Forest Preserve advisory committee reports trail repair and coordinates fire‑response recommendations

Forest Preserve Advisory Committee co-chair Thomas Doggett told City Council that the committee finished a trail‑reroute to stop erosion into Caney (Canyon) Creek, continues volunteer invasive‑species removal days, and is preparing a recommendation on a recent fire that affected woodland near residences.

Why it matters: The committee said trail erosion threatened natural buffers and public safety and that the reroute work was led by scouts and volunteer groups. The committee also said the recent fire raises questions about vegetation management on the City-owned forest preserve and adjacent cooperative grounds.

Committee report: Doggett said the committee finished the trail reroute near Canyon Creek with Boy Scout Troop 249 and other volunteers and that ongoing invasive-management workdays target bush honeysuckle and other species. He said the committee is coordinating with the Garden Homes, Inc. (GHI) Woodlands Committee, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Firewise program, and staff on a recommendation to the council about post‑fire management near houses.

Next steps: The committee will finish its written recommendation and expects to bring it to council for staff review; the work session included no formal council action.