During a recent government meeting, representatives from the Southern Maryland Mountain Bikers nonprofit presented their initiatives aimed at enhancing local economic development and community engagement through mountain biking. The organization, which operates under the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), has been active since 2012, focusing on building and maintaining trails primarily at St. Mary's River State Park.

Trey Johnson, the president of the nonprofit, highlighted the group's efforts to foster a vibrant mountain biking community by organizing group rides, maintaining existing trails, and developing new ones. Currently, the organization boasts 64 official members and a larger online community of 381 members on Facebook, where they share trail conditions and organize events.

The nonprofit has successfully added approximately 4 miles of new trails, expanding the total trail system to around 15 miles. Recent projects include the construction of a beginner loop designed to accommodate families and novice riders, as well as improvements to existing trails to enhance safety and usability. Johnson emphasized the importance of creating accessible trails for all users, including hikers and equestrians.

Looking ahead, the organization is pursuing a significant grant to develop a new 7.5-mile loop at Salem State Forest, which would further establish the area as a mountain biking destination. This project aims to attract riders from outside the region, thereby boosting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The meeting also touched on outreach efforts to engage local youth, particularly in underserved areas, to participate in mountain biking activities. Johnson acknowledged the need for more coaches to support a growing youth program and expressed interest in expanding outreach to neighborhoods near St. Mary's River State Park.

Overall, the Southern Maryland Mountain Bikers are committed to promoting healthy outdoor activities, fostering community connections, and contributing to the local economy through their trail-building and maintenance efforts.