By Ashley Fuller
Cherokee Tribune Staff Writer
Work has stopped temporarily on new bike trails in the Sixes community because of permitting and erosion issues, but is expected to pick back up soon.
Construction started last September on the project to add five miles of paths to the Blankets Creek Bike Trails system on Sixes Road.
The trail system, which currently totals nine and a half miles, is a partnership between the Southern Off Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Cherokee Parks and Recreation Agency (CRPA).
John Hicks, president of the Woodstock chapter of SORBA, said work stopped about three weeks ago after it was discovered a land disturbance permit had not been obtained. Hicks said the agency typically has not needed a permit in the past because of the small size of its projects.
He said an erosion control plan will be submitted to the Cherokee County government this week for approval. Hicks said he anticipates plan approval and the restart of construction within two weeks.
"We have already done a bunch of erosion control work," he said, noting one particularly bad stretch of trail already has been corrected. "We want to be sure that everything is done like it is supposed to be. We are very concerned about being environmentally sound."
County Engineer Geoff Morton said the county discovered the problem last month when it investigated a complaint from a resident about state stream buffer violations. The county issued a stop-work order SORBA leaders could bring the plan into compliance.
Once SORBA members are able to return to work, Hicks expects the trails to be completed in 30 to 45 days.
"We need about two or three more good work days," he said.
Hicks said the association still is looking for people to help.
"Most of what we do is with volunteers. The more we have, the quicker we can get done," he said.
SORBA also is hosting a fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at Free-Flite Bicycles in Marietta to benefit construction of the trails. The total cost of the project is $75,000.
John Seufert, a member of the Lake Allatoona Preservation Authority board and Toonigh Neighbors, said he is concerned about protecting local waterways, and is pleased SORBA is addressing erosion.
"I'm glad to see that they are willing to work with the authorities to take the proper actions," he said. "Any time you have trails, whether they are bike or horse or even foot, there can be erosion problems."
afuller@cherokeetribune.com
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Posted Comments
Glad this major issue has been wrapped up nice and proper like. Lord knows the worst problem we have with erosion control is from Bike trails that wind through undeveloped forest. Thanks to the concerned citizen that was on top of this problem and got it straightened out, now we can all sleep better kno....please, can we get some perspective here.