The work group chose to deal with the designation of motorcycle trails first, starting in the North West of the area. We then worked southward and eastward. Initially it was difficult to gain consensus on which trails to designate and which to close. Over the course of the meeting, the pace of agreement accelerated when the discussion shifted from debating the merits of each and every existing trail to the designation of loop trails. The motorcyclist's representatives stated that the loop trails would provide motorcyclists with adequate access to the forest and would also provide choices of experiences both in the terrain to be experienced and in the length of trips available.
Length refers to both the time of the ride and the distances available.
The designation of the loop trails satisfied the Motorcyclists, Hikers, Environmentalists and OHV representatives who were present. The designation of the loop trails created the possibility of more functional wildlife corridors. As the pace of agreement accelerated the conversation became focused and intense among the hikers, one of the motorcyclist representatives, and the OHV representative. The other members of the working group were not very involved. We need to check at the next meeting as to whether the other members were observing and satisfied or whether they felt excluded.