From TROT Member Debbie Poole:
Jenn and I went to the June 24 meeting. It went much the same as the others with lots of good information and future plans. Plenty of time for questions and answers. We had different trail interest groups then the last meeting and what has impressed me most is the passion to try and keep the trails natural, and connected throughout all of Maryland. From what I heard. This does not mean that we won't have more bike paths and sidewalks, but it does indicate that Natural Trails will be protected and added as well. These proposed plans are on the edge of getting formalized. I encourage you to check out and contact WWW.MONTGOMERYTRAILS.ORG www. parkplanningandstewardship.org , www.parkplannig.org MNCPPC and DNR websites where you can see the direction the trails in your area are heading. They all welcome any input but for the DNR survey you only have a couple of days left to respond. Also check out the www.trailconservancy/org they were represented in both the meetings I attended, and have an active interest and work for natural trails. Take the DNR survey. hhtp://survey.rrcresearch.com/ s3/Maryland ) Please let your elected officials know that you support these trail systems. It will benefit all of us now and our future so we don't want to let these area's get built up and miss these wonderful opportunities. We can improve our quality of life by joining together in keeping what is often just a 3 or 4 foot wide passage that might open an area up for miles of enjoyment. One thing I hadn't realized until this meeting. The WSSC trails have been taken off the map so we will loose the connection between Howard and PG along the river. It's a huge link that has been on all previous maps for as long as I can remember. One other thing to think about is that most utilities; Pepco, Washington gas...etc. are not interested in using their areas to help connect trails through communities. It's always good to look into your area get an overview of what is there that may be perfect for connecting or making a trail loop, see what dialog you can start with all the different usages. One thing I always tell my riders, when you leave my farm you are on Private or Public party, you must be respectful.