Loch Raven reservoir update
[From our mail box:]
The group ran into Dept of Public Works Natural Resource Div officer Simon Phillips on the fireroad. This was on the back side of the reservoir near the small dam. He was clearing the fireroad of debris when the group rode up on him. He informed us that we were riding on a fireroad that was not authorized for recreational use. He sympathized with our cause but was committed in doing his job by the book. The officers receive their direction from the Dept of Publc Works. It is in our best interest to be receptive and non confrontational until this is resolved.
The DPW is enforcing the laws that have been on the books since 1999 in regards to recreational use of the watershed. People will be given verbal warning with the second warning resulting in a possible $100.00 fine. Warnings and fines are discretionary. Blatant night riding well after dusk appears to be an automatic fine.
It is rumored that a MB singletrack user on the Seminary trail received a $100 hit Sat. This was overheard in Performance bike shop. Several riders on the Merrymans loop received warnings and or tkts also. If you have not heard, 8-10 riders on 11/18 were given $100 tkts on the singletrack climb out to Providence Rd from the fireroad off of the Seminary loop.
The fireroads that appear to be ok to use are- 1. Seminary fireroad. 2. Providence Rd and Loch Raven Drive fireroad near gate. 3.Jarretsvile Turnpike entrance across from white house to Merrymans fireroad. Parking back on Dulaney Valley Rd. 4. Loch Raven Drive across from small island. Fireroad sits back off of the road about 25 yards. Fireroad is on left before bridge with cement sides. Please check DPW website for verification and maps. <a href="http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/government/dpw/water/rnrs/index.php">http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/government/dpw/water/rnrs/index.php</a>;
You can use this web site to view the MB plan for Loch Raven. Map at bottom of plan page.
We were told that singletrack use is off limits to everyone at ALL. times. This applies to fisherman, hikers, joggers, equestians (horses), and MB. Sounds crazy but it sounds like that are going to follow the book with a magnifying glass.
Trail markings will be forthcoming. This will help designate trails that can be used for recreational use.
There will be a hearing on Mon 12/14 with the DPW and Mary Pat Clark (Balto City Council). Open to the public. Location and time will follow as soon as I find out. Please prepare concerns, ideas / solutions.
Finally, you are encourages to join MORE. They appear to be our best advocates locally. <a href="http://www.more-mtb.org/">www.more-mtb.org/</a>;