THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 22, 2014 – 4:19 am EDT
HAGERSTOWN, Maryland — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources says it’s building 30 miles of new trails connecting state parks and forests in Garrett County.
The agency said Wednesday that the project’s first phase includes five miles of new trail at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
The DNR says all the new trails will be open for hiking, biking, running and horseback riding in 2018.
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
FRIENDSVILLE — The town of Friendsville recently received a $78,500 award as one of the recipients of the 2013 Bikeways Program Grant.
“We are very happy to receive the grant. I appreciate the cooperation of everyone that we worked with to achieve this grant,” said Mayor Spencer Schlosnagle. “It is part of the master plan for our future to bring in economic development for recreational activities.”
The grant will be used for designing and engineering a town trail that will extend to the community park.
It also will help with additional signage, bike racks and safety improvements in the future construction of the Kendall Trail, according to Schlosnagle.
The Kendall Trail, which begins on Morris Avenue, is about three miles long and, once fully completed, will go into the Sang Run area of Oakland.
“It’s a big benefit for our community,” said Schlosnagle.
The Bikeways Program is an integral part of the proposed Eastern Continental Divide Loop Trail, an initiative developed and led by Garrett Trails.
The vision for the proposed loop trail is a 150-mile, hard-packed, multi-user trail that runs through the heart of Garrett County and bridges the connections between existing trails and connects to larger trail networks outside the county, according to the Garrett Trails website.
The northern portion of the loop trail leads through Grantsville, eventually connecting with the Great Allegheny Passage in Meyersdale, Pa.
The existing Allegheny Highlands Trail forms a loop at Confluence, Pa., where it can be taken to the southern portion of the loop beginning at Friendsville, according to the trail’s website.
“The benefits of a county-wide recreational trail system are wide-ranging. A comprehensive trail system will enhance the quality of the life within the county and become an indispensable asset,” states the 2003 Garrett County Recreational Trails Plan update.
“Although creating or expanding a trail system can deliver significant economic benefits by itself, communities can do more to capitalize on the economic potential of trails. Trails generate positive economic impacts by delivering additional spending to businesses. As businesses become more productive, new jobs and tax revenue follow.”
Statewide, the Bikeways Program provided 28 winners with $3.13 million in grants to seven counties, Baltimore City and 12 other municipalities, according to the program website.
These projects are the second set of grants awarded through the Bikeways Program, bringing the total to 48 bikeways grant recipients for a total of $5.63 million to date.
The grant was made possible thanks to the assistance of Gov. Martin O’Malley, who facilitated the program; U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin and his staff, who are strong proponents of hiking and biking trails; and Garrett Trails, according to Schlosnagle.
“It is a joint effort with everyone working together to make it a reality,” Schlosnagle said.
For more information on the proposed Eastern Continental Divide Loop Trail, visit the website at www.garretttrails.org.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com
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Event also features run/walk up skiing course at local resort
For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News
MCHENRY — Garrett Trails will present the 10th annual Taste of Garrett fundraiser June 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wisp Resort, 296 Marsh Hill Road.
“Join us for the best Taste of Garrett ever. Come support trails in Garrett County and have a great time doing it,” said Theresa MacLennan, executive director of Garrett Trails, in a news release.
Twenty restaurants are participating in this year’s event and are providing samples of new dishes, classic favorite foods and beverages prepared, produced and served locally.
“There is no easier way to support local business as well as the construction and maintenance of the outstanding network of quality hiking and biking trails in Garrett County,” said MacLennan.
This year’s event will feature a “fender blen-der” competition, in which participants pedal to blend fruit smoothies; demonstrations, including cake decorating, and a lesson on how to carve a pineapple cheese ball. Auction items include a Kindle Fire. Entertainment will be provided by Jonny Rock.
Members of the “fender blender” red team are Titus Beitzel, Bob Gatto, Mike Getty, Peggy Jamison, Judi Prather and Dorothy Andreas. Their competitors on the blue team are David Cotton, Tom Johnson, Rick MacLennan, Rob Michael, Andie Meyers and Laura Stamm.
