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1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby mrfreakinwhite » Fri Sep 09, 2011 9:21 am

E-mail from Paul @ DCR:

SAVE THE DATE!

1st Annual Massachusetts Trails Conference
“Building Connections”



November 12, 2011
The Trustees of Reservations’ Doyle Conservation Center
Leominster, MA


The Massachusetts Recreational Trail Advisory Board (MARTAB) in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Trustees of Reservations presents the 1st Annual Massachusetts Trails Conference to be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster. The conference is funded through the Recreational Trails Program, supporting motorized and non-motorized trails across the Commonwealth.

The goal of this one-day conference is to build a statewide-based coalition of trail advocates in Massachusetts by focusing on strengthening capacity and community across the spectrum of trails enthusiasts and supporters. Concurrent sessions in the morning focus on building capacity through education and discussion of issues like funding, permitting and economic impacts. The afternoon’s more participatory workshops will focus on strengthening community, as we celebrate, share and plan for the future of trails in Massachusetts.

An opportunity to register and the conference agenda will be announced at the end of September. If you are not on our contact list, please contact Amanda Lewis, Recreational Trails Program Coordinator for DCR, at amanda.lewis@state.ma.us to be added and receive conference updates and registration information. Hope to see you there!

DCR Greenways
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Rafikie » Fri Sep 09, 2011 1:36 pm

Posted to WM4x4



I got an email about it too from my snowmobile club too

Not sure if we got it direct from DCR or if it was forwarded from SAM though. Either way :up:
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby mrfreakinwhite » Fri Sep 09, 2011 3:43 pm

Amanda Lewis, RTP admin, is pushing for strong motorized attendance.
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Rafikie » Fri Sep 09, 2011 4:00 pm

so I should tow my pile of jeep down there with my sled :lol:
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby mrfreakinwhite » Mon Sep 12, 2011 9:05 am

Rafikie wrote:so I should tow my pile of jeep down there with my sled :lol:
Nope, just bring the Prius. :heep:
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Rafikie » Mon Sep 12, 2011 10:04 am

we can get a peddle bike with side car
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby mrfreakinwhite » Mon Sep 12, 2011 1:55 pm

Rafikie wrote:we can get a peddle bike with side car

What's wrong with the tandem bike? Why mess with what we know works?
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby XJ Maki » Mon Sep 12, 2011 2:50 pm

Posted NEJeep and email sent.

With some luck I'll be able to get the day off work to go.
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby justinsuth » Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:58 pm

Is there a space limitation or could the we show up with all the jeeps that were at fallcrawl and be an overwhelming group and source of revenue (if properly represented and allowed to develop and use Trails).
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby mrfreakinwhite » Tue Sep 13, 2011 10:00 am

You'll want to read the last sentence of my 1st post. Additional info should be coming out around October 5th, via e-mail.

I don't think we want to purposely overwhelm them, but a strong show of support to build cooperation among the various trail users they need to please.

Amanda Lewis works with MA RTP grants, which are funded by fuel tax and are supposed to support motorized and non-motorized trails.
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Rafikie » Fri Oct 14, 2011 9:11 am

You must register to attend and there is a 100 attendee limit.

1st Annual Massachusetts Trails Conference

“Building Connections”


[South River1]

November 12, 2011
Doyle Center
Leominster, MA


The Massachusetts Recreational Trail Advisory Board (MARTAB) in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) presents the 1st Annual Massachusetts Trails Conference to be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Doyle Center in Leominster. The conference is funded through the Recreational Trails Program, a federal grant program which offers funding for trails and trail-related facilities to communities across the state and among all recreational trail user groups.

The goal of this one-day conference is to build a statewide-based coalition of trail advocates in Massachusetts by focusing on strengthening capacity and community across the spectrum of trails enthusiasts and supporters. Concurrent sessions in the morning focus on building capacity through education and discussion of issues like funding, permitting and economic impacts. The afternoon’s more participatory workshops will focus on strengthening community, as we celebrate, share and plan for the future of trails in Massachusetts.

This conference aims to offer the following:

1. A forum to address the evolving needs of the Massachusetts trails community

2. Opportunities to network with other trail advocates to build support for local and statewide trail systems

3. Educational/informative sessions specific to various trail user groups or volunteers

4. Collaborative planning on a statewide level to offer input for future trails initiatives and programs.
Trail planners, advocates, land managers, members of trail organizations, land trusts, conservation commissions, friends groups and volunteers are all encouraged to participate. Please keep in mind that the format for this conference is to foster a collaborative, participatory environment for furthering the goals of the entire trails community, both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail users. Please plan on coming to this conference with your ideas to share and questions to ask, and hopefully you will leave with much more!

