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Mountain biking on the Arizona Trail. Photo courtesy Arizona Trail Association.
Last week the Legends of Superior Trail Committee along with the International Mountain Biking Association hosted a joint kick off meeting to start mapping and planning for mountain bike, hiking and some equestrian trails in the area surrounding Superior.
About a dozen local residents along with outdoor enthusiasts from Kearny, Tucson, Scottsdale, Tempe and Gold Canyon attended the open house meeting. There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for this project and its potential impact. One type of trail that will be developed are gravity trails to be used specifically by mountain bikers who want a down hill rush.
The planning and mapping process will take about three to four months. Once the plan is complete the IMBA will present it to the LOST committee for modifications. The two groups will be working closely with the Tonto National Forest on the planning stages. Once the plan is complete the plan will need to have an environmental impact statement written about the project that will take two to three years for completion. Following an approved EIS/NEPA the trails will be able to be constructed.
The Legends of Superior Committee will be forming a 501c3 organization to be able to apply for grants to fund the construction of the trails as well as other trails in the area. Funding for the planning and mapping of the trail is being funded by Resolution Copper.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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