Meeting Time: April 03, 2024 at 1:00pm EDT
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Agenda Item

19.2. 24-216 Permitted Recreational Activities at the Ragged Mountain Natural Area.

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    Andy Copland 8 months ago

    As a resident of Albermarle County and a father of two school age children, I would like to encourage the Board to listen to the community in the county and city take the necessary steps to expand the recreational opportunities around local reservoirs in particular at the Ragged Mountain Natural Area. The RWSA and the 8yrs of stable water quality at Ragged Mountain supports this expanded use and it is an incredible resource to the community for outdoor activity that makes Charlottesville an incredible place to live. As a resident and a voter, I urge the Board to take an inclusive approach welcoming all residents to natural resources like this and to allow the local community to continue to support each other through trailbuilding efforts that benefit hikers, walkers, birders, runners, bikers, and families.

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    Allie Hill 8 months ago

    My name is Allie Hill and I'm a RTF board member, the volunteer planning group lead for the proposed Three Notched Trail, and a coach for the Western Albemarle High School Mountain Bike Team. 

    I bike because I can no longer run or hike due to having bad knees. The non-load bearing aspect of cycling allows me to get out and enjoy nature.  

    We're fortunate to have local mountain bike trails, but few are friendly for beginner and intermediate riders.  Ragged Mountain being so accessible to town is an incredible benefit; the reasonably flat terrain is welcoming to bikers of all levels.  In my many years of building, maintaining, and promoting local trails, it's been wonderful to see how the bikers, hikers, and walkers seamlessly share our local trails, exchanging a chipper "beautiful day to be out on the trails, eh?" greeting.

    If you think bikers and walkers must be separated, I request the BOS allow a parallel biking loop to be built around Ragged Mountain Reservoir.  Thank you.

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    John Carter 8 months ago

    As a resident of Albemarle County in the Dunlora Community, I encourage the Board to expand the list of permitted recreational activities at the Ragged Mountain Natural Area, to include biking. In 2024, I believe we should be expanding access to outdoor spaces and recreational activities and biking has been shown by our own water authority to cause no adverse effects on water quality at the reservoir. If water quality is truly the issue, the Board should consider upstream activities such as land clearing, development, and nutrient loading from agricultural as much more substantive contributors to pollution of our drinking water supply.

    Now that the jurisdictional question of authority over activities at Ragged Mountain has been resolved, I once again implore the Board to change the code to allow biking for the health and well being of our community. Bikers are an active and group that will provide stewardship and countless volunteer hours to the benefit of the trails and natural area.

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    Matthew Hall 8 months ago

    The trails at Ragged Mountain hold a special place in the hearts and minds of many in our community, many of whom have volunteered both time and money to the upkeep and stewardship of the trail system so that everyone can enjoy this resource. While we are lucky to have other natural spaces to enjoy, this specific trail system provides residents with a variety of outdoor interests and skill levels an important and unique way to experience nature without detriment to our water resources (as reaffirmed by the RWSA). My hope is that a constructive solution can be reached that allows everyone (whether they are hikers, runners, walkers, bird watchers, bikers, or simply want to get outside) to come together as a community and continue to cultivate this resource. The timeliness of this is especially important given the water level increase planned for the coming years.

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    Klaus Hagspiel 8 months ago

    As an Albemarle resident for 26 years I would like the Board to reconsider their position on biking and hiking at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. This is a wonderful recreational resource for our residents and also the closest to town which reduces environmental impact compared to some of the other County Parks which require significantly longer travel.

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    Truitt Cooper 8 months ago

    Dear County Supervisors,
    Please vote to allow multipurpose use of the trails at Ragged Mountain. In the recent years in which it was permissable for the trails to be used for activities such as mountain biking or running, the community has benefited greatly, and I have not seen an ounce of evidence that any harm was caused to the area during this time. On the contrary, local biking advocacy groups have put in many hours of work to maintain and improve the park. Additionally, at this time it seems sevrely detrimental to do anything to limit healthy physical activity in our community, especially when no reasonable argument supporting the ban on biking and running there has been presented.