This Massachusetts Trails Conference will launch an annual series of MARTAB-sponsored trails conferences designed to strengthen the trails community and provide increased opportunities for education and the sharing of ideas and experiences. Through improved communication, cooperation, and partnerships, MARTAB aims to complete the visioning and implementation process for creating a trail network in Massachusetts which will benefit all recreational user groups and preferences.


Conference Registration – NOW!

There is no fee to register for this conference, although a $10, or more, donation to your local trail group is encouraged in lieu of the registration fee. Participants must register in advance to attend. Registration will be limited, so please register now if you would like to attend.

Registration Deadline: Friday, November 4, 2011

Contact: Amanda Lewis, Recreational Trails Program Coordinator (DCR)
413-586-8706 ext. 19
<mailto:amanda.lewis@state.ma.us>amanda.lewis@state.ma.us<mailto:amanda.lewis@state.ma.us>

What to do: Please call or email Amanda Lewis to register. Indicate your full name, affiliation (or specific trail interests), address, phone number and email address. If you are no longer able to attend the workshop but have already registered, please contact Amanda as soon as possible, as potential participants may be waiting for openings. If the registration limit of 100 people is met, a wait list will be started and you will be informed as soon as possible if any openings become available.
Conference Agenda

The Massachusetts Trails Conference will be held at the Doyle Center from 7:30am to 4pm, with an optional refreshment and meet-and-greet hour from 4-5pm. Morning and afternoon refreshments, as well as lunch will be provided. The conference agenda and session descriptions are provided below:


7:30 Registration

8:30 Welcome and Introductions
Dick O’Brien, MARTAB
8:40 Keynote Address: Economic Benefits of Trails
David Lindahl, Morton Trails, LLC.

9:20 1st Concurrent Workshops/Presentations Slot
See descriptions below

10:40 2nd Concurrent Workshops/Presentation Slot
See descriptions below

12pm LUNCH (provided)

12:45 MARTAB Introductions and Overview

1:00 Checking In: The Massachusetts Statewide Trail Plan and Celebration of Exceptional Trail Success Stories

2:00 Participatory Planning Session in Break-out groups

3:00 Full Group Discussion and Conference Follow-Up

4:00 Refreshment Hour (Optional)

5:00 Conference Ends




Morning Workshops

Workshop participants will have the opportunity to participate in two of the eight concurrent morning workshops offered. Participants will not be required to sign up for the sessions before the conference but will be asked to indicate their preference upon registration in the morning. Descriptions of each session are provided below, though changes may be made before the conference date.

1st Concurrent Workshops/Presentations 9:20 - 10:30 am

Economics and Trails
David Lindahl: Morton Trails
This workshop will focus specifically on a number of issues and methods associated with the economic and financial benefits and impacts of trails, including:

· Understanding and conducting an economic impact analysis that captures all of the quantifiable and unquantifiable impacts of community trail systems;

· Strategies for undertaking surveys associated with trail user expenditures, business revenues, and real estate impacts as a result of trails;

· Planning for events, including planning and designing the trail system or course, financial management, and event management;

· Organizational structures for planning, developing, operating, and maintaining a trail system including public, non-profit, for-profit, and quasi-public entities.

Accessibility Guidelines and DOJ Ruling
Gary Briere: Chief of Recreation, MA DCR
This workshop will focus on current ADA Guidelines and their role related to trails in the state, as well as questions and discussion on the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) ruling regarding “Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices” and requirements related to trails on public lands.

Working with Conservation Commissions and the Wetland Protection Act
Mark Stinson: Wetlands Circuit Rider, MA Department of Environmental Protection
Sarah LaValley: Planner, City of Northampton & Conservation Commission
This session will discuss the Wetland Protection Act and how trails advocates can most efficiently and cost-effectively navigate through the regulations and requirements. Participants will leave the session with a solid sense of when they need to file, how to have a good relationship with the town Conservation Commissions, and how to avoid negative impacts on wetlands and complications in the filing process.