Entry wristbands will be sold at the door starting at 5 p.m.
Garrett Trails is also organizing the third annual Race Up The Face, a run up a black diamond ski trail. While it’s being called “the world’s hardest 400 meter run,” participants may also walk the distance.
Prizes will be awarded to the fastest male and female, as well as the youngest and oldest competitors.
That activity will begin at 5:30 p.m. with registration and check-in at 5 p.m.
A Race Up The Face registration form is available at www.garretttrails.org under the events section.
Forms also may be picked up at Savage River Lodge, the Adventure Sports Institute at Garrett College or High Mountain Sports.
More here.
— Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
May. 31, 2012
Garrett Trails has planned to host its 10th annual Taste of Garrett County fundraiser on Monday, June 18. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wisp Resort.
“Join us for the best Taste of Garrett ever,” stated Theresa Mac-
Lennan, executive director of Garrett Trails. “Come support trails in Garrett County and have a great time doing it.”
The fundraiser’s 20 participating restaurants plan to provide samples of their new dishes and classic favorites which are prepared, produced, and served locally.
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The year’s event will feature a “Fender Blender” competition and food prep demonstrations, including a cake decorating and a pineapple cheese ball carving lesson.
There will also be number of items auctioned, including a Kindle Fire. Entertainment will be provided by Jonny Rock.
“There is no easier way to support local business, as well as the construction and maintenance of the outstanding network of quality hiking and biking trails in Garrett County,” a Garrett Trails press release stated.
“If nothing else, come support and cheer your friends on the Fender Blender team. The red and blue teams are squaring off against each other to see which can pedal the fastest, blend the most fruit smoothies to sell, and collect the most cash.”
The red team will consist of Titus Beitzel, Bob Gatto, Mike Getty, Peggy Jamison, Judi Prather, and Dorothy Andreas Tuel. Blue team members will be David Cotton, Tom Johnson, Rick MacLennan, Rob Michael, Andie Meyers, and Laura Stamm.
Starting at 5 p.m., entry wristbands will be sold at the door. Entry for adults will be $30 each, while the price for children (12 and under) is set at $15 each.
In addition to the Taste of Garrett County, Garrett Trails is also organizing the third annual Race Up the Face. This competition pits its contestants in a foot race up the black diamond ski trail at the Wisp Resort. In its press release, Garrett Trails dubbed the race “the world’s hardest 400 meter run” and states that “participants may also walk the distance.”
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
June 2, 9 a.m.-noon. Deep Creek Lake State Park rangers and the Garrett Trails’ sustainable crew invite participants to join them as they clean and enhance area trails. Volunteers will meet at the upper overflow parking lot off State Park Road. Bring water, insect repellant, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing and a snack. Information: David Best at 301-387-5563 or Theresa MacLennan at 360-509-3492.
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Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Jan. 19, 2012
Gov. Martin O’Malley on Friday announced nearly $23 million in the proposed FY2013 capital budget for state park and other public land projects. Included in the budget is $150,000 for trail construction for state parks located in Garrett County, and another $150,000 for western Maryland recreational access and trail restoration.
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“Today, we’re proposing to invest $22.7 million from our capital budget to make much-needed improvements to our state parks – an investment that will support nearly 300 jobs in our state, help us make our parks more sustainable, and support our thriving tourism industry,” O’Malley said when he made the announcement at Sandy Point State Park. “Our state parks are tremendous economic engines in our state, with a $650 million annual impact on our local economies, a great resource for Maryland families, and a big part of why our tourism industry remains so strong even in tough times.”
The funding includes more than $14 million in enhancements from the governor’s capital budget, in addition to $8.7 million derived from the Department of Natural Resources annual transfer tax allocation for a diverse set of projects to improve infrastructure, “green” the state’s parks, and protect the Chesapeake Bay.
