Sugarloaf Mountain zoning debate pits local landowners against recreational users

At the Frederick County Council, local landowners, conservation groups and recreational users Tuesday pleaded their case for and against proposed zoning changes to Sugarloaf Mountain ahead of a scheduled vote next week. For a year, the mountain, known for its scenic views and sprawling trails, has been the subject of an intense zoning battle between Frederick County and Stronghold Inc., the nonprofit owners of the 3,400-acre mountain and the surrounding 20,000-acre land.