Funding Opportunities for Trails
Dick O’Brien: Winding Trail Designs, MARTAB
This workshop will discuss the various opportunities for funding for trails that currently exist and are available in Massachusetts. In addition, the group will discuss the future of these funds as well as other possible sources of funding for trails.



2nd Concurrent Workshops/Presentations 10:40 – 11:50 am
Trails and Resource Protection
Ale Echandi: Natural Resource Specialist, MA DCR
This session will focus on the protection of natural and cultural resources when constructing and maintaining trails. The presenters will explain and discuss working with MESA and Natural Heritage as well as working for the preservation of historic/cultural resources and working with MHC.

Developing Trails on State Land and Working with the Massachusetts DCR
Gary Briere: Chief of Recreation, MA DCR
Becky Barnes: Regional Trail Coordinator, MA DCR
Paul Jahnige: Director of Greenways and Trails, MA DCR
This session will discuss DCR policy regarding trail development and volunteer work on state lands. The DCR Volunteer Policy, Trail Proposal and Evaluation Form and DCR’s Trail Guidelines and Best Practices Manual will all be discussed.

Rail Trails: Getting Started, Challenges, and Future Training Opportunities
Dick Williamson: Friends of Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Mass Central Rail Trail Coalition, MARTAB
Robert Weidknecht: Town of Holliston Conservation Commission
Colleen Abrams: Wachusett Greenways
Kate Day: Town of Danvers
This session will allow the shared use path/rail trail community an opportunity to come together and discuss challenges, issues and past success in developing these trails. The MassDOT process and requirements, community-based development, working with Iron Horse Preservation and the acquisition of rail trail corridors will all be discussed. There will also be a discussion about the possibility of a future “Rail Trail Conference” sponsored by MARTAB and funded by RTP.

Trail Corridor Protection Planning for Regional and Multi-Community Trail Systems
Charlie Tracy: National Park Service, New England Trail Administrator
Clare Cain: Connecticut Forest & Park Association, Director of Trail Stewardship

This workshop will discuss strategies for integrating public and private lands into a multi-community trail corridor and the options available for trail protection.


About MARTAB

MARTAB is a unique group, comprised of representatives from each recreational trail user group in Massachusetts. Although their primary role has been to oversee the Recreational Trails Grant Program, with this conference and in the future, they are looking to establish a leadership role as a core coalition which will address broader trail issues facing Massachusetts and the nation as a whole. In this time of economic uncertainty and across-the-board budget cuts, it is imperative that the development of recreational trails does not wane, especially given the benefits that trails can offer to all interests, from recreationists to business owners to populations who simply need and depend on the existence of trails. Promoting advocacy, education and training initiatives, information sharing and trail planning are chief among MARTAB’s goals which will aim to create a truly sustainable, all-encompassing, high-quality trail system across the state.
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby mrfreakinwhite » Fri Oct 14, 2011 9:20 am

registered

We talked a little about storming the place and from reading the description updates, it looks like a. registering is important b. there's a variety of groups and we could be spread out and hopefully get representation in all the groups. c. WHO THE HELL IS REPRESENTING US IN MARTAB?
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Liza » Fri Oct 14, 2011 11:23 am

According to their website there is no 4x4/Off Road Vehicle representation.

Scroll down the page a bit:
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/martab.htm
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby cmerrick » Fri Oct 14, 2011 12:16 pm

mrfreakinwhite wrote:registered

c. WHO THE HELL IS REPRESENTING US IN MARTAB?



Originally Banfield was the rep. I think Mike Belben had big ideas of attending and was able to get Banfield bumped, but I don't know if he ever atended any meetings.
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby 1/4-Ton-XJ » Fri Oct 14, 2011 2:21 pm

Registered
My buggy is for sale, message me for details.
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Cookiemanx7 » Tue Oct 18, 2011 7:23 am

Registered
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby navman » Tue Oct 18, 2011 1:33 pm

Registered and got a chance to speak a little with Amanda Lewis as well.
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Cookiemanx7 » Thu Oct 20, 2011 4:51 pm

I got this back in an email from Amanda "It will be great to have a 4x4 representation there, as that is a group we have certainly been lacking in the past (and ATV reps as well)"
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby navman » Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:33 pm

The four of us attended the meeting saturday. It was geared directly to martabs involvement in trail development. It was stated that there was no representation for our group as well as a few others, and they were interested in adding us to the board. Mike White and I are both interested in this and have both been attending the other dcr open meetings to help get our foot in the door. I am looking to take the delegate position and Mike is looking for the alternate. I am waiting for the forms from Amanda for this and will need references from our group to complete this. Is everybody ok with this? Is there any opposition to this?
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Rafikie » Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:01 pm

Go get it Mark. And thank you to the 4 that where able to make it
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby mrfreakinwhite » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:02 pm

The BIG THING to come out of the conference was most people seemed to come to the same conclusion about a MA Trails Conference being or becoming or looking for an umbrella to cover ALL trail users. From buggies to snow shoes.

