U.S. Representative John Olver and Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy applauded for their leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2009
At a ceremony today, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the National Park Service (NPS), is recognizing members of the Massachusetts (MA) Congressional delegation for their leadership in securing federal designation of the New England National Scenic Trail (NENST). Legislation to designate the NENST was introduced by U.S. Representative John Olver (D-MA) and championed by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA). Bill co-sponsor Representative Richard Neal (D-MA) and the Connecticut (CT) Congressional Delegation also provided their strong support.
Congressman Olver is joining the AMC, DCR, and
NPS at DCR’s Skinner State Park Summit House in unveiling a sign to officially commemorate National Scenic Trail designation, which authorizes technical and financial assistance to ensure the long-term maintenance and protection of the NENST. The Trail travels through a classic New England landscape, capturing the region’s distinctive scenery, natural resources, and historic features while providing accessible outdoor recreation for the nearly two million people who live within 10 miles of it. In MA, the Trail runs south to north through the Pioneer Valley and includes the Mt. Tom and Mt. Holyoke ranges and summit of Mt. Grace.
“I am pleased to have played a role in protecting the long-term viability of this trail for future generations,” said Congressman John Olver. “The Trail is distinctive because it highlights the breathtaking scenery of our area while passing through some of the most densely populated parts of the country. I have hiked all over the world, but I love this trail because it lets me see, hear and experience the natural beauty of the place where I live.”
The NENST is one of the first National Scenic Trails designated in 26 years and only the second in New England. The 2009 Omnibus Public Lands Act signed into law on March 30 designated much of the Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett (MMM) Trail system in MA and CT as the NENST. The Trail will be approximately 220 miles long and will include an extension to Long Island Sound in CT and a deviation from a portion of the historic MMM route in MA to make use of state-owned land.
The ceremony also is recognizing the significant contributions of local partners throughout the NENST designation process, especially the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) and Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG), as well as the numerous land trusts instrumental in protecting the MMM Trail System. Designation of the NENST is based on recommendations from the NPS feasibility study, which was conducted in partnership with the PVPC and FRCOG. The AMC is principal steward of the MMM Trail System in MA and cooperates closely with DCR on trail maintenance projects throughout the state.
“The New England Trail is a fitting and exciting addition to the National Scenic Trails,” said Richard Harris, National Park Service Associate Regional Director. “It is an exceptional resource worthy of the designation, and, of equal significance, the depth of the local-state-federal partnerships upon which it is based is unique and sets an important precedent for the region and the nation.”
Working with a University of Massachusetts professor, the AMC Berkshire Chapter in the 1950s laid out and built the 89-mile historic Metacomet-Monadnock (M-M) Trail, which comprises the MA portion of the MMM Trail System. Volunteers continue to maintain and manage this stretch of trail passing through 19 communities from Agawam to Royalston, MA. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is responsible for the Metacomet and Mattabesett Trails that run approximately 100 miles through 20 communities in CT.
“The strong advocacy for designation of the New England National Scenic Trail by Representative Olver and Senators Kerry and Kennedy ensures the protection of this unique regional trail that AMC has maintained for more than a half century,” said Andrew Falender, Appalachian Mountain Club Executive Director. “Designation allows AMC and its partners on the Trail Stewardship Council to preserve this trail for future generations.”
As part of a Trail Stewardship Council, the AMC and CFPA will collaborate with DCR, municipalities, landowners, regional planning agencies, and nonprofit land conservation organizations in managing the NENST and coordinating use of any federal funds. The Council will oversee implementation of a Trail Management Blueprint, developed as part of the feasibility study, which provides guidelines for managing and administering the Trail. It has strong provisions for upholding individual landowner rights and ensuring representation on the Stewardship Council, including a process for effective communication with landowners. No land acquisition to protect the Trail will occur without the consent of the landowner.
“The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is one of the signature long-distance trails in Massachusetts,” said Richard K. Sullivan Jr., Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner. “These trails form the spine of our greenway and trail network, connecting our state parks and forests with neighboring communities and the region. DCR owns about 26 miles of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and has conservation restrictions on another three miles. We applaud and appreciate the leadership of Congressman John Olver and Massachusetts Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy in securing the New England Scenic Trail designation.”
The NPS will provide support and assistance to the Stewardship Council for a local approach to trail management and protection, but not own or manage any lands as a result of the NENST designation.
A complete description of the current Metcomet-Monadnock Trail in Massachusetts can be found in AMC’s Massachusetts Trail Guide, 9th Edition. For additional information about the NENST, including a fact sheet and the proposed route map, visit www.newenglandnst.org.
About Appalachian Mountain Club:
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America’s oldest conservation and recreation organization. With more than 100,000 members, advocates, and supporters in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and stewardship of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC supports natural resource conservation while encouraging responsible recreation, based on the philosophy that successful, long-term conservation depends upon first-hand enjoyment of the natural environment. To learn more about AMC’s trail stewardship program, visit www.outdoors.org/trails.
About Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation:
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, and dams, in addition to 278 bridges and miles of roadways. Led by Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, its facilities, and its programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact DCR at mass.parks@state.ma.us.
About National Park Service:
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
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