I was invited to represent FellsDOG on September 24, 2009 at a meeting
held by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
(“DCR”), at which DCR announced its plans for developing and
implementing a comprehensive Middlesex Fells Trail System Plan. Also
in attendance were representatives of the Greater Boston Chapter of
the New England Mountain Bike Association (“NEMBA”), and the Friends
of the Fells, which, as most of you know, has taken a strong stance
over the years against the rights of both bikers and dog owners to
enjoy the Middlesex Fells. State Representative Jason Lewis attended,
as did representatives of the offices of State Senator Patricia
Jehlen, State Senator Richard Tisei, State Representative Katherine
Clark, and State Representative Paul Donato.
DCR explained its process for developing the plan. This Fall they
will complete an inventory of the entire Fells trail system, including
GPS tracking of each trail. They will then seek to identify
constraints, issues, and problem areas. In January 2010, DCR will
host a Stakeholder and Public Planning Workshop, open to the public,
to get direct input on developing the new trail plan. They envision
that workshop to allow for collaborative discussion to solve some of
the issues of conflicting user groups. Public review of a draft plan
will take place next Spring, with hopes of having the new plan in
place by May 2010.
I pointed out that dog owners have particular interest in the
Sheepfold area, and DCR representatives said that the new plan would,
in fact, address use of the Sheepfold, and suggested that this might
be the right time to find creative solutions for the future. FellsDOG
will be ready to work with DCR toward that goal, and to advocate for
the new trail plan to include off-leash dog recreation at the
Sheepfold, in a manner that respects this precious natural resource
and the rights of all park users.
The Workshop in January will be an opportunity for dog owners to make
our voices heard, and convey, in a productive way, that we care about
the environment, we respect the rights of all park users, and we think
the time has come for legal off-leash recreation at the Sheepfold. In
the meantime, you can convey this to your legislators. If you and
your family enjoy the Sheepfold with your dog, please take the time to
let your representatives know (see below). And stay tuned for updates
here at fellsdog.org.
Thanks,
David Monahan
FellsDOG
Contact info:
State Representative Jason M. Lewis - Rep.JasonLe...@hou.state.ma.us
State Representative Katherine Clark -
Rep.KatherineCl...@hou.state.ma.us
State Representative Paul J. Donato - Rep.PaulDon...@hou.state.ma.us
State Senator Patricia D. Jehlen - Patricia.Jeh...@state.ma.us
State Senator Richard R. Tisei - Richard.Ti...@state.ma.us
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