Nobody wants illegal off road or motorized use on their trails and everyone recognizes we need to be included.

And...

Around $920,000 in MA OHV registrations since law became effective in April. Now money is allocated to an actual fund, although I can't quire prove this at this time. Not the general fund anymore, but a land acquisition fund.

The class with the MA DEP field inspector/circuit rider for western MA had some good info, but not such good news, about streams and wetland resource areas. Tread very carefully around bridges and crossings. Call him first before taking action, or call the trail's local concomm and tell invite them for a ride, show them what you wish to do before doing it.
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby 1/4-Ton-XJ » Tue Nov 15, 2011 11:00 pm

mrfreakinwhite wrote:The class with the MA DEP field inspector/circuit rider for western MA had some good info, but not such good news, about streams and wetland resource areas. Tread very carefully around bridges and crossings. Call him first before taking action, or call the trail's local concomm and tell invite them for a ride, show them what you wish to do before doing it.

Very eye opening & definitely learned the most from that class :up:
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Cookiemanx7 » Thu Jan 26, 2012 2:56 pm

January 2012 No. 40

The 1st Annual Massachusetts Trails Conference
“Building Connections”
Conference Follow-Up


On November 12, 2011 the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB) in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) held the 1st Annual Massachusetts Trails Conference in Leominster, MA.

The goal of this one-day conference was to build a statewide-based coalition of trail advocates in Massachusetts by focusing on strengthening capacity and community across the spectrum of trails enthusiasts and supporters. Concurrent sessions in the morning focused on building capacity through education and discussion of issues like funding, permitting and economic impacts of trails. The afternoon session consisted of participatory discussions, planning, and a celebration of trail successes, with the goal of strengthening a sense of community among trail advocates across the state.

The conference was a great success with 120 participants attending. Attendance included trails advocates and professionals from non-profit organizations, friends groups, municipalities, Conservation Commissions, the state and federal government. Unfortunately, the demand for the conference overwhelmed the capacity of the venue, so many interested trails folks did not get to attend. This confirms that a future conference should not only be held, but that it will require a larger venue in which all interested participants will be ensured a space!




Conference Summary: Making Trails Happen in Massachusetts

During the afternoon session of the conference, participants broke out into regional groups to provide for more intimate, geographically and community-specific discussions of trail goals, commonly encountered challenges, and possible solutions for overcoming those barriers. Discussions ranged from the issues of the individual group to those challenging trail advocates statewide. From these discussions and reports back to the larger group, a list of common themes was created. Below is a summary of those needs and challenges, and proposed solutions or “key steps” to help “Make Trails Happen” in Massachusetts.

1. Organize within and throughout the Massachusetts trail community. Bring trail supporters together to discuss and prioritize goals and strategies but also to get out and work on trails. Include and listen to the interests of the diverse trail-user and trail-type groups throughout the state. Organize a volunteer base and take every opportunity to educate and advance their skills.



2. Survey/Data Collection: Identify the current information and resources that are available and collect information that will be crucial in guiding the community in furthering its trail goals. This can be in the form of surveying stakeholders, mapping existing and proposed trail networks, and holding workshops and conferences for networking and data gathering purposes.



3. Pursue Partnerships: Coordinate and communicate with other trail supporters. Identify where partnerships can be forged, for any specific purpose, and work together towards common goals.



4. Identify Funding Opportunities: Ensure that all of the money available for trails is identified, clarified, solicited and used.



5. Advocate for trails and trail funding in Massachusetts and on the national level.



6. Skills/Knowledge Building: Offer and attend skill building and knowledge trainings and/or identify good, quality professionals who can be hired who have the knowledge. Share knowledge on various platforms, including user group or trail-type specific sessions, workshops and conferences.



