FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2006
For additional information, contact:
Connecticut
Adam Moore, Connecticut Forest & Park Association, 860-346-2372
Leslie Lewis, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection,
860-424-3578
John Monroe, National Park Service, 617-223-5049
Massachusetts
Heather Clish, Appalachian Mountain Club, 617-523-0655, x 380
Chris Curtis, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 413-781-6045
Paul Jahnige, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, 413-586-8706 x 20
Peggy Sloan, Franklin Regional Council of Governments,
413-774-1194 x 105
Beth Giannini, Franklin Regional Council of Governments,
413-774-1194 x 104
Charles Tracy, National Park Service, 617-223-5210
On August 28th, 2006, the National Park Service will release the draft Metacomet Monadnock Mattabesett (MMM) Trail System National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment. The study was conducted by the National Park Service in cooperation with the Appalachian Mountain Club, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut Forest & Park Association, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, and Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
The report and an executive summary are being mailed this week to individuals, groups and municipalities that have participated in the planning process.
Online Access: go to www.mmmtrail.org and link to the National Park Service website to read or download the documents and to submit comment. At that site, you may also request a printed copy of the 72-page report, or the two-page executive summary.
Public Open House: In both Connecticut and Massachusetts, there will be an open house meeting for the general public to ask questions, make comments and learn more about the study.
- Connecticut: September 26th, from 7 to 9 pm at the headquarters of Connecticut Light & Power, 107 Selden Street, Berlin, CT.
- Massachusetts: September 27th, from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Hadley Senior Community Center, 46 Middle Street, Hadley, MA.
Following the end of the public comment period on October 16th, 2006, National Park Service will review and summarize comments for the final report to Congress.
Study Background
The Metacomet Monadnock Mattabesett (MMM) Trail System consists of three largely contiguous trails: the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, the Metacomet Trail, and the Mattabesett Trail. The trails collectively cover 190 miles in a north-south direction, from the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border south towards Long Island Sound.
Responding to perceived threats to the long-term viability of the trail system, Congressman John Olver of Massachusetts and Congresswoman Nancy Johnson of Connecticut sponsored federal legislation to study the Metacomet Monadnock Mattabesett Trail System in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Two study goals were established that became Public Law 107-338 in December 2002:
Primary Goal - To determine the best way to ensure the long-term viability of a continuous public-use trail system from Long Island Sound through Connecticut to the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border.
Secondary Goal - To determine whether or not designation as a National Scenic Trail makes sense as a means of achieving the primary goals of trail system viability.
In addition, the study had four guiding principles:
1. Meaningful investigation of the trail system's long-term viability can only occur with involvement of a wide range of trail advocates, landowners, and other interested parties;
2. Emphasis will be on strengthening existing trail system partnerships and characteristics of use, maintenance, ownership, and voluntary stewardship;
3. Respect for private property rights is a fundamental component of a successful project;
4. Federal condemnation of land will not be considered as an option in establishing or protecting the trail system.
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