Time to take action again! With most places around Omaha receiving at least 5" of snow and more coming, it's time for volunteers to organize with neighbors and friends and hit the trails.
The GTC doesn't meet with the Parks & Rec department until February 18th, so we have no answer yet as to how they will clear the Keystone and Papio trails going forward. Until we have a clear answer from Parks & Rec on what priority they will put on trail systems we need to rely on one another to get the job done, or at least HELP the city get their job done. How can we help? Grab a few neighbors or friends and hit the trails. We should focus on clearing areas where the city skips, particularly bridges (underpass and overpass). There are several locations along the Keystone and West Papio that are bypassed by the city. If we can get volunteers to clear these areas then hopefully the city crews can open the rest. More importantly if we can spread the word to neighbors, businesses and neighborhood associations that volunteers are attempting to keep the trails clear then perhaps we can get more involvement. Spreading the word is a priority at this point. Steer people to this blogspot or to the twitter account for updates.
Hopefully we will soon have Parks & Rec on our side and will rely less on volunteers.
I see you've mentioned the use of an ATV with a plow. What stance does the city/county have on that? I have an ATV, no plow yet, but was curious if I took it out and was plowing the trails if I'd get "pulled over" by the cops for being out there with a motorized vehicle. I really hope we've seen the last snow fall for the season. By next year I'll have a plow for my AVT and will be more than willing to help clear trails with it if I know the city/county will approve of me doing so.
ReplyDeleteDude: As it currently stands the Parks & Rec department can not "allow" or "approve" non-city employees to use power equipment such as ATV's on the trail systems. For liability reasons they can't approve any volunteer efforts. Same goes for an ATV. Technically an ATV is a motorized vehicle and violates a city ordinance banning these things on trails unless they're being used by city employees on official business. What I've been told "unofficially" and off the records is that they city welcomes volunteers and appreciates their efforts, but for liability reasons can't "approve" our actions. Thus the Guerrilla behind the name. As far as cops chasing you down for plowing snow, I doubt that would happen. First of all the police department would have to receive a complaint. As long as a volunteer isn't damaging property, creating noise or violating any other law (basically bringing unwanted attention) then I seriously doubt there would be any police attention. But I don't speak on behalf of the police department, parks and rec or anyone else. I clearly state that all volunteers take the risk on their own behalf and are responsible for their own actions. Personally I don't think anyone would over complain that there are volunteers clearing the trails. I'm confident that IF the city was able to, they'd probably THANK the volunteers, regardless if they're on ATVs or carrying shovels.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments and for offering your assistance. Hopefully we won't have the same issues with future snow storms, but if we do we may count on your help.
Thanks for the note. I agree with what you said I just wasn't sure if anything had been communicated behind the scenes that I wasn't seeing on the blog. I'm exceited about helping out. I invited some of my cycling friends on facebook to join the GTC. Guerrilla advertising!
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