The Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) will care for the City’s Municipal Forest and Watershed Trails for the next 15 years.
The City of Frederick Signs MOU with MORE
Frederick, MD – April 6, 2016: The Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) will care for the City’s Municipal Forest and Watershed Trails for the next 15 years.
MORE was selected as the trail caretakers for their volunteer capacity, substantial volunteer training requirements, knowledge of sustainable trail building and maintenance standards, and ability to secure grant funding.
With assistance from Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the City is identifying areas where trails and sensitive habitat overlap and determining the best course of action. Many of the Watershed’s more than 50 miles of trails are unsanctioned and some trails that damage sensitive wildlife habitat may be rerouted or closed. With DNR’s guidance, MORE and the City will ensure a sanctioned network that does not damage habitat and is sustainable.
The Catoctin Blue Trail, a 27-mile path that begins in Gambrill State Park, traverses through the Watershed, Cunningham Falls State Park, and terminates in Catoctin National Park, will remain. Though the trail has been a mainstay of the Watershed for many years, it was built on old fire roads and much of it is highly eroded. About 12 miles of the Catoctin Blue Trail traverse through the Watershed.
The Watershed is a 7,000-acre forest that protects about 20 percent of the City’s water supply. It is the only water supply in which the City has sole control. The remaining 80 percent are shared resources that lie in other jurisdictions. Water quality is the primary concern in the Watershed, however, the City recognizes it also is important to foster stewardship in the area to build a better understanding of the value of this space. MORE will be a critical part of building that stewardship by providing experiences for hikers, bikers, foragers, hunters, and many other users on sustainable trails.
For additional information, contact Jenny Willoughby, Sustainability Manager for The City of Frederick, at jwilloughby@cityoffrederick.com .
###