northwest corner of Portland, the Wildwood Trail weaves for more than 30 miles through Forest Park.

Bradley W. Parks/OPB

Mountain biking enthusiasts in Portland may soon have more places to ride within the city, thanks to the new Off-Road Cycling Master Plan.

The goal of the plan is to provide more off-roading experiences for bicyclists within the city – including trail networks in parks and stunt tracks. But the most contentious part of the plan is the proposal to add additional areas for bikers inside Forest Park.

During a “Think Out Loud” segment on the plan earlier this week, Forest Park bikers and hikers alike called the show to weigh in on the proposal.

“I wholeheartedly support this off-road cycling master process,” a caller named Spencer said. “I live in town and I like to ride all over town and it’s incredibly frustrating to me to have to drive over an hour to go mountain biking when we have natural spaces in the city that we don’t have access to. Conservation and the act of mountain biking aren’t mutually exclusive, nor is safety and mountain biking.”

Evan Smith, senior vice president at the Conservation Fund and a member of the Off-Road Cycling Master Plan Project Advisory Committee, said this kind of sentiment is one of the driving forces behind the plan. A cyclist himself, Smith says he hopes to see more places to ride in an environment surrounded by nature – instead of cars – within city limits.

“As someone that was recently hit by a car while on a neighborhood greenway bike path and as a parent, I really see the desire to get kids a safe bicycling experience,” Smith said. “That’s something that a lot of people in the city, and certainly in East Portland, don’t have access to right now.”

The citywide plan would consist largely of shared-use trails for bikers, runners and hikers, according to Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Program Coordinator Michelle Kunec-North. She said the bureau is hoping to provide opportunities for a variety of recreational activities, though some hikers have expressed concern for their safety if bikers are allowed in Forest Park.

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Hiking Portland’s Wildwood Trail In 5 Parts

Listener Angela Lindbo wrote in to the show: “Riverview Natural Area and Powell Butte were once favorite spots to jog but their bike-damaged trails and the possibility of a fast moving bike collision have left me feeling too unsafe to enjoy.”

Current land use law requires that, in Forest Park, shared-use trails be at least 8 feet wide, restricting bikers to about 30 of the 80 miles of trails in the park.

But Smith feels not all 30 miles are currently fit for biking. He says many of them are wide fire roads, roads that are too steep and not at all suited for biking.

Wildlife biologist Marcy Houle, who has written a book about Forest Park, says there’s a real risk to flora and fauna if biking is allowed in more areas of the park. While the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability says certain trails would be maintained solely for those on foot and other areas of Forest Park would be restricted from any recreational use. Houle said additional research needs to be done before any kind of new use is allowed.

“There’s more interior forest habitat than in any city park, not just in Oregon, not just in the United States, but in the world. These things are highly vulnerable conditions and for them to last will take great management,” Houle said.

For now, the city is seeking additional input on the plan through several community meetings. The next event is this Saturday at the New Columbia Bicycle Skills Park from 1-4 p.m.

For further information log on website :
https://www.opb.org/radio/programs/thinkoutloud/segment/portland-oregon-forest-park-cycling-mountain-bike-trails/

Cycling

New Forest cycling code

Welcome to the New Forest: a beautiful, tranquil and environmentally sensitive place enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. Mutual respect and courtesy are essential to enable those with different interests to enjoy the Forest together.

The New Forest is a working forest, with forestry, farming and equestrian activity on its narrow roads and tracks. Ponies, cattle and other animals are free to roam the Forest and most of its roads. Be aware that animals are easily startled and may suddenly move into your path.

Off road cycling in the New Forest is permitted only on certain routes. Please take a look at our Cycling routes for more information on this.

To assist you in making the most of cycling in the New Forest, we ask that you please follow both the Highway Code and this New Forest Cycling Code which is supported by cycling groups and local organisations.

If you are cycling in an organised event, follow the additional instructions to minimise your impact.

