WSSC Trail Use Study Released.

The WSSC presented the study at their meeting on November 19. Here's a report from Barbara Sollner-Webb:

"First was a video they made on public use of their watershed land and water, which I felt was very positive (starting with Terry Ledley by the Terry Ledley equestrian trail sign, and also showing Ron MacNab and other users).  Later in the meeting, they presented a PowerPoint description of the study recently completed by their contractor (EA Engineering), which again sounded very positive and conciliatory.  It seems that EA quite accurately reported the Access Road (aka "Firebreak" or "Jeep Trail") is substantially more of a problem than the equestrian use, and totally banning equestrian was not discussed.  They said they will be having more public input meetings, soon, and then decide on a plan.  They mentioned several possibilities for a future plan, some positive for equestrians (including even the chance of re-opening riding on the Access Road at the Tridelphia!) and some quite worrisome (increasing user fees to offset their expected increased costs; limiting the number of riders; only allowing organized group rides, not individual riders).  We have to stay on top, and testify at those upcoming meetings , whenever they are announced!
   EA Engineering's report and and WSSC's new video were just posted on WSSC homepage <http://www.wsscwater.com>.  Under the tab "Our Watershed and You" is "Watershed Study", and within it, click "independent study" to get the introductory video (it can also be accessed on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RnEsvep6MQ) and to get EA's full report (downloadable, as PDF).   Also, click "Read more", and under it click "Study Finding and Recommendations" to the PowerPoint presentation from Gary Gumm from this morning; or uner "Read more", click "Next Steps" to get a PowerPoint we were not shown, but basically Jay Price's part of the presentation this morning.  His slide #10 summarizes the worrisome possibilities they are already suggesting.