Update: Galbraith trails to remain open

After a public outcry and thanks to lobbying on the part of trail advocates, the 44 miles of trails outside Bellingham, Washington, will remain open to mountian bikers and hikers as negotiations continue between the land owners, the city, the county and a land trust.

The Bellingham Herald has reported the city and county officials are continuing discussions in an effort to purchase a portion of the land, nealy half of which is in the in the Lake Whatcom watershed. The lake is the drinking water source for half of county residents, including all of Bellingham.

No final or long-term solution has been reached, but for now riders will not be barred from the land. Last week the owners of the land, Polygon Financial, had announced they were terminating the shared-use agreement that had allowed riding and hiking on the trails dating back to a previous owner.