7. Participate and Cooperate: Whether an individual or non-profit organization, ensure your own participation and cooperation as a part of the trails community in Massachusetts. Offer and share your knowledge, expertise and experience on the local, regional and statewide scale.



8. Market/Promote Trails: Market and promote trails so that more people are aware of and use them, therefore raising the profile of and level of support for trails in Massachusetts. Submit your trail for national/statewide/regional recognition.



9. Outreach and education to the population outside of the trail community. Communicate with those who oppose, or simply do not support, a general or specific trail (appeal to what they care about, such as economic impact, natural resources, aesthetics, etc). Learn and then share compelling and relevant information in support of trails. Reach out to political figures and keep them updated on the latest successes and issues facing trails. Reach out to professionals, such as engineers, lawyers, machine operators, to recruit possible pro-bono, volunteer or donated work on trail projects. Reach out to the youth and teach them about trails to secure the next generation of trail advocates.



10. Create Responsible Trails that are in the best interest of the state, community, individuals, and the environment so that the Massachusetts legacy of trails is preserved as accommodating to all persons and is economically, physically, psychologically and spiritually beneficial and environmentally sustainable.

These key steps incorporate the knowledge and feedback of the greater trails community, meant to encompass all of the factors that contribute to the success of trails on the local, state and national level. One major goal of this conference was to narrow down the abundant list of needs and challenges facing the trail community and, as a group, identify and agree upon the most urgent and priority steps that should be the primary focus in the coming years. Through the afternoon discussion as well as the conference follow-up survey, those priority steps have been identified as the following:

Funding (Advocacy and Identification of sources)
Skill and Knowledge Building
Coordination/Cooperation/Communication Among Trail Groups

Groups were also asked the question of whether or not a statewide trail partnership should be formed, or identified, to take a leadership role in organizing and pursuing important statewide goals. The majority of conference participants agreed that this would be a good step. MARTAB, as a unique group of trail advocates that consists of representative of each trail user group in Massachusetts, has begun to take on the first steps of this important role, in the planning of the statewide conference as well as the development of a website and in promoting advocacy for trails on both the federal and state level. However, this is just a first step and it is likely that forming a separate, unifying partnership of trail advocates will offer the best opportunities for trails in Massachusetts.

Do you believe that there is a role here for a central trails organization, to lead the Massachusetts trail community in taking steps towards making trails happen in Massachusetts? How might you contribute to the development and action of such a group?


Next Steps

Develop a trail partnership to organize the trail community into action. Some first steps include the creation and management of a website devoted to trails information and resources in Massachusetts, implementing trail advocacy campaigns to increase funding opportunities, and planning/recruiting for future conferences and skill/knowledge-building opportunities. A key role of this organization will be to advocate for the future of funding for trails in Massachusetts, through public and private sources.

MARTAB plans to continue its efforts to advocate for and unite the trails community, as well as maintain its primary mission as a board of user-group representatives formed to review and recommend Recreational Trails Program grant proposals for funding. At this time, MARTAB is in need of additional voting members on the board to represent various trail user groups that are not currently represented. Please contact Amanda Lewis if you have interest in becoming a member of MARTAB, either as a voting member and representative of one of the following user-groups, or as a general “associate” member to assist MARTAB in furthering the goals of the trails community. For more information on MARTAB and its purpose and goals, visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/martab.htm

· Water Trails: Paddling/Canoeing/Boating
· Skiers/Snowshoers
· Off-Road Motorcyclists
· Climbers
· Universal Access
· Land Manager: Local Land Trust/Non-Profit
· Local Committee Member: Community Trails/Greenways
· Private Landowners with permitted public trails

MARTAB is also looking for alternates for the following user-groups:

· All of the Above
· Walkers/Hikers/Trail Runners
· Bicyclists
· Equestrian Riders and Drivers
· ATV Riders


Take a look at the conference materials posted online at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/gre ... ations.htm (scroll to bottom of page).

Stay alert for future announcements regarding steps towards the unification of the Massachusetts Trails Community under the common purpose of trail advocacy and the enhancement and stewardship of the statewide trail network.




To unsubscribe from this list, simply email paul.jahnige@state.ma.us with your email address and type “unsubscribe” in the subject or body.

To subscribe, please email your contact information to paul.jahnige@state.ma.us.

Please forward to others who might be interested in Massachusetts Greenways and Trails.


