Pocomoke State Forest will be expanded to include new hiking trail

The addition of about 80 acres to the Pocomoke State Forest through legislation makes an elevated walkway connecting Snow Hill directly to the park possible.

HB882, signed into law Monday, April 11, by Gov. Larry Hogan, was co-sponsored by state Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, R-38-Worcester.

According to a statement by Carozza, the project would create a trail network from Snow Hill to Pocomoke City "and has significant social, recreational and economic benefits."

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This Maryland Department of Natural Resources project would add the acreage to Pocomoke State Forest as new type Wildlands and would exempt approximately two acres for the trail's construction.

She also confirmed in a statement "the trail will be developed through a collaborative planning process between the Maryland Forest Service, Maryland Park Service and the Town of Snow Hill."

The public hearing on this project was held on Oct 28, 2020, and 98% of the 122 comments were in strong support of the project, including multiple organizations and local government agencies.

Along with the state forest bill, other legislation either co-sponsored or supported by Carozza signed into law included a commemoration day for Tuskegee Airmen and a statewide suicide prevention bill.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: New hiking trail will come with expansion of Pocomoke State Forest