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Written by Jeff Murchison
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Wednesday, 14 May 2008 06:55 |
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This artical is from today's Cherokee Tribune
"By Ashley Fuller
Cherokee Tribune Staff Writer Work has stopped temporarily on new bike trails in the Sixes community because of permitting and erosion issues, but is expected to pick back up soon.
Construction started last September on the project to add five miles of paths to the Blankets Creek Bike Trails system on Sixes Road.
The trail system, which currently totals nine and a half miles, is a partnership between the Southern Off Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Cherokee Parks and Recreation Agency (CRPA).
John Hicks, president of the Woodstock chapter of SORBA, said work stopped about three weeks ago after it was discovered a land disturbance permit had not been obtained. Hicks said the agency typically has not needed a permit in the past because of the small size of its projects.
He said an erosion control plan will be submitted to the Cherokee County government this week for approval. Hicks said he anticipates plan approval and the restart of construction within two weeks.
"We have already done a bunch of erosion control work," he said, noting one particularly bad stretch of trail already has been corrected. "We want to be sure that everything is done like it is supposed to be. We are very concerned about being environmentally sound."
County Engineer Geoff Morton said the county discovered the problem last month when it investigated a complaint from a resident about state stream buffer violations. The county issued a stop-work order SORBA leaders could bring the plan into compliance.
Once SORBA members are able to return to work, Hicks expects the trails to be completed in 30 to 45 days.
"We need about two or three more good work days," he said.
Hicks said the association still is looking for people to help.
"Most of what we do is with volunteers. The more we have, the quicker we can get done," he said.
SORBA also is hosting a fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at Free-Flite Bicycles in Marietta to benefit construction of the trails. The total cost of the project is $75,000.
John Seufert, a member of the Lake Allatoona Preservation Authority board and Toonigh Neighbors, said he is concerned about protecting local waterways, and is pleased SORBA is addressing erosion.
"I'm glad to see that they are willing to work with the authorities to take the proper actions," he said. "Any time you have trails, whether they are bike or horse or even foot, there can be erosion problems."
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Written by Jay Wilkes
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Tuesday, 13 May 2008 17:52 |
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Good news so far on the Area 51 reopening effort. Last weekend we had 12 folks work most of the day Saturday and 5 folks on Sunday to restore the Big Rock Area and Rock Switchback on VMT. The Big Rock Area in 100% restored and the switchback is ~70% complete. These are two areas that were called out in our Erosion Control Plan that is currently being evaluated by Cherokee County EPD. There is one more area by the Ninth Ward on VMT that needs to be worked as well. As soon as the work is complete, we can then call the County out to do an inspection. Once approved we can have the Stop Work Order lifted! The timeline to call for the inspection all depends on YOU! We need all the help we can get to get the restoration work finished! The more people that show up to help the faster this trail can be opened! Please join us this Saturday (5/17) from 9am - 1pm to get this trail closer to riding! Thanks for your support! Jay Wilkes Vice President - SORBA Woodstock Big Rock Restored 
Switchback at 70% complete  |
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Written by Jeff Murchison
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Sunday, 11 May 2008 16:21 |
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We have a new feature on the website that has been long overdo! There is a new section called Photo Galleries which you can access under the main menu. I will be uploading a lot of pictures from many events and work parites over the next couple of months for now though enjoy some pictures from Pedal Palooza 08 
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Written by Jay Wilkes
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Friday, 25 April 2008 16:55 |
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Mosquito Bite and Van Michael trail are temporarily closed The construction of the new trails at Blankets Creek has created some erosion and permitting issues. At one point on the Van Michael Trail near the bank of Blankets Creek we have a problem that must be corrected. We also must complete the installation of some additional erosion prevention BMP’s included in the construction plans for the trail. This problem has been reported to Cherokee County and we have been instructed to close the new trail. We must secure permits for the work and have it inspected and approved before we can re-open the trail. These problems can be resolved but it will require some time to work through the regulatory process and complete the work. It is unclear how long the trails will be closed but we are hopeful that this closure will only be a few weeks. We have a very positive relationship with the U.S. Corps of Engineers and Cherokee County and they are working closely with us to solve these problems. Please spread the word and help people understand that this closure must be respected while we work. We need the support of the entire riding community so we can continue to demonstrate that SORBA is an outstanding steward of this land. We will need volunteers to work this weekend to correct the immediate problem. Please join us this weekend for the work party at 9:00 am Saturday morning. We will be posting additional work days once our work plan is approved. We will keep you advised as the resolution of these issues progresses. Thanks for your patience and support. SORBA Woodstock - Board of Directors |
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