Be considerateCycling at Bolderwood 

New Forest cycling code

Welcome to the New Forest: a beautiful, tranquil and environmentally sensitive place enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. Mutual respect and courtesy are essential to enable those with different interests to enjoy the Forest together.

The New Forest is a working forest, with forestry, farming and equestrian activity on its narrow roads and tracks. Ponies, cattle and other animals are free to roam the Forest and most of its roads. Be aware that animals are easily startled and may suddenly move into your path.

Off road cycling in the New Forest is permitted only on certain routes. Please take a look at our Cycling routes for more information on this.

To assist you in making the most of cycling in the New Forest, we ask that you please follow both the Highway Code and this New Forest Cycling Code which is supported by cycling groups and local organisations.

If you are cycling in an organised event, follow the additional instructions to minimise your impact.

Be considerate

Ride positively and well clear of uneven road edges but with consideration for other road-users. To allow vehicles to overtake safely, leave gaps for them to pull into and move into single file when necessary and safe to do so. Never ride more than two abreast.

Off road, cycle only on the waymarked network of Forestry Commission tracks, bridleways, byways, restricted byways and designated routes.

Use this map to plan your route, check for route closures, and try to be off Forest tracks by sunset.

Be polite to other cyclists, motorists, pedestrians and residents.

When passing people and animals, use your bell or call out a warning and allow them plenty of room. Be prepared to stop if necessary.

Do not drop litter or feed the animals; human food and litter are a danger to them.

Close gates behind you so the animals don’t stray

Respect the quiet of the Forest.

Be safe

Pass animals slowly and to one side if possible.

Take extra care near horse riders; a kick or fall from a horse could be fatal. Be prepared to stop. Use your bell or call out a friendly warning well in advance. When it is safe, pass wide and at walking pace, to one side only. Look out for any reaction from the horse.

Keep to a safe speed, on and off road, particularly on narrow lanes, steep hills and bends. Look out for pot holes, poor surfaces and cattle grids.

Look out for and obey safety signs. Do not pass large vehicles and trailers until you know it is safe to do so.

Ensure you are visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Use lights after dark and in poor daytime visibility.

Avoid the use of earphones.

• Ride positively and well clear of uneven road edges but with consideration for other road-users. To allow vehicles to overtake safely, leave gaps for them to pull into and move into single file when necessary and safe to do so. Never ride more than two abreast.
• Off road, cycle only on the waymarked network of Forestry Commission tracks, bridleways, byways, restricted byways and designated routes.
• Use this map to plan your route, check for route closures, and try to be off Forest tracks by sunset.
• Be polite to other cyclists, motorists, pedestrians and residents.
• When passing people and animals, use your bell or call out a warning and allow them plenty of room. Be prepared to stop if necessary.
• Do not drop litter or feed the animals; human food and litter are a danger to them.
• Close gates behind you so the animals don’t stray
• Respect the quiet of the Forest.

Be safe

• Pass animals slowly and to one side if possible.
• Take extra care near horse riders; a kick or fall from a horse could be fatal. Be prepared to stop. Use your bell or call out a friendly warning well in advance. When it is safe, pass wide and at walking pace, to one side only. Look out for any reaction from the horse.
• Keep to a safe speed, on and off road, particularly on narrow lanes, steep hills and bends. Look out for pot holes, poor surfaces and cattle grids.
• Look out for and obey safety signs. Do not pass large vehicles and trailers until you know it is safe to do so.
• Ensure you are visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Use lights after dark and in poor daytime visibility.
• Avoid the use of earphones.

For further information log on website :
http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/cycling-code

New Forest needs new attitudes over cyclists

Cyclists in the New Forest have reported rising tensions over the growing popularity of leisure cycling and sportives in the National Park.

Their comments follow the release of a new cycling code of conduct, which a number of cyclists have said is “generally common sense”, but unfairly singles out bike users, while some believe that this perceived anti-cyclist feeling has been exacerbated by sensationalist local news reporting.

New Forest resident Rich Young told Cycling Weekly: “As a cyclist I have never felt as threatened on the roads of the New Forest as I do now.

