In the past few years, a series of constructed features have popped up at Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland. These jumps, drops, skinnies and other technical trail features (TTFs) have become very popular among mountain bike riders despite their poor construction and unauthorized nature. When Dept of Natural Resources staff discovered these features, a group of local mountain bikers representing MORE, Bike Dr of Linthicum, City Bikes and MAMBO got together with park staff to suggest that this popular area be torn down AFTER the start of construction of a new, safe, environmentally responsible area with similar features. DNR encouraged us and we had a public meeting, funded a professional proposal, met with regional staff and presented our ideas repeatedly, meeting cautious encouragement at every step. Despite two years of meetings, reports and consultants, the Dept of Natural Resources decided that the \'Lewis and Clarke\' trail would be destroyed (set to happen Summer 07) with nothing put up as a substitute. I am concerned that this sends the wrong message and is a poor decision on the part of DNR. I would like to gather as many signatures as possible to send a message to the General Assembly as well as the Dept of Natural Resources that responsible trail use by mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers should be encouraged and DNR should find ways to keep up with the requests of the park users. We aren\'t asking for this in every park nor are we asking for this to be some unsightly mountain bike only trail. We want environmentally responsible, natural surface progressive technical trail features in a family-friendly condensed area in Patapsco Valley State Park based on the MORE/IMBA Proposal submitted to the park in Feb 2007. Please sign the petition to help keep the Patapsco Skills Park Project alive. *11 July 07 Update* Lewis and Clarke has been torn down. No communication from the park staff regarding next steps or notification that it was going to happen today. They are aware of this petition.

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