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    Hunter Davis 8 months ago

    Ragged Mountain Reservoir is an extremely important destination for my family and I. In fact, we moved to the area back in 2017 with the hopes that this resource would be a space for shared recreational trail. The opportunity to ride bikes at Ragged Mountain Reservoir was a big part of our decision to move to Albemarle Co due to its convenience and connectivity to town. Many of the larger tracts of public lands near or in Albemarle Co already ban biking (Shenandoah National Park, St. Mary’s Wilderness Area, Priest Wilderness Area, Three Ridges Wilderness Area). It is concerning to me that we will not be able to utilize our local public lands in the way that we visioned when moving here and raising our kids. I feel that Ragged Mountain Reservoir and the surrounding property is the cornerstone of outdoor rec in the area and should have a vision of shared use. Please change the code to allow biking and running at Ragged Mountain Reservoir.

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    Daniel Blake 8 months ago

    I'm a Albemarle county resident who, until recently, biked at Ragged Mountain. This is such a fantastic resource for the community especially given it's proximity to town. As a former California resident (where conflict is common), I've been impressed with how friendly and considerate trail users of different disciplines are to one another. For mountain biking Ragged is great for young and less experienced riders and I looked forward to riding there one day with my daughters. Please consider changing the code to allow mountain biking at Ragged Mountain.

    Thank you,
    Daniel Blake
    2533 Starlight View Lane
    Cville, 22901

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    Jameson Hinkle 8 months ago

    To the BOS, thank you for considering our request to change the code to permit bikes at the Ragged Mountain Natural Area. As I'm sure you're aware at this point, there are no adverse effects on water quality as a result of biking as long as the trails are well maintained. As a member of the CAMBC community and volunteer on trail days, I can tell you that CAMBC takes painstaking consideration to be sure a trail will be sustainable for any user. Furthermore, as an environmental scientist/biologist, I can say that CAMBC trail goals align with the current methods employed worldwide to avoid further impact on native species of all kinds. As a new father, I'd like my daughter to be able to ride Ragged Mountain Natural Area trails just like all the kids in the area do now. The trails are a great way for new users to get acquainted with bikes and are a precious resource just like our water. Please consider changing the code so future generations can continue to enjoy this resource.

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    Frank Deviney 8 months ago

    I have only hiked there myself, but I support bicycling on the trails at Ragged Mountain Natural Area. Sincerely, Frank Deviney.

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    Thomas Battey 8 months ago

    Thank you for revisiting the code addressing recreational activities at Ragged Mountain. My family and I have been county residents (Jack Jouett district) since 2020 and moved here in large part because of the ready access to trails and welcoming outdoor community. We have spent many hours walking, running, and biking around the reservoir and could not feel more strongly that this spectacular resource be available for use by all. As a biker and runner, this is one of the best, most beginner friendly and most easily accessible recreational resources in the area and I have had so many positive experiences with trail users of all types. As a parent, I am particularly excited to get our 2-year-old daughter out on the trail as we teach her to be a steward of the environment, both local and otherwise. As a physician, I cannot think of a better way to support the health of our community than by ensuring this area is available to everyone for all types of outdoor activity. Thank you.

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    Erin Kennedy 8 months ago

    Please consider expanding the uses permitted on the Ragged Mountain Trails. The trails are an incredible asset to our community and have been respectfully shared by bikers, walkers, and runners alike for years. Access to trails and parks such as those at Ragged Mountain contribute to the high quality of life in Albemarle County and Charlottesville. You have an opportunity to ensure that community members continue to benefit from the healthy activities available at Ragged Mtn, knowing that they can do so without negatively impacting the watershed. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

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    Ted Gayle 8 months ago

    Dear BoS - Recreation matters! Please reconsider adding biking and other recreation activities back to Ragged Mountain Natural Area. The community needs these recreation opportunities to become a "great and good" community, like those we educate in this area. Trail conflict has been minimal and efforts are in place for even further deconflict the possibility trail conflict mitigation. Even the RWSA study stated that biking and other recreation activities will not affect water quality. Our community needs this resource, my 3 kids need this resource, I need this resource, to be a better community, we all need this...please reconsider your decision.

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    Matthew Hale 8 months ago

    Please, please, please, continue to allow cycling at Ragged Mountain. The area is an incredible resource for mountain bikers of all skill levels in the county and beyond, moreover, the presence and maintenance of the beautiful trail system there is owed in great part to the local Charlottesville cycling community. Excluding cyclists would be both an unjust act against the community and a disservice towards those stewards that provide labor for its upkeep.