“It is not the volume of traffic, it is some mentality on the roads generated by a completely unjustified hatred to cycling and cycling events in the New Forest.

“Nobody’s got any problem with what they are saying in this code of conduct, but it seems to be using a hammer to crack a nut.”

He added, “We aren’t the ones causing the deaths on the roads or the congestion.”

Last April, tensions peaked when the Wiggle New Forest Spring Sportive was sabotaged by vandals throwing tacks on the road and removing signs.

Since then, local objections to large cycling events have resulted in the local showground withdrawing permission for the event to use the car park.

In local newspapers, cyclists have also been accused of using foul language, “literally defecating on a local green” and both deliberately slowing down traffic and exceeding the speed limit.

Eamonn Deane, who writes a cycle column in the Bournemouth Daily Echo, said: “There is a lot of contentious stuff going on between cycling groups, sportives and parish councils – and the local media enjoy it because it is one group against the other.”

Deane added: “It always seems to be incumbent on [cyclists] and whilst we do have a responsibility I’m not sure we have any more responsibility than any other road user.”

The 14-point code was agreed by 20 organisations, including the New Forest Park Authority and local police, CTC, Sustrans and local forums, following concerns over the effect of mass-participation events on the New Forest and its wildlife, including ponies.

The code advises cyclists to be considerate, to not drop litter, to take care around animals and to ride at appropriate speeds.

Claims that cycling threatens animal safety have been made by those keen to curb cycling, despite statistics showing the recent increase in animal accidents is totally unrelated to cyclists.

While acknowledging that the New Forest faces challenges to balance the interests of different users, British Cycling registered coach Jason Falconer feels the code is at times contradictory.

“It says on narrow roads ride single file – nobody should do that for their own safety because if you are on a narrow corner with limited visibility you don’t want to be pushed into the hedge. Then it says ride positively, avoid the edge,” he said.

Sion Donovan, communications officer at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: “There was a bit of a reaction on social media asking why there is a code for cycling and not for motorists. There were a lot of people thinking this is the Authority imposing their will on local people.”

Meanwhile Ian Murray, editor-in-chief of the Southern Daily Echo, defended what he called the paper’s “balanced reporting of comments”. He suggested in a recent column that people need to stop seeing cyclists as either angels or devils, and realise that while there are problems associated with mass cycling events, cycling is also a healthy and friendly pastime.

For further information log on website :
http://www.cyclingweekly.com/sportives/sportive-news/new-forest-needs-new-attitudes-over-cyclists-113659

Cycling in the New Forest

Author
byJOANNA

The New Forest National Park is a fantastic place to go if you are looking to escape the city and spend a weekend away surrounded by nature. Situated in the South of England, between Southampton and Bournemouth, The New Forest provides plenty of activities to do and places to explore. It is ideal for family camping holidays offering numerous cycling and hiking opportunities, water sports, horse riding and even golf.

The New Forest became a National Park in 2005 and it has been designated an EU special area of conservation because of its unique wildlife. Here you will find ponies, cattle and pigs roaming around free on the streets of the villages, deer, otters, minks, and a large population of birds.

Cycling in the New Forest

The best way to explore the New Forest National Park and enjoy its natural wild beauty is by bike. The National Park Forestry Commission has created a cycling map that you can download here, where you can find over 100 miles of off-road family friendly trails.

To cycle in the New Forest you will need a mountain bike with good suspensions because most of the trails are off-road, through the forest or the open heathland. Accidents can happen all the time so be safe and wear a helmet. Make sure you have with you a first aid kit both for you and for your bike. If you want to know more details, Halfords has created a great guide on how to prepare your bike for a cycling holiday.

While cycling in villages pay attention to the cattle grids on the road and ride slow.  The wild ponies might be cute but don’t try to stop and pet them as they can be unpredictable. Under no circumstance feed the ponies, human food can make them very sick, or even kill them.

