Western Maryland town comes out against bike trail project by Youghiogheny River

The town of Friendsville has declared its opposition to building a durable bike trail through one of the most pristine areas of the Youghiogheny River, dealing a potentially fatal blow to a controversial project that had already lined up millions in state funding. Friendsville Mayor Spencer R. Schlosnagle and its town council urged state lawmakers to consider an alternative route that would keep the funds in Garrett County but avoid a stretch of the river that has been designated wild and scenic since 1976. “We cannot in good faith destroy this wilderness area which is unlike any other to be found,” Schlosnagle wrote. Friendsville’s letter caught supporters of the bike trail off guard, with some saying the town has done a turnabout.