Marine Corps Base Quantico --
Numerous groups and individuals make use of the large
recreational trail network on base, and over the last several months, many of
them have come together to improve the running surface, signage and bridges.
According to Maj. Peter Baker of the Natural Resources
and Environmental Affairs Branch, this past summer Marine Corps Base Quantico
and the Marine Corps Marathon office sponsored the resurfacing of 2.7 miles of
Stadium and Sewer Trails with rock and gravel. The base Facilities Maintenance
Shops performed the work, which has evened out the footing for runners and made
it easier for emergency vehicles to get to people in need of assistance.
Anyone who has ever gotten lost in the woods will
appreciate the major increase in signage. Baker said that 147 new signs have
been purchased to better mark the trails, and 103 have been installed so far, in
addition to the 65 that were already out there. The signs were assembled by the
Conservation Volunteers group and are being placed at trailheads and
intersections basewide by volunteers and NREA staff.
The Quantico Mountain Bike Club has rebuilt two bridges
in the trail system, and an unofficial group of horseback riders who regularly
use the trails have repaired another two, said Baker. QMBC riders such as Brian
Balas also participate in trail maintenance: On Nov. 13, Balas walked
approximately two miles along the trails with a leaf blower, clearing the path
for riders and runners.
While people use the trails for a variety of activities,
including walking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding, Baker said
there have been few, if any, conflicts among the different types of trail
users. One complaint that does crop up from time to time is the presence of
animal feces on the trails.
Marine
Corps Base Order 5090.4A, the policy for mainside trail use at MCBQ, states
that owners are required to clean up and properly dispose of their animals’
waste. There have been recent reports of dog owners bagging their dogs’ feces
but leaving the bags on trails and sidewalks around base. As there is not a
cleaning crew that collects these bags, owners are reminded to dispose of them
in designated trash cans.
ebaker@quanticosentryonline.com