Frederick Ponders Trail Use In City Forest

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- The city of Frederick is taking steps to better control recreational trail use in a city-owned forest favored by mountain bikers, hunters, hikers and horseback riders.

Mayor Randy McClement said this week he's forming an advisory panel to help develop a city-sanctioned trail network in the 7,000-acre City Watershed north of town.

McClement says he wants to better define the allowable recreational uses, preserve water quality and develop a long-term trail and forest maintenance plan.

City and state officials have expressed concern about unchecked trail building in the watershed. Some bike riders have complained of sabotage, such as spiked boards and fishing line stretched across trails.

McClement says the committee will include representatives from various recreational groups, nearby residents and city residents and businesses.

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