shelby_farms

The Wolf River trails are the most politically sensitive in our area. At the moment bikes are being allowed
to use these trails as the official use policy is not being enforced. These trails are used by many other
groups that would like to see bikes banned completely.

Maintain proper bike control. Slow down when you meet hikers or runners. Let them know you are there
when you approach from behind. Be careful on blind curves. Some people are ardent supporters of
banning bicycles from these areas and can be quite vocal or obstinate when they meet bikes on the Wolf
River Trails.

Watch your speed, especially around other trail users. Do your fast training rides on some other trail
where bikes are less of an issue.

Through this truce we have the opportunity to prove our worth to the park and attain a modification of the
use policy to our favor. MSTA is winning favor from Shelby Farms. The MTB community volunteered 396
hours in 2009, and 371 volunteer hours in 2010 at Shelby Farms. This effort has resulted in Shelby Farms
nominating MSTA for a Volunteer Mid-South Spirit of Giving Award in 2010 and 2011.

Present Acceptable Use Policy

In October 1995, a change in policy was enacted by the managing agency in concurrence with the State Natural
Areas Program to prohibit all non-pedestrian use (including sports use, i.e. jogging). The use by the general public
and special event organizers for jogging, bicycling, and other non-pedestrian activities is detrimental to the natural
area. These activities degrade the trail system and cause erosion. It has been determined that this multi-use is in
conflict with the protection goals under the Act and Rules for Natural Resource Management.

On June 11, the Shelby Farms Trail Crew rerouted a section of the Tour-de-Wolf trail on the east end in
the Willow Pond Area. The park superintendent requested the trail be removed from the Willow Pond
dam. The other goal of the project was to move the trail away from the low spot in that field that turns
into a mud hole in the wetter months. As a bonus, the trail is now even longer. Below is a map of the
new trail.