Several weeks ago, The Baltimore Sun published an article about a reclamation project for brown trout to the cost of $600,000 in Jones Falls ("Jones Falls restoration project seeks to restore trout habitat, reduce runoff," May 25). Languishing directly across Falls Road is the Lake Roland Park and the woeful red trail.
Baltimore City owns the park and leases it to Baltimore County. A group of concerned citizens has done a yeoman's job reclaiming the park, which I dare say is used by many more people than trout will ever use Jones Falls. The trails in the park are in horrible shape. Railroad ties remain across the trail while areas of the path are a quagmire of mud and have remained wet all spring. The park is maintained by a volunteer group, using volunteer funds and volunteer labor.
Last year, it took the entire summer to put down trap rock and gravel on a stretch just north of the trestle bridge — a length of trail considerably less than 100 yards. So far this year, aside from repairing a 20-foot section of significant erosion with trap rock and cutting down dead trees which have fallen across the main trail, little has been done — and a great deal needs to be done: from removing the railroad ties, filling in low spots and developing good drainage, cutting down dead trees, which have the potential to fall on the trails, and finally a professional resurfacing of the red trail as well as several of the other trails as well.
If Maryland has funds to take care of trout, aren't there funds to take care of this park and trails, which are used by many people? The park, formerly known as Robert E. Lee Park, could well be an extraordinary resource for all of Baltimore and Baltimore County.
Peter W. Broido, M.D., Baltimore