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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    Stephanie Snider 8 months ago

    The trail needs to be open for cyclists, hikers, & joggers. It is a trail convenient to both city & county residents & provides the free healthy outdoor activities our community needs.

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    Tom Connaughton 8 months ago

    My kids have grown up mountain biking around Ragged Mountain Natural Area. During our Ragged Mountain adventures we've had nothing but positive interactions with runners, hikers, and birders. Trails can be used and enjoyed by many user groups when done so responsibly. Studies show that mountain biking has no impact on water quality. It should also be noted that the mountain bike community puts in countless hours into building and maintaining trails for everyone to enjoy. Please change the code and allow Ragged Mountain to be a place that all residents can enjoy.

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    Mark Root 8 months ago

    The prohibition of mountain biking on Ragged Mountain is antithetical to what it means to live in Charlottesville. Please reconsider.

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    Kathryn Kim 8 months ago

    Please take the necessary actions to preserve access to the Ragged Mountain Natural Area for all users. Access to a space such as this one, so close to the densest part of the Charlottesville/Albemarle population, is not only important for individual enrichment and growth, it is a vital tool in building a positive, healthy community. As taxpayers in Albemarle County, we sincerely hope the the Board will do the right thing and continue to allow access for all outdoor enthusiasts.

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    Laura Wolf 8 months ago

    Please revisit the code pertaining to allowed activity use around our reservoirs and align it with the evidence and public support of healthy outdoor activities. Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority confirms activities like biking, hiking, and trail running pose minimal risk to water quality. Data spanning eight years at Ragged Mountain Reservoir, during which multi-sport trail use was widespread, supports this. I urge County Supervisors to update codes accordingly, prioritizing community health and environmental stewardship. Outdoor activities promote well-being and connection with nature. Increased access benefits ALL. With involvement from area non-profit organizations like CATs and CAMBC, trails can be sustainably managed. The trail community is prepared to assist in maintaining these spaces while preserving their natural beauty. Thank you.

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    Jack Holbrook 8 months ago

    Dear Board of Supervisors,
    I am a team captain on the Albemarle High School Mountain Bike Team and have been mountain biking in Albemarle County for the past ten years. The ordinance that prohibits mountain biking, trail running, and other activities at Ragged Mountain Natural Area is outdated and hurts many community members. The RWSA has stated that these activities do not negatively impact the water supply. As part of the AHS Mountain Bike Team, we emphasize the importance of trail etiquette to promote safe and enjoyable multi-use trails for all users. To my knowledge, there have been no user conflicts at Ragged. While there are other trails in the area, the reservoir loop is unique in its accessibility; it is in a very convenient location for many residents, and it is enjoyable for the vast majority of riders, regardless of experience. Please revise the ordinance so that this beautiful recreation area can be enjoyed by all.
    Thank you,
    -Jack Holbrook

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    Kyle Rodland 8 months ago

    As a lifelong member of Charlottesville/Albemarle county I would like to request that the code surrounding Ragged Mountain Natural Area be changed to allow for the use of bikes. I've been a frequent trail user on bike and on foot. My children also enjoy using the trails and exploring. Bikes pose no treat to water quality and trail the mountain bike community has been very active with trail maintenance and construction. The mountain bike community is a big advocates for multi use trails and a safe and friendly trail use culture and etiquette. Please change the code to allow bikes at Ragged.

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    John Maine 8 months ago

    I fully support multiple use activities on our county parks and believe there are simple ways to allow both biking and hiking to occur without conflict. Separate trails for biking are a good option. The biking community will design, fund, and provide free labor to construct new trails. It is one of the fastest growing sports in our community among young and old, with schools now supporting mtb teams. Mountain biking is great exercise for all ages and is easier on the joints for us older people, who may also prefer riding on a trail to riding on the dangerous roads with no bike lanes. I am 69 and switched from running to biking years ago because it is fun and easier on my back and knees. The RWSA has already stipulated that damage to the water supply is not an issue with biking or hiking around the reservoir, so that should not be an issue. Please support the opportunity for both hiking and mountain biking at ragged mountain.
    John maine
    Demmie maine
    1029 bristlecone lane

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    Jeff Lysiak 8 months ago

    Dear Board of Supervisors, I really do not understand why you would restrict access to this beautiful trail system. Currently, approximately 30% of our population is overweight and approximately 42% are considered obese (NIH; Overweight and Obesity Statistics). Also many of our children spend too much time on screens and are not getting enough exercise or spending time outside. This trail system offers people the opportunity to get out there and move. There is now a saying that "Movement is Medicine" which is very true. The best preventive therapy for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and even Alzheimer's is movement (exercise). Don't we want to strive for a healthy population and be an example for other cities? Also running & mountain biking don't cause degradation of our water supply as has been recognized by the Authority charged with protecting our water supply.

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    John Worozbyt 8 months ago

    Please change the code to allow multi-user access to trails at Ragged Mtn. Thank you.

