Editor:
Re: April 2014 North 40 News story “Poudre Wilderness Volunteers trail ride with purpose.”
Although many people are unaware, there is a difference between “wilderness” and federally designated wilderness areas.
Poudre Wilderness Volunteers patrol many U.S. Forest trails that are wilderness in the everyday sense of the word, in that they are relatively uninhabited and close to their natural condition. We also patrol trails that have received federal-wilderness designation. These areas have special legal status with special regulations that attempt to preserve their pristine nature.
The mountain bikes that are frequently encountered by PWV while on patrol are on non-wilderness trails. The mountain bike community in Northern Colorado is very knowledgeable and respectful of the federal wilderness boundaries.
Linda Sunday
PWV volunteer