The Potomac Highlands Dispatch - the online newspaper

O'Malley, others talk about importance of state parks, forests
Maryland governor highlights economic impact study

By Kevin Spradlin
PhDispatch.com
CHESTNUT RIDGE, March 14 -- While Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley touted the positive results of the first-ever economic impact study of state parks, others spoke about protecting the area's natural resources for future generations.

O'Malley addressed the issue, among others, at a forum Monday morning at New Germany State Park with Department of Natural Resources Secretary John Griffin, local officials and stakeholders from Allegany and Garrett counties which lasted more than 90 minutes. State parks and forests in Maryland's two westernmost counties provide 2,500 jobs. In addition, visitors spent some $288 million, O'Malley said.

The study also found that for every dollar the State invests, visitors spend $25.56 locally during their State Park visits. The significant economic benefits outlined in this report underscore the importance of land preservation funding paid for through the Maryland Transfer Tax. This dedicated fund supports Program Open Space and other land acquisition programs that keep land ecologically sound and safe from development.

Visitors spend money inside and outside of the parks, the report indicated. From Frederick County west, day visitors to parks and forests spent an average of $50.54 on gas and transportation, $38.99 on lodging, another $52.32 on grocery store food and drinks and $64.19 on restaurants, among other, lesser expenses.

"Maybe we're starting to see the end of the recession at long, long last," O'Malley said.

Maybe. And it's because of the attraction to the state's parks and forests that people like Fred Schaich and Mike Gregory felt compelled to speak to O'Malley about the importance of preservation.

Schaich is president of Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers Inc., which includes Deep Creek Lake, Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls state parks. He said a recent report about proposed funding cuts to state parks and forests have him concerned.

"Parks also have an education impact," along with a recreational draw, Schaich said. "lots of children come through these parks for natural programs. I understand that for the next few years (government might) drastically cut the budget of the state parks. I strongly hope that doesn't happen. To cut that funding would be unreal."

Retired Maryland Park Service Ranger Mike Gregory didn't disagree. He said while on the job at Savage River State Forest and other locations, he was able to study the area's history. As mentioned earlier in the forum, Gregory noted the trails and cabins were built by those with the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

"if it wasn't for that type of manpower, pride and opportunity to go ahead and re-establish abilities, talents and their hopes for the future, this area wouldn't be what it is today," Gregory said.

Gregory noted those that make up the state's entitlement rate - some 25 to 30 percent of state residents receive government aid, he said - could be put to effective use in maintaining and preserving state parks and forests.

"I would love to see that type of program established," Gregory said. "We are short on manpower."

He said the loss of manpower, through attrition and other methods, have allowed the area's natural resources to suffer.

"The forests were in much better shape then than they are now," he said.