“I applaud Governor O’Malley for making this critical investment in our public lands during these difficult financial times,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “This improvement effort recalls the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which built many of Maryland’s state parks, creating jobs, ‘greening’ public lands as conservation models, and inspiring millions of visitors with better places to enjoy our state’s natural beauty and unique heritage.”
Under the leadership of O’Malley, the Maryland Park Service has embarked on a system-wide commitment to green its 66 state parks – which host more than 10 million visitors each year – as models of sustainability and conservation best practices. Strategic actions to date have focused on energy improvements, new state-of-the-art green building design and construction, sustainable trails, and recycling, as well as environmental restoration, including reforestation and stormwater management improvements to help the bay.
In addition to providing recreation opportunities for citizens and visitors, state parks provide summer employment and green jobs training for at-risk youth through the Governor’s Conservation Jobs Corps, which has graduated 820 young people since 2008. In 2010 their work on maintenance, landscaping and construction jobs saved the state an estimated $2.7 million, according to the governor’s office.
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Funds also going to Garrett trail project
From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — Im-provements at Rocky Gap State Park and on Garrett County trails are part of nearly $23 million that Gov. Martin O’Malley has proposed in the fiscal 2013 capital budget for state park and other public land projects.
The draft budget includes $773,000 for office improvements at Rocky Gap; $150,000 for trail construction in Garrett state parks; and $1.9 million for Washington County’s Western Maryland Rail Trail Project.
Other statewide estimates include $1.4 million for new, natural playgrounds in state parks; $900,000 for green cabin renovations; and $540,000 for removal of impermeable surfaces.
O’Malley made the announcement at Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis and said that the projects will support nearly 300 jobs, help restore the environment, reduce energy usage and improve services to visitors.
“Our state parks are tremendous economic engines in our state with a $650 million annual impact on our local economies, a great resource for Maryland families, and a big part of why our tourism industry remains so strong even in tough times,” O’Malley said.
The funding includes more than $14 million from the governor’s capital budget in addition to $8.7 million derived from the Department of Natural Re-sources annual transfer tax allocation.
“I applaud Gov. O’Malley for making this critical investment in our public lands during these difficult financial times,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. The Maryland Park Service has committed to “green” its 66 state parks by focusing on energy improvements, state-of-the-art building design and construction, sustainable trails and recycling, as well as reforestation and stormwater management improvements to help the Chesapeake Bay.
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
>Garrett group wants $500,000 for Continental Divide Loop
Kristin Harty Barkley
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Wed Feb 23, 2011, 07:42 AM EST
OAKLAND — A group that wants to create a connected trail system in Garrett County is asking the Garrett County Board of Commissioners for $100,000 a year for five years to get the project off the ground.
Mike Dreisbach, vice president of Garrett Trails, said the payoff could be exponential.
“Allegany County got $500,000 from commissioners for their section of the Great Allegheny Passage,” said Dreisbach, who also serves on the Mountain Maryland Trails board.
“It came, basically, from hotel/motel occupancy tax. Their half-a-million-dollar investment gets them between $5 (million) and $6 million a year now in direct and indirect spending in that little 22-mile stretch. … We’re asking you to invest in tourism,” he said at last week’s public meeting.
Commissioners are in the process of drafting the county’s fiscal 2012 budget, which should be available for public perusal in the next few weeks. Considering the state budget crisis and the national recession, funding is expected to be extremely tight.
Garrett County’s hotel tax is 5 percent and generates about $1.5 million a year. Last year, county officials asked the state legislative delegation to introduce a bill that would allow them to raise the tax to 8 percent, but later retracted the request because of opposition from business owners.
Last week, Dreisbach and Garrett Trails President Steve Green gave a 20-minute presentation to commissioners, all of whom are new to the board this year.
Garrett Trails, which formed more than a decade ago, is developing plans for a trail network approximately 150 miles long that will connect many of the county’s towns to the Great Allegheny Passage. One segment, being called the Continental Divide Loop, would come off the passage at Meyersdale, Pa., to Penn Alps Restaurant, and then off the passage at Confluence, Pa., and eventually to Friendsville.
