Ever since the Southwind bike trail opened in 2013, bike and foot traffic to the north along the Prairie Spirit Trail has dropped.
Why?
A fee is charged for use of the Prairie Spirit, while the trail south to Humboldt and the Lehigh Portland Trails surrounding the abandoned quarry and beyond are free.
Officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism have taken note, writes Iola biking enthusiast Randy Rasa, and on Aug. 2 will submit to the Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Committee a request to eliminate the trail fee.
Members should embrace the decision.
The money raised from the fees $3.50 a day or an annual pass for $12.50 is minimal and at odds with the benefits of having more people use the trails were they free.
Charging to use the trail comes across as heavy-handed. Those without current permits are made to feel like criminals if they dare venture forth. And if guests are in town the idea of forking over $10 or so for a stroll in the woods gives them pause.
Enforcing the fee structure is also nigh on impossible with rangers patrolling the paths and a waste of manpower for the number of infractions they may issue.
If they were free, more people would use the trails, bringing a bigger benefit to the surrounding communities, including Iola and Colony.
WE UNDERSTAND the initial premise of the fees when the trail was extended from Garnett to Iola in 2008. The trails required a substantial investment by the state and require upkeep.
And yes, that takes money.
But because the fee structure dissuades use, it backfires.
Rather than nickel and dime users, it would be better to find funds for the trails out of some bigger pot.
Commissioners will vote on Oct. 25 whether to rescind the fee. If you feel inclined to voice your opinion, their emails and addresses can be found at the KWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.
Susan Lynn
