Berry T Stevens Position Statement

By Berry T. Stevens

Equal Access for all low impact trail users

The district justifies this Basic Use/ Special use policy by saying these other uses carry additional maintenance costs and that impacts the district's ability to purchase more open space. I think there are other ways to mitigate any extra maintenance costs. Specifically, the district can be more aggressive in promoting and organizing volunteer trail projects with these affected user groups. They can also work with these groups doing educational outreach projects which will minimize or eliminate many of their impacts in the first place, thus reducing the need for any mitigation or related costs. It's a matter of being pro-active to educate the users to minimize their impact in the first place.

I propose language in their policy statement that guarantees full multiple use at it's current level of 80% for all future open spaces. Furthermore I would support expanding and enhancing the volunteer program to include educational outreach programs to encourage full partnerships with ALL user groups to foster cooperation in minimizing maintenance costs. We all love the open spaces and should work together to support what we have in order to maximize our ability to acquire more in the future. That's what I would work towards if elected and why I ask your support on Election Day. Thank You