SO, NEMBA said
“Our trails aren't for sale, at any price!!" 
I read this cool story in the latest copy of SINGLE TRACK. the annual publication from NEMBA and thought this is one of those stories that needs to be shared across the MTB community.
Recently a Gaming Corporation, "Ajex Gamming Corp"
(owned by Donald Trump) offered to buy NEMBA's Massachhusetts Vietnam Trails Property for $1,650,000
Little more info, now this is basically what is written in the Single Track Mag. by an unknown writer (there is no name at the end
)
“In 2003 after completing a $210,000 fundraising effort NEMBA was able to purchase 47 acres of land in Milford, Massachusets. We bought this land to prevent its development and to protect and preserve a wonderful network of trails that were known locally as “vietnam”. Our land forms an integral part of a much larger area of conservation land in the towns of Millford, Holliston and Hopkinton.
NEMBA's purchase of this land marked a first for mountain bike associations in our nation, and in the world.
Our Vietnam property is right in the middle of approximately 1000 acres of protected open space. Vietnam and the surrounding lands are , of course, replete with many miles of trails that are open to non-motorized trail users. NEMBA has been very active, since the purchase of the land, in improving the existing trail network in the entire area, as well as in building and enhancing trails on our own property.
Despite the astounding price, NEMBA summarily rejected the purchase offer. Mountain bikers bought this land to preserve it not to profit form it. Still, it's amazing to think just how lucky we were to be there at the right time to make the purchase.
It was quite a gamble. In 2002 NEMBA purchased an option to buy the land from the Liner Trust for $15,000. We had o idea if we could raise the rest of the money, but we couldn't let the opportunity slip by. Somehow, through donations large and small, donations that in some cases came in from around the country, we beat the option deadline and were able to purchase the land.”The story goes on to tell about all the great, hard work and financial help that the people did to make the whole project work, from management, to maintenance, taxes and even insurance to keep the place alive. All done by a true Non profit organization. And still going strong!!!
Makes ya think that there really is some good in the world!!
