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EPA patrols target mountain bikes in Samford Forest Reserve
Something bad is happening 
FYI, this reserve is in QLD by the look of it, but the point is we should all try our best to ride legally and not let something similar happen here.
04 Mar 2008
Mountain bike riders who don’t stick to designated trails in parks and reserves and damage the natural environment could face on-the-spot penalties.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Senior Ranger Justin Lee said trees had been illegally cut down and vegetation cleared to construct a massive jump at Samford Forest Reserve.
“Rangers were alerted about the structure last month, which was so big it took two hours for a machine to knock it down,” Mr Lee said.
“This destructive action is illegal, costly to repair and damages the environment for which the reserve was established to protect.”
Mr Lee said mountain bike riders were required to stick to management roads and fire breaks within parks and reserves.
“Unauthorised riding outside these areas and the building of trails and structures in protected areas is considered a serious matter and offenders will be fined.
“As part of ongoing park patrols, rangers will be targeting this dangerous, illegal and damaging behaviour throughout the Easter school holidays and beyond.
“Samford Forest Reserve is a protected area within a suburban landscape. This reserve provides a sanctuary for many animals and plants from the pressures of increasing population growth and development and is also set aside for the community as a place to appreciate and learn about the natural environment.
“The creation of unauthorised trails disrupts animal and plant communities and causes severe erosion resulting in loss of critical wildlife habitat. Illegally built structures are also unsafe and can cause serious injury, damage trees and harm wildlife.”
More than 25km of authorised trails are available for multiple uses, including mountain bike riding, within Samford Forest Reserve.
Mountain bike riders can also access a network of trails in nearby Bunyaville Forest Reserve.
Some of these trails are designated as single use trails for mountain bike riders only, while multiple use trails are also open to horse riders, joggers and bushwalkers. These trails can be entered from the Jinker track, where there is a detailed trail map and information.
Mountain bike riders should be aware that they must give way to walkers and horse riders on all multiple use trails.
A trail map is also available online at www.epa.qld.gov.au.
To report any illegal behaviour please contact the police or the EPA office on 1300 723 684.
Mountain bike riders who deliberately ignore designated trails face an on-the-spot fine of $75, and anyone who constructs an illegal track or jump faces a fine of $750.
Released by: Environmental Protection Agency
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Cutting down live trees is stupid, native trees more so, and a great way to get your trail shut down.
Respect the environment, is that what we are out there for in the first place? You can make stupid big artificial stuff in you back yard.
I believe Forest NSW is changing their trail strategy. The SCUM club in Nowra have or will have trail inspections to make sure their current trails comply with best practice building techniques when dealing with erosion and the like. No new building or altering without permission.
Makes sense really, we should ask ourselves would we allow open slaughter building on a bit of land we were responsible for.
Anyone caught cutting down trees without permission needs a good kick in the nuts