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#MoabTrails #WholeEnchilada #MountainBiking #SaveOurTrails #PublicLands #MoabEconomy #TrailMaintenance #LaSals #ArchesNationalPark #Canyonlands #BLM #USFS #MountainBikeCommunity #TrailAdvocacy #MoabAdventures #ProtectOurTrails
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The article highlights the impact of federal budget cuts under the Trump administration and its so-called Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) on public land management in Moab, Utah, particularly affecting the iconic Whole Enchilada mountain biking trail. The cuts have led to the dismissal of key staff responsible for trail maintenance and visitor services, raising concerns among locals about the future of Moab’s tourism-driven economy.
The Whole Enchilada: A Bucket List Destination
The Whole Enchilada is a 35-mile trail system that begins in the La Sal Mountains and descends to the Colorado River near Moab. It is a world-renowned destination for mountain bikers, with its uppermost section, Burro Pass, accessible only from July to October due to snow. The trail’s popularity draws thousands of visitors annually, contributing significantly to Moab’s economy. However, its maintenance relies heavily on federal land management agencies, which have been hit hard by recent budget cuts.
Federal Land Management in Moab
Three primary agencies manage public lands around Moab:
- National Parks Service (NPS): Oversees Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, providing infrastructure and visitor services.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Manages lower elevation and desert terrain, including many mountain biking trails.
- US Forest Service (USFS): Manages higher elevation areas like the La Sal Mountains, including the Burro Pass section of the Whole Enchilada.
These agencies ensure visitor safety, maintain trails, and protect the environment. However, recent layoffs have severely reduced their capacity to perform these roles.
The Impact of Cuts in Moab
The USFS team responsible for maintaining the Whole Enchilada’s upper sections has been disbanded, leaving just one ranger to manage thousands of acres of forest and six campgrounds. This reduction in staff means critical
