Sorry, I check in every few days. Wasn't ignoring you.Originally Posted by mtbkrman
Ha, it does feel like trails are closed more than we would like, but at least with FORC, there is a method to our madness! I can explain in a moment. As far as our brethren up North, I don't know what standards they use for trail closure. I've not been to Camrock, so I have no idea of the soil composition. Kettle does have a bit of sand in their soil making it a bit more resillient due to better drainage and drying. But, like Camrock, I don't know what standards they use to keep the trails open or what tips to scale to close them. I am assuming our Wisconsin friends follow IMBA guidelines.
I can tell you about FORC and what they base trail closure on. Basically, if when traversing dirt trails (on foot, on a bike, etc.) an impression is left in the soil (tire tread impressions, the pattern from the bottom of a shoe, etc.), the trails are too wet to use. You mentioned small rain. Even a short rain may make the top crust of trail tread wet enough that impressions will be left. A couple things happen when impressions are left behind: they fill with moisture and may lead to erosion and trail damage, and they create a poor riding surface. Either way, when damage is done to a trail surface, volunteers have to repair those areas. This is done manually with shovels, rogue hoes, etc. and it's never as enjoyable as ripping down a trail on a bike. So, we try to educate people and we hope to keep building a stronger user base that will work toward maintaining awesome trails. Scott County Park has a bit more challenge in that they can't open their trails until the trails are suitable for hikers, bikers AND horses. Horses are heavier and require drier earth to withstand the weight of the horse, so their trails stay closed longer than would likely be needed for hikers and bikers. Scott County trails are opened and closed by the park ranger. Illiniwek trails are also monitored by a park ranger and are opened and closed by the ranger.
Pray for sunshine and dry weather! Stay tuned for an updated post closer to our departure about trail conditions and trip plans.
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