I am writing to ask for your help with an important issue that effects anyone who enjoys the off highway vehicle trails in Uwharrie National Forest. I am the Media Director, Administrator for Friends of Uwharrie, a non-profit organization that helps facilitate volunteers and funding of this public trail system.

In the past few years leading to present day, we’ve seen a big rise in the number of ATV/Dirt bike riders on our trail system which is both a positive and a negative. Myself, I ride a Honda 250 and wheel full sized Land Cruisers on this trail system.

We are having problems with getting all user groups to respect the trail system and the rules that must be followed in order to keep this system open. As with Tellico Plains in Tennessee, our trail system is now in danger of closure due to environmental impact. I am asking you to educate your groups and clubs on trail etiquette, laws and the need to respect the trail.

We are having trouble making people stay on the designated routes and off of roadways unless licensed. Each time a barrier is breached, repairs are made and the damage around the barrier to the environment is studied by an archaeologist. With each breach, this system is getting closer to closure. I’ve created a brochure that explains the rules of this system, please email friendsofure@gmail.com if you would like a copy. I tried posting and was unable to do so. A second resource that is a great tool is www.treadlightly.org where riders can take an online awareness course for free. Please share this information with your riders. Together, we can keep this system open!

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfUwharrie/ to follow current events and issues on this system or to volunteer.

Thank you for your time and effort,

Robin Touw, FOU Media/Admin