“The trail offers amazing and spectacular views,” said Dreisbach, adding that it would include some water routes, as well as opportunities for hiking and biking. “We envision this as an opportunity for people to say, ‘I did the loop.’ The draw of that is pretty spectacular.”
Garrett Trails received a $30,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission last summer and hopes to begin construction on some segments later this year.
“We have a lot of momentum going, a lot of interest,” said Green, co-owner of High Mountain Sports.
Last year, close to 85,000 people used the Great Allegheny Passage, a 135-mile trail from Cumberland to Duquesne, Pa. In 2010, the GAP generated about $85 million in revenue. In 2009, about 66,000 people used the trail, generating about $65 million, Dreisbach said.
“It’s had a big impact on all the businesses along the trail,” said Dreisbach, who owns Savage River Lodge. “It’s brought new businesses to the area. … When we talk about our Continental Divide Loop, we’ve got a similar thing. Actually, we’ve got some better things up here. We’ve got the history, all the scenic things. We never really tied everything together. It’s really a great opportunity for us.”
Green and other Garrett Trails representatives at-tended Mountain Maryland PACE events this year, trying to gain support from local and state officials.
“It really does boil down to, we need money,” Dreisbach told commissioners last week. “There are private people out there who are wanting to put money into it, but they’re wanting to see some ownership from the government and other people in the county. We’d get more traction in this whole process if we could just get some investment.”
Contact Kristin Harty Barkley at kbarkley@times-news.com
Megan Miller
Cumberland Times-News
Oakland — OAKLAND — Advocates for construction of a Garrett County trail system have received major funding support in the form of a $30,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The funds will go toward planning efforts for a countywide trail network, approximately 150 miles long, that will connect many of the county’s towns to the Great Allegheny Passage.
“Back in 2002 there was a master recreational trail plan done,” said Paige Teegarden, spokeswoman for the nonprofit volunteer organization Garrett Trails. “Last year we took a look at that plan and said, so how can we tie some of these different ideas together into a whole that takes advantage of the environment today?”
Teegarden said the project, with the working title “Garrett Loop,” will connect to the Passage and create a “spine of good trails” suitable for hybrid bikes to ride throughout the county.
Though the loop’s exact route hasn’t been established, it will run roughly from Meyersdale, Pa., to Grantsville, to Deep Creek Lake, and through Mountain Lake Park, Oakland and Friendsville.
Garrett Trails Vice President Mike Dreisbach said in May that he believes the project could bring a major economic boost to the county.
“It’s an expensive trail … but at the same time, if you look at the impact of the Great Allegheny Passage, this trail could be easily a $75 (million) to $100 million-per-year tourism generator,” he said.
It would also give county residents the option to travel from point to point by trail instead of highway, Teegarden said.
The ARC grant, announced July 6, will fund preliminary planning for trail routes and investigation of property ownership, she said. In addition to ARC funds, Garrett Trails will provide $20,000 and Maryland Program Open Space will provide $10,000.
Teegarden said she hopes grant money will be available for construction to begin on some segments as early as 2011.
The ARC grant award was announced by the offices of U.S. Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin.
“Garrett County is one of Maryland’s top tourist destinations and strengthening its trail system will make it even more attractive to visitors,” Cardin said in a prepared statement. “Garrett County has more publicly owned land than any other in the state and this funding will strengthen Mountain Maryland by connecting the Great Allegheny Passage to the growing network of trails in Garrett County.”
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Jul. 8, 2010
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded a $30,000 grant to expand the trails system in Garrett County, U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin announced Tuesday.
The funds will be used to conduct a feasibility study of a looped trail system in the county. The route will connect the county’s existing trails to other public parks and regional trails, including the Great Allegheny Passage.
The study will also explore options for developing 75 miles of new trail that will maximize use of the county’s large amounts of publicly owned land.
The project will be administered by Garrett County Trails. In addition to ARC funds, Garrett Trails will provide $20,000, and the Maryland Program Open Space will provide $10,000, bringing the total project funding to $60,000.
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