DCR is soliciting comments for its Middlesex Fells Trail System Plan

[DogOwnerWhoVotes]

Please check out the information on the FellsDOG homepage about how to
send comments to the DCR as they consider a new Middlesex Fells Trail
System Plan. We all know how wonderful the Sheepfold is for dog
owners and their dogs-- the friends we have made there, and the
opportunity it provides for us and for our families to enjoy the
outdoors, while our dogs enjoy themselves and get vital exercise and
healthy socialization. Here is our chance to show the park managers
how many dog owners use the Fells and care about protecting this
natural resource, and what it means to us and our families. There is
no better way to demonstrate to the DCR that legal off-leash activity
at the Sheepfold should be a part of the new Trail System Plan, and
can be implemented in a way which respects the rights of all park
users.

And please help by forwarding this information to your friends who
visit the Fells!

[Michele Biscoe]

Dear Fells dog owners,

Join me today in writing a letter in support of safe and legal options for off-leash recreation in the Middlesex Fells:

Middlesex Fells Trail Plan
136 Damon Rd
Northampton, MA 01060
Paul.j...@state.ma.us

This is an opportunity for dog owners to make a strong case for the need for opportunities to enjoy the benefits of socializing and exercising our dogs off-leash--both on the trails of the Middlesex Fells and in the Sheepfold--without breaking the law, without interfering with other park users' enjoyment of the Fells and without threatening wildlife habitats.

You may wish to respond to some of all of the following questions, offered by the DCR as a guide for the kind of input that is especially helpful at this stage in the process.

• How do you (and your family) use the trails at the Middlesex Fells? (i.e. what parts of the Fells; how often; what kinds uses; what times of day, week and year; etc.)

• What would you describe as some of the highlights of the Fells trail system? (i.e. what scenic, natural or cultural resources and destinations are important to you?)

• What would you describe as some of the problems with the trail system at the Fells that affect your trail experience there?

• Can you describe the “recreational experience(s)” that you find most enjoyable at the Fells? (This might include the level of difficulty, interaction with other users, length of the use, type of use, etc. Feel free to write about your best Fells experience.)

• If you could make three changes in the Fells trail system, what would they be?

• What other comments would you like us to consider as we develop our trail system plan for the Middlesex Fells?

More information is available online:

Middlesex Fells Trail System Plan FAQ <http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/materials/Fells%20FAQs.pdf>

Invitation for Public Input and Guiding Questions <http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/greenwaysfellsusersurvey.htm>

DCR’s Trail Guidelines and Best Practices Manual <http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/docs/DCR_guidelines.pdf>

Also, be sure to check www.fellsdog.org for important updates about the Middlesex Fells Trail System Plan.

Cheers,

Michele

with Strummer (Standard Poodle)

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