Knob Hills is closed!

DORBA Members: During the last week information has come to light regarding the trail conditions at Knob Hills. The Army Corp of Engineers (land managers of Knob Hills) has closed the trail indefinitely. Trail damage and erosion are the primary reasons for closure of trails on public land. The Army Corp of Engineers are the land managers of Northshore, Horseshoe and Knob Hills trails. The ACOE has a responsibility to protect and preserve public land from erosion and damage. Concern for the environment permeates all of the ACOE and its decisions are generally supported by environmental laws, Executive Orders, and regulations. Environmental protection is an essential consideration in all of the property the ACOE is responsible for monitoring. This decision is NOT based on actions by DORBA. In fact, the ACOE is relying heavily on DORBA to help get the trail opened as quickly as possible. DORBA’s relationship with the ACOE is on solid ground (so to speak). DORBA is committed in working closely with the ACOE on a coordinated and cooperative plan to repair, improve, and redesign Knob Hills. However, the speed in which we can open the trail, will be based on DORBA’s volunteer efforts. Over the next couple of weeks, the DORBA BOD will be appointing a new Trail Steward for Knob Hills. In conjunction with Dave Gray (VP of Trail and Advocacy), the ACOE, and some help from the Northshore Trail Stewards, we will get together a plan of redevelopment for Knob Hills. If you want to get involved with this effort, please do not hesitate to contact Dave Gray (DG in the forum). Should you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact me directly, Rich