9/13 OHV Working Group Meeting
Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 5:56 pm
Today the MD DNR hosted another stakeholder's meeting. It appears that the pressure from above has increased on the DNR members managing this group. Why? because new areas previously considered untouchable have been placed on the table for consideration.
The State has spoken with the LaFarge management about purchasing or leasing the quarry just outside of Hancock. One issue (which is not a show stopper) is the existing highwall which will need to be mitigated. The DNR took a very relaxed view of this property and was not reluctant to opening up trails. Unfortunately this spot is roughly 200 acres and is not ideal to woods riding. However it would make some excellent trials riding and a good spot for a hare scramble. One issue that is slowing this down is the LaFarge manager the State was working with is no longer there and as a result, they have almost had to start over in their negotiations.
The St John's Rock area (Savage River State Forest) is still being considered. The available area has been reduced due to the discovery of a rare and endangered beetle. However if the State allows us to cut in some single track, the end result is nearly the same. The State did seem reluctant to support expanding the trails. I and Randy beeman (ATV rep) flat out stated the area has little appeal without opening up new trails - the existing roads have little interest to anyone.
The State offered Wills Mountain State Park for consideration. This is about 300 acres and the topology is very steep. Access is a major issue. There are quite a few wildcat trails that could be used. They are going to do a study and get back to us. If they deem it viable, we'll go ride the area.
They also offered Sideling Hill WMA and have started a study. This spot is heavily wooded and again I stated it has little appeal if we can't establish new trails.
Steve Carr (the State Trails Planner) has started talking with mine owners about relaxing the reclamation standard if in exchange, the mine operator would reclaim the mine for recreation. Several owners throughout the eastern part of the state have expressed interest. I will be introducing Steve to a western MD mine manager (Ray Tie) to discuss this further as well as show him what a nice riding area can be made from a reclaimed mine (we are going to ratino's property).
I've started a dialog with the Western MD Snowmobile group about joining forces. They can use the same trails as us with little user group conflict. They are interested.
The State has spoken with the LaFarge management about purchasing or leasing the quarry just outside of Hancock. One issue (which is not a show stopper) is the existing highwall which will need to be mitigated. The DNR took a very relaxed view of this property and was not reluctant to opening up trails. Unfortunately this spot is roughly 200 acres and is not ideal to woods riding. However it would make some excellent trials riding and a good spot for a hare scramble. One issue that is slowing this down is the LaFarge manager the State was working with is no longer there and as a result, they have almost had to start over in their negotiations.
The St John's Rock area (Savage River State Forest) is still being considered. The available area has been reduced due to the discovery of a rare and endangered beetle. However if the State allows us to cut in some single track, the end result is nearly the same. The State did seem reluctant to support expanding the trails. I and Randy beeman (ATV rep) flat out stated the area has little appeal without opening up new trails - the existing roads have little interest to anyone.
The State offered Wills Mountain State Park for consideration. This is about 300 acres and the topology is very steep. Access is a major issue. There are quite a few wildcat trails that could be used. They are going to do a study and get back to us. If they deem it viable, we'll go ride the area.
They also offered Sideling Hill WMA and have started a study. This spot is heavily wooded and again I stated it has little appeal if we can't establish new trails.
Steve Carr (the State Trails Planner) has started talking with mine owners about relaxing the reclamation standard if in exchange, the mine operator would reclaim the mine for recreation. Several owners throughout the eastern part of the state have expressed interest. I will be introducing Steve to a western MD mine manager (Ray Tie) to discuss this further as well as show him what a nice riding area can be made from a reclaimed mine (we are going to ratino's property).
I've started a dialog with the Western MD Snowmobile group about joining forces. They can use the same trails as us with little user group conflict. They are interested.