SIMBS has been contacted recently by WESTERN FOREST PRODUCTS (WFP), the owners of the land at Millstream. WFP has, up to this point in time, not stopped riders from accessing their lands. They have stated an interest in providing access for us in the future, provided we engender positive communication with them.

The landowner is now aware of various ladder-bridge constructions on their lands at Millstream, some of which are solid and well-built, and some of which are NOT. Once a landowner becomes aware of stunts that are built on his/her land, they may be liable for any injuries which occur on the stunts. Western Forest Products has stated to SIMBS "If the builders of these stunts don't go in and tear them down, then WFP will." They are not bad folks for doing this. They are protecting their interests.

By showing our understanding and support of their position, we are also making it clear to them that our goal is to maintain our current privileged status as trail users. It may take only one lawsuit to SHUT MILLSTREAM DOWN TO MOUNTAIN BIKING FOREVER!!!

SIMBS' position in the matter is this: we are putting the word out now that our involvement in the situation is only to educate mountain bikers about the fact that Millstream is private land, and to discourage further construction of obstacles and stunts on private lands without express permission by the landowner to do so.

SIMBS is not responsible for the actions of all mountain bikers. SIMBS is responsible for advocacy. We want to preserve the offroad access which we presently enjoy, and to maybe get more of it.

Mountain bikers can show their good faith in this issue, however. Any of you folks out there who have built something at Millstream should TEAR IT DOWN IMMEDIATELY. WFP has already said that they will do it, but if the builders who are responsible for the construction take on the responsibility of taking their own stuff down, maybe they can also rebuild the trails around these stunt areas so as to maintain some continuity of the trails.

SIMBS is not an authority figure in this matter. We serve only as a concerned messenger. Please do the right thing and respect private landowners.

Lorien Arnold

President, South Island Mountain Bike Society