In response to Josh Weismiller's column, "Portland's Forest Park should be open to all," (Nov. 22), the Forest Park Management Plan's top priority is preservation of its natural systems. It does not and should not allow mountain biking down the steep soft dirt slopes of Forest Park. The plan only allows biking on existing roads and some fire lanes.

Mountain biking is a thrill-seeking activity that, if allowed on those slopes, would tear up that wildlife habitat, disturb the wildlife nesting and feeding there and irreversibly fragment that habitat. Mountain biking on those slopes would expose hikers and riders to the danger of serious injuries and the city and its employees to expensive liability. Bikers may hike in the park like everyone else and should seek their biking thrills at Gateway Green or other non-wilderness areas.

Paul Majkut, Northeast Portland