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The committee arrived at six p.m. and since some of the people in the room were fresh faces, we had a brief introduction session. The sub-committee members were: Ralph Cullison, Clarke Howells, Don Outen, Luke Brackett, Rick McClain, Patrick Miller, Paul Kovalcik and David Blum. Dr. Martin Roberge attended as a neutral observer. Penny Troutner attended as a concerned business owner and city resident. Gary Nusinov was secretary.
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Penny Troutner stated that doing nothing as suggested is worse than if MORE used its vast resources to help create sustainable trails.
Dr. Roberge told a story of an old carriage road that is no longer used but was left behind from an old farm on a steep hillside. He told of the horrible erosion that occurred because it was just left alone.
Clarke then stated that steps were in place to restore the land with or without MORE or their members. He then stated that any person on these trails could be guilty of trespass, a criminal act.
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Don stated that biking is not allowed in any Baltimore County Park. State Parks, regional parks, and other parks throughout the area, yes, but not in their parks. Not based on science, based on what they think a park should be and what the mission is.
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When Clarke said the negotiation was between zero access or the old plan, it was stated by MORE members that is not a negotiation, or a compromise or why we were here tonight.
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Once the maps were put on the table Clarke stated that he knew of these trails and all of these trails are going to disappear. He asked what MORE’s proposal was and MORE stated that they did not have a proposal because we hoped that we could work together with them. Clarke showed the group a series of maps that outlined slopes and bufferlands and stated that no trails will exist in these areas. When askedby MORE if a sustainable trail could exist in these areas, no answer was given. MORE directly asked Clarke if hikers would be restricted from these same trails. Clarke said he would not comment on other user groups. Penny asked specifically what we could propose and received no reply. Rick asked if it would be out of the question to create a proposal including 20 miles of multi-use trails.
https://savetheraven.com/minutes.phpoldId.20100324093459256