COLUMBIA — A proposed bike trail that would cut through the pristine Gans Creek Forest and watershed is sparking the outrage of one local environmental activist.

“This beautiful, beautiful, place needs to be protected and cherished,” said Sutu Forte, chair of It’s Our Wild Nature. “This trail is going to destroy an exquisite gift from nature,” Forte said. “The soil is very delicate. The trails are going to cause runoff, and the wild animals—they’re going to leave.”

Among the wildlife at risk, Forte pointed to an existing heron rookery near the proposed trail site. She warned that the development would put the herons, along with other species, in immediate danger.

Forte is urging residents and city leaders to visit the Gans Creek Forest before making any decisions.

“Come down here and walk here,” Forte said. “I’m inviting the City Council — How can you vote on something unless you’ve experienced this? You have to come down and see this beautiful place.”

Forte said she hopes the public will advocate for either canceling the project entirely or postponing the vote to allow for further review.

“We need time to get information on whether this really sits well with environmental agencies,” Forte said. “We’ve seen no proof of their approval.”

In a message to KOMU 8, Mayor Barbara Buffalo said the Parks and Recreation Department has been working closely with the Missouri Department of Conservation on the trail proposal.

However, Forte remains skeptical, arguing that a postponement would allow for the city and residents to gather what she called “pertinent information” that has been withheld.

The Columbia City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal on January 6. Advocates for preserving the forest are expected to speak at the hearing, urging officials to reconsider or postpone the plan.

Residents who wish to weigh in on the project are encouraged to attend the hearing or contact a city council member.