Posted on December 3 at 10:54 a.m.

It's not one thing or the other but a combination of factors that we can address when making our environment more fire safe. Eucalyptus trees tower far above the oak canopies and thus are giant torches, as has been said here, that do a much better job at igniting and spreading a fire than any oak. Firescaping is key! Too, building materials are essential elements to fire tolerance and so I think that we need not target any single factor, but the matrix of elements that can be mitigated to perhaps save our rear ends when the sundowners and other pyrodynamics seek us out.

On Which Canyon Will Burn Next?

Posted on May 11 at 12:05 p.m.

I would say that anyone thinking that there aren't many trail issues out there is very out of touch with environmental concerns, policies and procedures. These issues are not all about "me" and 'I done this' and 'I done that'. It's all about creating a sound community philosophy regarding the environment and then upholding these principles through grounded policies. Maybe we all need to be just a little more aware of our footprints, be them carbon, wax, rubber or soles. The idea of "leave no trace" sounds about the best that idea at the least cost to anyone or anything, especially to Mother Nature...and if you haven't heard...she seems a little peeved with us homosapiens lately. It maybe time to morph into intelligent, smart, hypergreen eco-nutz...and lean toward that great bumper sticker "think like a coyote, act like a fish".

On Why Mountain Bikes Need Regulating

Posted on May 11 at 11:15 a.m.

For a well rounded perspective on the issue of trail usage in the frontcountry, it would be good to hear from one or more of the above commentary sources in an article in defense of their point of view, philosophy, and findings to their proposed studies. I don't necessarily think that Ray needs to publish a myriad of articles simultaneously, but rather develop the issue over time...which is what one would assuming is going to happen.
anxious to read more on this topic...

On The Hidden Costs of Mountain Biking