DNR Announces Interim Results Of Recent Off-Road Vehicle Trails Meeting

Annapolis, Md. (March 30, 2011) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently concluded a first-ever meeting with the off-road vehicle (ORV) stakeholder community. More than 50 individuals representing at least 12 ORV organizations, trails groups and environmental organizations from across the region attended the meeting. The stakeholders were provided an overview of three assessments of ORV trails conducted by DNR and participated in an open forum to offer input and ideas to agency representatives.

“The initial meeting was an excellent first-step toward a future relationship and long-term planning for off-road vehicle management in Maryland. We are pleased with the results thus far and look forward to continued cooperation and partnership with this community of individuals and organizations,” said John Wilson, DNR Statewide Trails Coordinator.

Following the meeting the Department approved the following actions: DNR will immediately incorporate an ORV Trail feature on the DNR website to inform users of current trail conditions and the status of all ORV trails. Currently the Poplar Lick and Chandler Trails will remain closed. To accommodate existing reservations previously secured by riders and campers, the Green Ridge State Forest trail will open April 1 and remain open through April 23; the trail will then close on April 24,and remain closed pending the results of the upcoming forest certification audit.

DNR will also move forward with the development of a long-term plan to manage ORV trails in Maryland, including the establishment of an ORV Advisory Committee and work-groups to address site-specific trail reviews where appropriate. A follow-up site meeting with key organizational representatives is planned for the Green Ridge trail in early April.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov