The recently released Spring 2007 IMBA Annual Report had one paragraph covering a very important topic, deploying field-based professional staff to assist local mountain biking groups.
Professional staff could make a huge difference when it comes to opening up more land for trails, and especially when it comes to RTP submittals and funding. KY for example has about $750K in RTP dollars per year for non-motorized, and very, very little actually goes to natural surface trails. In 2006 there was ZERO RTP's submitted from mountain bike groups.
With paid professional staff assisting local volunteer groups, I could see IMBA taking the lead to insure that applications are submitted. Furthermore, IMBA could also list their separate trail consulting/building arm in the application, to insure the trails are properly designed and built. It's a win-win situation.
Three of the larger mtb clubs in the U.S. (Michigan MBA, New England MBA & SORBA) all have paid professional staff.
KY could easily partner w/surrounding states and fund their own IMBA rep., or their own independent staff. A very easy way to do this would be to use fees from race proceeds and apply it towards the professional staff. For the last several years, racers have paid thousands of dollars in extra NORBA (now USA cycling) fees that basically went for nothing. Eliminating this fee and directing the monies towards paid professional staff would go a long ways towards improving mountain biking here in the state.
Interesting and definitely
Interesting and definitely worth some discussion. Do you see this as a very focused local group or like at a state level?
I think IMBA will be
I think IMBA will be "testing the waters" in some of our more heavily populated states, or those with trail systems that draw large amounts of visitors.
The current situation in KY is that we've had somewhere between $750,000 to 1 million dollars a year in RTP funding for trails, and very, very little (if any) is actually going to natural surface trails that allow mountain biking.
If the IMBA model is successful (and I see no reason why it shouldn't be) they could have regional reps. assisting local and state agencies, as well as mtb clubs, in completing RTP grants. They would "spec-in" IMBA's professional trail building group, or any other experienced trial building professional, to create a positive revenue flow and more importantly insure the trails are properly built.
Expecting local volunteer mtb groups to submit and complete RTP grants is oftens times an experiment in wishful thinking. (Here locally, our Metro Council requested my assistance shortly before I stepped aside, and unfortunately, no one else stepped up to the plate and submitted one). With IMBA's expertise, numerous RTP's could easily be submitted state wide. It would truly be a "win-win" situation for all involved.
The sooner IMBA devises and implements a workable program the better. As it's only matter of time before other user groups (often times much better financed that mountain bikers) enter the fray.
I plan to write a letter to IMBA's Executive Director and Governmental Affairs Director, thanking them for initiating the program and providing my suggestions on how it could operate in our region. I would encourage everyone interested in long term mtb advocacy to contact IMBA thru letter writing or e-mail and encourage professional regional reps..
thanks, Don