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    Bill Hauser 8 months ago

    Dear Albemarle Board of Supervisors,
    First and foremost, promoting biking and running at Ragged Mountain Reservoir would encourage healthier lifestyles among our residents. As we all know, regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. Providing access to these activities in such a picturesque natural setting can inspire individuals and families to embrace active lifestyles and enjoy the numerous health benefits associated with outdoor exercise. Allowing biking and running at Ragged Mountain Reservoir would enhance the recreational opportunities available to our community. The park's scenic trails are ideal for these activities, offering an immersive experience in nature that cannot be replicated elsewhere. By opening the trails to bikers and runners, we can attract outdoor enthusiasts from near and far, bolstering tourism and supporting local businesses. I ask you to change the code to continue to allow mountain biking at Ragged Mountain.

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    Carly Hegemier 8 months ago

    Dear Board of Supervisors, I appreciate you taking the time to revisit this code and hear from community members. As a student at the University of Virginia and lifelong resident of Albemarle County, I have a lot of love for the Ragge Mountain Reservoir trail system. I grew up riding with my family, coaching a youth mountain bike team, hiking with friends, and watching sunsets all on these trails. This beautiful area and trail system has allowed for me to relax in the outdoors in a location that is close to the University and my home. I love seeing the full parking lot at Ragged because that means there are many people, like me, who are out and enjoying this wonderful space. I hope that when considering this code you remember that the RWSA has reaffirmed that healthy outdoor activities do not affect water quality and that the communities love for this space will continue to protect it. Thank you for your consideration to update this code so that it reflects these community values.

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    Ari Blatt 8 months ago

    Dear BOS,
    I have been a county resident for almost 20 years and have enjoyed many walks, runs, and rides with friends and family around the Ragged Mountain Loops. In my experience, contact with other trail users is always friendly and respectful, even on those rare weekend days when the trail seems comparatively crowded (though I'm not sure that's the right word, considering how much space even a hundred or so users can find along a 7-mile span). My nine-year old daughter, who just got her first truly capable mountain bike, was gearing up for her first ride around the loop when the news came about mountain bike restrictions at the reservoir (as other commenters have noted, conditions on the trail are perfect for beginners). I encourage you to change the code to once again allow access for everyone, regardless of mode of transport (save, perhaps, for e-bikes), to enjoy this incredibly valuable community resource.
    Respectfully, Ari Blatt

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    Andrew Mills 8 months ago

    Thanks for considering an update to the code surrounding the Ragged Mtn Reservoir. I hope that you will amend to allow mountain biking and other forms of recreational activities on the surrounding trails. My family has enjoyed the trails for years and consider this area ann incredibly valuable asset to the residents of Charlottesville and Albemarle. Andrew Mills

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    Todd Niemeier 8 months ago

    Dear Supervisors,

    I support changing the County ordinance regarding allowable activities around Ragged Mountain Reservoir. An ordinance that specifies prohibited activities, rather than those that are allowed would be much more logical and understandable.

    I support allowing diverse recreational activities at Ragged Mountain. As stated by RWSA, activities like mountain biking pose no threat to water quality. Only those activities that have scientifically proven detrimental impacts on water quality should be restricted.

    Shared use trails support a healthy and connected community. I served on the Rivanna Trails Foundation (RTF) Board of Directors for over a decade, and as President for four years. The RTF trail system is a shining example of a functioning, multi-use trail system that sees constant use by walkers, runners, and bikers. Ragged Mountain has been serving a similar population successfully, and there is no reason to limit the community’s access now.

    Thank you.

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    Laurie Casteen 8 months ago

    Dear BoS: I am a 28 year resident of Albemarle County and avid hiker and walker & the parent of an avid mountain biker. We have enjoyed the RM trails for many years and my son cut his MTB "teeth"on these trails there early in his riding days. These trails were especially important during Covid when walkers and cyclists could get excellent exercise at a distance from one another and I still walk there multiple times a month. In all my years walking there I have never had anything other than respectful and courteous interactions with every cyclist on the trail. Each has announced their presence in advance and been very polite and grateful when I choose to step to the side to let them pass. I have never found the trails to be in a condition in which I cannot enjoy them due to bike use Further, amazingly, I have literally never found an item of trash on the trail. Please protect the use of these trails for ALL walkers AND mountain bikers. Thank you! Laurie Casteen