 Camping in the New Forest

The New Forest National Park is a wonderful place to spend the weekend at, with plenty of cycle friendly campsites. All of the campsites are situated in beautiful locations, accessible from the cycling paths, surrounded by oak trees and near rivers, with prices starting from £10 per tent per night. You can pitch your tent in any of these campsites, enjoy a quiet night away from the city noises, and wake up in the morning listening to the birds singing. Most of the campsites are often visited by the local inhabitants, the free-roaming ponies and deer. You can even travel with a hammock and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the forest, to relax after your day of cycling.

 Brockenhurst

Brockenhurst, the biggest village in the National Park is located in the heart of the New Forest and it is the perfect place to start your cycling trip from because of the main station to which most of the trains coming from London stop at. The village itself is very charming, with a main street full of cute shops, cafes and restaurants.

Just outside of the village you can find the famous Pig restaurant, which organises each year the Smoked and Uncut festival, a food fest which is not to be missed. The Pig is also a perfect choice for lunch or dinner, offering a delightful culinary experience. Make sure to book in advance as very rare you can find a table on the day.

Being the gateway to the New Forest, there are plenty of cycling routes starting from here. You can choose to do circular rides, like the Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst (10.9 miles) or linear rides, like the Old Railway (9 miles, from Brockenhurst to Burley).

 Burley

Burley is a small village in the south east of the New Forest, surrounded by the open heathland, where ponies and cattle are allowed to roam freely on the streets. A typical New Forest village, in Burley you will find beautiful houses but also traditional thatched cottages that remained unchanged with the passing of the years. The village centre has a few local shops and tea rooms where you can stop and have a cuppa before getting back on your bike.

But what makes Burley special is Sybil Leek, the white witch who lived here in the 1950s, before moving to America. She used to walk around the village wearing a long black cloak, having her pet jackdaw sitting on her shoulder. Back then the locals where very upset by her presence and by the increased number of tourists coming to see her. Today though, most of the shops in Burley are dedicated to witchcraft, selling a large selection of unusual gifts, antiques and crystals.

There are many cycle routes around Burley, most of them relatively flat and family friendly. The best cycling route that takes you around the village and its points of interest is the Burley Hill Fort Loop (9.3 miles).

Lymington

If you like the seaside, you might consider cycling South from Brockenhurst, all the way down to Lymington, a beautiful picturesque harbour village, with cobbled streets and three marinas. Lymington is famous the numerous regattas that take place here every summer. Also, the village is one of the shortest getaways to the Isle of Wight, ferries running each hour from here to Yarmouth.

 Stoney Cross

Following the road towards Stoney Cross (avoid taking the direct Forest Road because it intersects with the A31 and you can’t cross on the other side) you will arrive to what I call the pony area. You might have seen a lot of ponies cycling in the New Forest but none as tall as your knees. I have only seen these adorable ponies in this wild area where not many people stop by because there’s nothing much to do here. But if you love wildlife, this is the place to go and spend the night, at Ocknell or Longbeech campsites. I remember cycling here one day and an entire herd of deer crossed the road in front of me. There must have been about 20 animals, all jumping in their own rhythms.  A suggested route for cycling in the area, not long but a bit challenging because of the hill is the New Forest Cycling Ride 6 (4 miles).

 Sights:

Besides the beautiful nature, The New Forest National Park is the home of other attractions that you can visit, accessible from the cycle paths. Here is a list with my favourites:

 Bolderwoord Deer Sanctuary

Every day, between midday and 3PM, the forest rangers are feeding the fallow deer. The Sanctuary is the home of a few white deer as well, an uncommon colour for them. There is no guarantee that you will spot the deer but if you do, they are used to humans and they don’t run away. You can watch the deer from a viewing platform overlooking a large meadow which offers great photography opportunities.

 Beaulieu Museum

Probably one of the most famous attractions of the New Forest is the Beaulieu Motor Museum, opened in 1952 by the late Lord Montagu as a tribute to his father. The Museum is the home of around 250 vehicles manufactured since the late 19th century, including some of the oldest cars every made. With a monorail passing through its interior, Beaulieu can offer a great fun visit for the entire family.

