From the ATA newsletter this morning.....
"Arizona Trail Paving Project
Due to intense lobbying efforts from influential members of the Asphalt Recreation Alliance, the Comprehensive Plan being developed by federal agencies and the Arizona Trail Association will include provisions for paving the dirt tread of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The dirt segments that have defined the AZT will soon be smooth black ribbons of asphalt, allowing more non-motorized recreationalists to enjoy the Arizona Trail.
A statement from the Asphalt Recreation Alliance praised the new look and feel for the Arizona Trail: "Once paved, the AZT will appeal to road cyclists, roller bladers, skateboarders, moms pushing strollers, and other members of our constituency. This bold decision will make the Arizona Trail more accessible to all, and will set an important precedent for other National Scenic Trails."
Despite the paradigm shift in the trail user's experience, the ATA is committed to keeping the Arizona National Scenic Trail non-motorized. "We recognize that some trail users may get grumpy once they see their favorite segments of trail paved," said Chance McAdam, the ATA's new Director of Asphalt Projects. "That's why we have decided to keep a token segment of the AZT dirt – the 1.9 miles between the Mexico border and Montezuma Pass."
For anyone who prefers hiking and riding on the dirt of the Arizona Trail, we encourage you to get out there and enjoy it before the paving project begins in August. Volunteers are being sought to help haul materials into the remote wilderness areas of the AZT where heavy machinery is not allowed. "The Mazatzal, Superstition Mountain and Four Peaks Wilderness areas may present some of the biggest challenges when it comes to paving," said McAdam, "but we'll get 'er done."