Connections is the electronic newsletter from the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Greenways and Trails Program,
Paul Jahnige, Director
136 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-8706 ext. 20
paul.jahnige@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/index.htm


Deval Patrick, Governor
Tim Murray, Lieutenant Governor
Richard K. Sullivan Jr., Secretary, Energy and Environmental Affairs
Edward M. Lambert Jr., Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Recreation

DCR Greenways
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Cookiemanx7 » Thu Jan 26, 2012 2:59 pm

Paying particular attention to the section quoted below, in addition to Mark seating on the BOD for 4x4 group, I think we should try and fill the other positions as well with 4x4 friendly (us) members ;)

I plan to try and fill the climbing spot as I am an active climber as well.

Anyone here see any of the other positions that they may also be active in?


Next Steps

Develop a trail partnership to organize the trail community into action. Some first steps include the creation and management of a website devoted to trails information and resources in Massachusetts, implementing trail advocacy campaigns to increase funding opportunities, and planning/recruiting for future conferences and skill/knowledge-building opportunities. A key role of this organization will be to advocate for the future of funding for trails in Massachusetts, through public and private sources.

MARTAB plans to continue its efforts to advocate for and unite the trails community, as well as maintain its primary mission as a board of user-group representatives formed to review and recommend Recreational Trails Program grant proposals for funding. At this time, MARTAB is in need of additional voting members on the board to represent various trail user groups that are not currently represented. Please contact Amanda Lewis if you have interest in becoming a member of MARTAB, either as a voting member and representative of one of the following user-groups, or as a general “associate” member to assist MARTAB in furthering the goals of the trails community. For more information on MARTAB and its purpose and goals, visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/martab.htm

· Water Trails: Paddling/Canoeing/Boating
· Skiers/Snowshoers
· Off-Road Motorcyclists
· Climbers
· Universal Access
· Land Manager: Local Land Trust/Non-Profit
· Local Committee Member: Community Trails/Greenways
· Private Landowners with permitted public trails

MARTAB is also looking for alternates for the following user-groups:

· All of the Above
· Walkers/Hikers/Trail Runners
· Bicyclists
· Equestrian Riders and Drivers
· ATV Riders
John Price

President of South Shore Wheelers
OSJ
UFWD Volunteer Trail Patrol
Mohawk 4X4 Adventures
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Cookiemanx7
 
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby navman » Thu Jan 26, 2012 3:40 pm

I just recieved that newsletter as well and didn't see us listed as members/reps needed. I hope he was just copying the sheet he used at the meeting and its not an intentional oversite.
Mark
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby Cookiemanx7 » Thu Jan 26, 2012 3:58 pm

navman wrote: didn't see us listed as members/reps needed.



I was hoping that meant you were accepted and representation for us (4x4's) was filled?

Maybe its the glass is half side of me though....
John Price

President of South Shore Wheelers
OSJ
UFWD Volunteer Trail Patrol
Mohawk 4X4 Adventures
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby navman » Thu Jan 26, 2012 5:38 pm

My papers are all submitted. Amanda emailed me saying that all nominations filed before the march meeting will be voted on at that meeting. Right now I have done all I can but nothing is a go as of yet.
Mark
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby howler4x4 » Sat Jan 28, 2012 6:55 pm

Congratulations and thanks :up: to those who have volunteered to represent us at the trails conferences.

Please allow me to pass along some hard-won knowledge from my years on the similar NYS Trails Conference as well as some MA specific activity.

1st off, it's easy to tell when Gary Briere, Chief of Recreation, MA DCR is lieing to you. His lips will move. :mad2:

More difficult to deal with is the culture of (foot) trail users. They hate us. Most will be smart enough to conceal it, not all. You will need to be very thick skinned, and occasionally obnoxious, to get your points across. My actions were ruled by reasonableness and a gentlemanly demeanor. I was ineffectual.

We are legally entitled to a share of the RTP program money. It is your job to get it. Doing so will make your efforts noticeable for years to come.

PS
Your travel, food and lodging expenses should be tax deductable. Take the SO along and make a weekend of it. I'm not a tax pro, check with one!

Good luck,
Bob
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Re: 1st Annual MA Trails Conference

Postby 1/4-Ton-XJ » Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:48 pm

Good advice :up: I kind of got that feeling :lol: but there were a few people who were genuinely interested in what we do and were glad to see us there.

With the money that some of them say they have gotten, we could do some pretty amazing things :up:
My buggy is for sale, message me for details.
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