Submit Your Comments by February 3!
We have an opportunity to influence what will become of a section of Hunting Creek at Frank Bentz pond following the removal of the dam at this location, thanks to the work of the Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock. For several years, BOJC members have worked with Maryland’s Department of the Environment and the town of Thurmont on a proposal to restore the streambed to its natural state and regulate it as a youth only, fly fishing only catch-and-release section, while retaining the current dedication to Frank Bentz, Sr.
Perhaps influenced by the work of the BOJC, the National Park Service issued a request for public input in January on a separate proposal to improve the trail system in Catoctin Mountain National Park. This proposal includes designating a Fly Fishing Heritage Trail, as well as a “potential future trail connection.”
The BOJC now needs support to “connect the dots” between the National Park Service proposed new trail with the dam removal project at Frank Bentz pond. The hope is that strong support for the NPS project will influence the designation of the youth only, fly fishing only catch-and-release section at Frank Bentz pond, an area of the stream not on national park land.
You can help, but time is short. The deadline to submit comments expressing your support to the NPS is February 3. Please consider taking a few minutes of your time to submit a public comment at the following website:
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/cato_trailplan