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    Jason Grigg 8 months ago

    Dear Board of Supervisors, my name is Jason Grigg and I have lived in the city of Charlotteville for the past 7 years and in Albemarle County for 20 years before the city. Thank you for putting this on the agenda for the meeting today. Ragged mountain has been part for the community for several years and is enjoyed by so many active community members. We all enjoy the trails together if we are walking, hiking, running, or cycling.
    Please modify the current code to allow the community to continue to use this beautiful area for their enjoyment and activity.

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    Noah Bolton 8 months ago

    Please continue to allow access for bike riders at Ragged Mtn. Reservoir.

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    Les Bowers 8 months ago

    I live adjacent to Ragged on Rookwood Place approximately 300 yards from the entrance to Ragged. I strongly support a multi- use approach to Ragged. There is zero negative impact to my neighborhood or property values from mountain biking at Ragged. In fact, I believe that banning mountain biking at ragged would negatively impact my property values. Mountain bikes should not be banned - instead, a shared use approach should be adopted. There is no erosion or water quality concern from mountain bikes. Essentially the only argument is that hikers want the trails all to themselves. But there are plenty of ways to make the trails appropriate for mixed use - or to build new trails that are MTB only (at the expense of private organizations which are more than willing to handle the project). Albemarle County has an opportunity to continue to lead the way and be an outdoor activity destination – but banning mountain biking at ragged is a step in the wrong direction.

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    Anne Lassere 8 months ago

    Dear Board of Supervisors, my name is Anne and I’m a native Virginian and active community member in Charlottesville. I’m writing to express my concern about denying access to Ragged Mountain to members of the public. Public land should be for the public, and the Ragged Mountain loop is especially important to mountain bikers because it’s the most popular venue in the area for women’s group rides. There are at least three regular groups of women riders who have met at Ragged mountain for years to socialize together, get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. The loop is an accessible and predictable trail for those with limited time, and as we know, women juggle many things and their time is valuable. By limiting access to this trail, you are eliminating a tradition of women’s group rides that is extremely valuable to those who practice it. Thank you for your consideration.

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    Keith Fieldhammer 8 months ago

    Many thanks to the Board of Supervisors for putting this issue on the agenda for the April 3 meeting. In light of the fact that the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority has determined that bicycling and other outdoor activities don't threaten the quality of the water in the Ragged Mountain Reservoir, I'd like to request that the Board modify the existing code to allow bicycling and other healthy outdoor activities on the loop trail around the reservoir. It's a beautiful trail for people of all ages to enjoy, whether hiking, biking, or running.

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    Kiersten Shue 8 months ago

    My quiet 16 year old son has found his people and his healthy passion! What a caring, giving culture we have found in biking. My son enjoys riding with his high school team(AHS), riding with friends on weekends, and participating in volunteer trail work (Ragged Mountain trails included). It is heartening to see so many youth enjoying the outdoors, finding comraderie in exercise and bonding over work (trail maintanance)! Kind citizens of the future in the making! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE allow these good people to enjoy this area they care so much for!

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    Slava Krushkal 8 months ago

    Please change the code to allow mixed use trails at Ragged Mountain! I hope mountain biking and trail running are allowed. I've been a resident of Albemarle County for 20 years.

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    Emily Anderson 8 months ago

    Hello, I'm Emily Anderson, I've owned a house in Albemarle County since 2005. I use all the trails in the county, but I particularly like Ragged Mountain trail system because it is very close to my house. After learning that there are not impacts to water quality from mixed use trails, I decided to support the idea of revising the county code to continue to allow the mixed use trails at Ragged Mountain. I would like to be able to continue to run and ride my bike there. I would also really like if dogs were allowed. Please revise the county codes that prohibit these trail uses. Thanks!

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    Peyton Rose 8 months ago

    My name is Peyton Rose. I'm a Virginia native and Charlottesville resident. One of the reasons I love this town is its proximity to trails and outdoor recreation. Some of the activities my family and I enjoy are hiking, trail running, walking our dog (Higgins), and mountain biking. Yes, there are other trails in the area, but Ragged Mountain is truly a special place for mountain biking. Its easy access from town and beginner friendly trails make it a great place to recreate with friends of all ability levels. I am a new father, and look forward to the day that I can introduce my son to mountain biking. Ragged Mountain would be a key trail system in his, or any new mountain biker's, progression.
    I also want to advocate a change in code to open Ragged Mountain up to dogs. The RWSA included dog walking in its list of activities that are not expected to impact the water quality of our reservoirs. I would love to bring Higgins along on my walks, runs, and hikes at Ragged Mountain.

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    Ashley Viars 8 months ago

    My name is Ashley, I have lived in Charlottesville for fourteen years. I have always enjoyed outdoor activities with friends and family. The access to trails in town is one of the major reasons I chose to move here to start my healthcare career. As a passionate runner, I recently discovered mountain biking and I fell in love with the cycling community. Ragged mountain reservoir hosts an incredible loop for beginner riders. It also provides convenient access to an excellent trail system for individuals and families to enjoy in town together. As someone who works long hours at UVA hospital, I have certainly missed the opportunity to enjoy a run or bike ride after work or on my day off. Please consider changing the code in order to allow everyone access to these beloved trails. Thank you, Ashley