 Hurst Castle

In the South of the New Forest, at the western end of the Solent, lies the beautiful Hurst Castle which offers impressive views towards the Isle of Wight. Even if it didn’t really see much action during the wars, the castle has been always modernised and kept up to date with the artillery of the time. Today you can still see two of the 38-ton guns installed in the 1870s.

Disclaimer: This post has been written in collaboration with Halfords. As always, all comments and opinions in this article are my own.

For further information log on website :
https://www.theworldinmypocket.co.uk/2017/06/05/cycling-in-the-new-forest/

8 facts about Canada's boreal forest

Canada’s boreal forest covers a vast part of our country, yet there are many things you may not know about it.

For example, do you know the difference between the “boreal forest” and the “boreal zone”? The boreal zone is the wide area that lies between the treeless tundra of the arctic zone in northern Canada and the temperate zone in southern Canada. The boreal forest is the forested area within the larger boreal zone.

Here are 8 more facts about the boreal zone and Canada’s boreal forest.

1. The boreal zone circles the world

The world’s boreal zone is often called “circumpolar” because it circles the Northern Hemisphere, forming a ring around the North Pole, just south of the Arctic Circle. Countries with forests and land in the boreal zone include Canada, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Russia, China and a few others.

Worldwide, the boreal zone covers:

• 1.9 billion hectares
• 14% of Earth’s land
• 33% of Earth’s forested area

Canada has:

• 28% of the world’s boreal zone – that's 552 million hectares
• 75% of all of its forests and woodlands in the boreal zone – that’s 307 million hectares in total

2. Mapping of North America’s boreal zone is based on science

As the map shows, Canada’s boreal zone stretches from Yukon and northern British Columbia to Newfoundland & Labrador. Canadian Forest Service researchers have used the most current science to map the North American part of the boreal zone.

This map gives scientists, governments and others a common tool for discussing the boreal region.

Download a printable version of the map as a PDF [2.2 Mb] or the shapefiles.

 

3. The boreal zone includes both forests and treeless areas

Much of Canada’s boreal zone is covered in forested lands that are made up of trees, such as pine, spruce, larch, fir, poplar and birch. More than just one big forest, the boreal zone also includes

• thousands of lakes, rivers and wetlands
• many naturally treeless areas such as on mountains and in coastal regions

4. The boreal zone is home to a wide range of animals

The boreal zone is home to an extensive range of mammals, insects, fungi and micro-organisms. Among them are:

• 150 bird species – which is half of the bird species in Canada
• Woodland caribou – or boreal caribou, as the population in the boreal zone is known, which like to stay in the forests rather than roam the tundra like other caribou.

5. Many people live and work in the boreal zone

• 3.7 million people in the world live in the boreal zone, mostly in remote and rural communities.
• 70% of Aboriginal communities in Canada are located in forested regions. The boreal forest is culturally and economically significant to Canada's Aboriginal peoples.

6. The boreal forest isn’t “ancient” wilderness

Canada’s boreal forest is often portrayed as one vast tract of ancient, pristine wilderness but this isn’t the case. Although the boreal region itself is ancient, the boreal forest:

• is made up mostly of trees that are relatively young compared with many that grow in more temperate climates
• is regularly affected by forest fire, insects and other natural disturbances
• continually renews itself through these natural disturbances

Read more: “Is Canada's boreal forest ancient? ”

7. Forest fires, insects and diseases help the boreal forest

The boreal forest needs natural disturbances such as forest fires and outbreaks of insects and disease. These disturbances:

• remove aged trees from the forest
• expose the land to sunlight again
• allow the next group of trees to germinate and grow into a new forest
• release nutrients from the trees

Learn more about natural disturbances in our forests.

8. Canada’s boreal forest is sustainably managed

Sustainable forest management ensures that the boreal, and all of Canada’s forests, are healthy, safe and thriving. Forest companies have to replant or seed all the areas they harvest on public land, including in the boreal forest, or allow the forest to grow back.

