MD DNR wants to stop offroading in GreenRidge State Forest!!

[wallidon]

Want to let offroaders know that there has been a staff recommendation to curtail ATV use in the State Forests before the Maryland DNR management for decision and they are using the 6 minute 39 second video posted by Downing on this site about Green Ridge State Forest's yellow trail as evidence of all the damage done to the forest...If you want to keep your rights for offroading for $15 a year in Maryland, you need to contact: Mr. Joseph P. Gill, Deputy Secretary, Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis, MD, (jgill@dnr.state.md.us) in order to keep those rights. Tell every taxpaying offroader you know about this, and you can make a difference. Keep the chain going if you want to continue to have a place to go in Maryland!

[wallidon]

Use the following link to Maryland's 2010 DNR Green Ridge Plan and when it comes up, read pages 20, 21 and 22...

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/pdfs/GRSF_AWP_FY2010.pdf

[Trail X]

I appreciate the info Wallidon.

I beleive you're referring to this video?



I have no idea how anyone can misconstrue that video into misuse of the forest roads or as evidence of forest damage. Care to provide some insight?

Thanks for the link to the document. I will do what I can to spread the information.

[SteveTB03]

I dont see anywhere where it says anything about JD or his video??! am I missing it.

[That1Guy]

the 6 minute 39 second video posted by Downing

I dont see anywhere where it says anything about JD or his video??! am I missing it.

/\/\/\/\ there yoiu go.

[SteveTB03]

Oh I know that he said that, thats why I was looking for it. He said read page 20-22 so I figure that the pdf file he posted says something about JD in it.

[dirty anton]

i don't get it! if anything the video should be used as an example for proper trail use! i think some of their budget should go to some sturdier signs. not very hard to put up some permanent signs!! we never would have went up the ridge we were ticketed for had it bin properly marked! it was a well worn trail,no signs at the entrance at all!! nothing!! only 2 small no trespassing signs at the very top of the hill were posted high up on a power line.(not exactly obvious) if they wont put up "proper signs" and expect off roaders to stay off certain trails why not make it mandatory to check in when you arrive to go over some rules and regulations! it seems like a relatively easy fix.......or maybe i am missing something. would hate to lose this though.

[tbangert]

I saw nothing in that vid that proves damage being done to the trails. I saw hardly any wheel spin, he was staying on the trail and wasn't bombing down the trails at 90. Sounds like they needed some proof so they used youtube as their source.

If I were James, I would consider writing a letter/email to find out how they see it as "trail damage".

[wallidon]

Mr. Downing,
I am going to forward to you by email the email that I received that shows the letter sent to the state's DNR with a link to this site and your video. I have no idea why it was sent to me personally, unless this person thought that I was against ATV usage in the forest and was trying to garner my support.

I, too, feel that your video is a testament to how wonderful the forest looks regarding the area surrounding the ATV trail. I noticed how there was overhang on the trail, which is good, and I noticed how there was no noise from others nor did you even see anyone else while you were shooting your video.

I am forwarding the email I received to your "admin" account, as that is the only email address I have for you. I, too, would want an explanation as to why my video is being used in a manner for which it was unintended.

[wallidon]

I just sent the email from my account--I went ahead and sent it to your personal email address as well now that I have it. Your video was what was used by the GreenTrail Alliance people in their letter to the state requesting ATV usage be stopped.

Good luck, not only would I talk to the state DNR officials regarding this--you and others might get some support if you contact the Maryland Department of Tourism and the local Allegany County Tourism Office, as well as your local Maryland senator and/or delegate stating that offroading is a feature of Maryland forests you would like to see kept. I feel all the above would likely support you and other offroaders on this issue. Your video actually supports the fact that no damage is being done rather than the reverse, and unfortunately, I have learned throughout my many years that political activism is necessary in order to maintain personal rights or they will all be taken away in the name of the "public good."

[The Roadie]

My best friend from high school is now the state Highway Administrator of Maryland, and we've stayed in touch. Pretty high mucky-muck. Assuming he's a pavement guy, he may have some alternate contacts in the DNR to contact. I'll email him tonight.

[Mooseknuckle]

My best friend from high school is now the state Highway Administrator of Maryland, and we've stayed in touch. Pretty high mucky-muck. Assuming he's a pavement guy, he may have some alternate contacts in the DNR to contact. I'll email him tonight.

Damn Roadie you know everyone.

[OregTrailBlazin]

The only thing I can see in the vid is the puddles... Over here the "Greenies" concider any form of puddle un-natural, and everytime you go through it, it gets deaper and wider

[bgwolfpack]

Not sure how deep of a mess this will become for you James or how far you'll be willing to stand up for your documented actions. I will say that you have been the leader of this forum in regards to proper etiquette when off road and that you are not a likely target for the litigation that may be pending by Green Trail Alliance. Hopefully your video can be resourced by DNR officials and Maryland Department of Tourism and shown as good patron usage.
I would question wallidon on his many years of "political activism".