Knob Magazine

The Moab Times-Independent reports, The BLM has agreed to a compromise to prevent oil and gas leases on 22 of the most sensitive parcels around Moab.

The devil may be in the details however.  The compromise included only land that was located near national parks or in “potential wilderness-quality areas,” leaving some question as to whehter trials like pocupine rim have been spared. 

The subtext is that even if moutnain biking is spared from development, it is done so only by being slated for wilderness status; meaning no cyclng.   The only bright side is the possiblity that National Parks may open to cycling.

For those of us interested in developing trail networks that actually go somewhere this will be of little consolation.  If the most vocal groups for sustainable development are pushing for conservation, trail users will be remain under threat from both sides.  Wilderness status on one hand and development on the other.