For further information log on ewbesite :
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/boreal/17394

Forestry in Canada

Sustainable forest management in Canada
Find out how forest ownership, laws, certification, management and planning support sustainable forest management in Canada.

Conservation and protection
Read about how Canada conserves and protects its forests through strict laws and science-based sustainable forest management practices.

Canada’s strict forest laws
Find out how Canada’s strong system of forest laws, monitoring and enforcement ensures sustainable forest management across the country.

Forest land ownership in Canada
About 94% of Canada’s forests are publicly owned. This ensures strong oversight of forest management activities. Learn more about public and private forest ownership in Canada.

Forest management planning
An approved forest management plan is required before any forestry operations occur on public land in Canada. Learn more about forest management planning in Canada.

Certification of Canada’s forests 
Canada has the largest area of third-party-certified forests in the world. Read about how certification provides added assurance that a forest company operates legally and complies with sustainable forest management standards.

Features

Why forests need fire, insects and diseases
Learn how natural disturbances, such as forest fires, insects and diseases, help boreal and other types of forests stay healthy.

Why Canada is a source of legal forest products 
Read about Canada’s forestry laws – some of the strictest in the world – and how they help reduce the risk of illegal logging and associated trade.

Climate change 
Learn about climate change impacts on Canada’s forests and ways to adapt, carbon accounting and the carbon budget model, mitigation and international negotiations.

For further information log on website :
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/canada/13161

Why forests need fires, insects and diseases

How do natural disturbances affect Canada’s forests?

Natural disturbances such as forest fires, insect and disease outbreaks, drought, wind throw and floods have occurred in Canada’s forests for thousands of years. Disturbance is part of the natural life cycle of the forest and most often helps the forest to renew itself.

Disturbances are particularly important to the cycle of regeneration and regrowth in boreal forests. Fires, as well as insect and disease outbreaks, often occur on a large scale there, more so than in Canada’s temperate forests. Here are some of the ways that these natural disturbances work to renew boreal forests.

Forest fires often stimulate new growth

Fire, the primary change agent in the boreal zone, is as crucial to forest renewal as the sun and rain. Forest fires release valuable nutrients stored in the litter on the forest floor. They open the forest canopy to sunlight, which stimulates new growth. They allow some tree species, like lodgepole and jack pine, to reproduce, opening their cones and freeing their seeds. Learn more about the effects of wildfire in the forest.

Insects reduce aging trees and make the forest more productive

Insects are important in the life cycle of boreal forests. Large insect outbreaks that occur regularly help to renew the forests. Insects release nutrients stored within trees. Infestations also eliminate sick and aging trees, reducing competition among trees and making the ecosystem more productive. Find out about the insects that affect forests in Canada.

Diseases eliminate weak trees and give new species a chance to thrive

Diseases contribute to the forest ecosystem by speeding up the mortality of weak and over-mature trees, clearing the way for forest renewal and increasing biodiversity. Diseases also break down dead plant material, a process that recycles nutrients and organic matter. Root diseases are among the most common in boreal forests. Read about the ways diseases impact Canadian forests.

Canada closely monitors and reports on natural disturbances

Although natural disturbances generally benefit the long-term health of Canadian forests, they can sometimes have public safety and environmental consequences. Canada closely monitors disturbances in its forests and reports publicly on their effects. The annual State of the Forest report includes the latest information on key disturbances such as fire, insects and disease. The government also makes a number of tools available to the public, such as maps to monitor forest fire conditions in Canada and databases of insects and diseases in Canada’s forests.

Natural Resources Canada–Canadian Forest Service scientists conduct extensive research and analysis on natural disturbance in Canada’s forests. Their reports are used to inform forest management planning, forest laws and forestry practices. For example, scientific research has helped evolve modern harvesting techniques to more closely mimic the effects of natural disturbance on the forest.

Although forest fires, insects and diseases do temporarily reduce the forest area, it’s important to remember that the trees will almost always grow back. Natural disturbance should not be confused with deforestation. A forest that will grow back is still a forest.

For further information log on website :
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/fire-insects-disturbances/forest-need/13081