The steep slopes and exposed tree roots of a ravine in the Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine made an ideal area for mountain biking.
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At one time, someone even dragged a couple picnic tables to the bottom to use them as ramps over a small stream.
But the ravine was never part of any designated trail system. Eventually all that trailblazing took its toll and the vegetation began to disappear, causing soil to erode and choke nearby waterways.
To save the fragile ecosystem, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County recently devised a plan that restricts where mountain bikers, as well as equestrians and other off-trail users, can venture within the preserve’s 1,700 acres.
Besides the regular paved path, off-trail users are now limited to an 8-mile unpaved path that circles the perimeter of the woods.
“People don’t realize what harm (they) might be doing by going off the trail,” said Brian Berg, the district’s spokesman. “We want people to use the forest preserve but not to abuse it. It’s a very valuable ecosystem that we want to preserve and maintain so future generations can enjoy it.”
District officials will offer maps identifying the trails and expect to have markers installed within three weeks.
Enforcement will begin with educational literature. After that, chronic violators could face fines up to $500, said Joseph Nevius, the district’s general superintendent.
The new system is actually part of the district’s ongoing effort to restore 54,000 acres of forest preserve land in Cook County. Deer Grove, located between Lake-Cook and Dundee Roads just west of Quentin Road, is one of 48 Cook County preserves scheduled for mending.
On April 21, volunteers are invited to help clear brush and small trees from the area’s prairies and woodlands to facilitate native vegetation growth and improve wildlife habitats.
Though the new system is aimed at protecting the woodlands, it doesn’t ride well with some cyclists.
“I think we’re getting the short end of the stick, not just us, but everyone who’s getting limited access,” said avid cyclist Eric Moe, 32, of Palatine. “They’ve closed off too much territory. There’s going to be a lot of bicycles and a lot of equestrian people all stuck on the same trail.”
Last fall, district officials considered banning bicycles and equestrians from the woods altogether. But thanks in part to Wayne Mikes, owner of Mikes Bike Shop in Palatine, horses and cyclists are still welcome.
Mikes recently launched a mail-in campaign in which he got 300 people to sign postcards saying they opposed the restriction. He sent the cards to Nevius, and the preserve’s Trail-use Committee eventually revised its plans.
“I felt they were taking something away from the community. I liked to ride my mountain bike there like everyone else,” said Mikes, 43, of Palatine. “It was nice they were able to come up with this give-and-take (solution). It’s not as enjoyable as it could have been, but it’s a start.”