Md. Permanently Closes 3 State Forest ATV Trails
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- The state of Maryland says it's permanently closing three off-road vehicle trails to curb environmental damage.
They are the Green Ridge State Forest trail, the Poplar Lick trail in the Savage River State Forest and the Chandler Trail in the Pocomoke State Forest.
They were closed earlier this spring on a temporary basis.
About 18 miles of state ORV trails remain open.
Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin said Friday that an appointed stakeholders group will help the agency find other riding sites.
The options include buying or leasing private trail sites.
The agency also is considering new trails on state-owned land that is less ecologically sensitive.
Officials say the number of permits sold annually for the 18-mile Green Ridge trail more than quadrupled in the last 20 years.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
