Partnership in Maryland Creating New Trails

IMBA Trail News
Volume 20, Number 1
Spring 2007

What happens when a progressive, politically-savvy mountain bike organization - Maryland's chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts - finds a willing partner in state government? In this case, MORE-Maryland teamed with the Parks and Forests department to improve trailbuilding resources. MORE-Maryland went straight to the state legislature for a sizable grant, then worked with IMBA Trail Solutions to create a three-course trails curriculum, one custom-tailored to Maryland's coastal plain, piedmont and mountain environments.

Trail Solutions presented two-day basic trails courses, and three-day advanced courses in planning and design, dealing with wetlands and stream crossings, and mechanized construction. With well over 100 total attendees, the curriculum reached senior park planners as well as seasonal trail crews. Combined with MORE's small army of volunteers, Maryland trails should be on every rider's radar.