In letter to officials, Brochin takes city to task for Loch Raven policies
By Kevin Rector - Baltimore Sun
State Sen. Jim Brochin has lashed out at Baltimore City officials over issues at Loch Raven Reservoir – again.
In the last few weeks, Brochin has been one of the most vocally unrestrained critics of city officials' recent decision to close down popular but unsanctioned mountain biking trails throughout the Loch Raven Reservoir forest buffer.
During a trail tour he helped organize on Oct. 14, Brochin chatted freely with media, mountain bikers and city councilmembers about how "ridiculous" he thinks the city's stance on the trails is. He rejected the idea that bikers cause significant erosion and sedimentation in the water supply.
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"Baltimore City may own the reservoir, however it is in my Senate district," he wrote. "Furthermore, your ownership in no way gives you immunity from adhering to the environmental laws of the State of Maryland."
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In an interview, Brochin said he was tired of the city hypocritically blaming mountain bikers for erosion while really causing it themselves, and had decided to turn the tables.
"They say they are very concerned about the water quality, and they are harassing bikers who don't damage the water quality at all, and in the meantime they don't have a clue about keeping up a reservoir, maintaining open space, and keeping up this gem," Brochin said.
"I don't think Baltimore City is being a good steward to the environment."