So I'm reading the new Bike Magazine (July 2008) about how MA state employees of the Dept of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are being given instruction on trail building & maintenance by New England Mtn Bike Association (NEMBA) volunteers.  Wow.  This is a huge step in the acceptance of mtn bikers as people that are stewards of the environment and not threats to it.  Rather than trail destroyers, this action recognizes mtn bikers for the innovative techniques they've developed to foster healthy trail systems.  For a synopsis of studies aimed at determining the impact of mtn biking on trails compared to other recreational user groups go to the International Mtn Bike Association (IMBA):  www.imba.com/resources/science/impact_summary.html 
Bottom line: studies find that there is impact on trails from this sport but the impact is no different from that of other recreational users including hikers.

Tickled pink reading this article and seeing the great photo of the DCR's eclectic new staff -- they too are not the stereotype of thin, ponytailed, pink cheeked young things -- thinking I can't wait to share this with the LunaChix. And lo and behold its authored by our very own Wendy Booher.  Great writing and great story Wendy!