FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2009
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) praised this week's Congressional passage of the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009, which includes designation of the New England National Scenic Trail (NENST). President Obama is expected to sign this legislation into law, making the NENST one of the first National Scenic Trails designated in 26 years, and only the second in New England. National Scenic Trail designation authorizes technical and financial assistance to ensure the Trail’s long-term maintenance and protection. The Trail’s route travels through Massachusetts and Connecticut and is largely part of the existing Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett (MMM) Trail System. AMC is the principal steward of the MMM Trail System in Massachusetts.
Amid great efforts by the Congressional Delegations in Massachusetts and Connecticut, designation of the NENST was championed by U.S. Representatives John Olver (D-MA) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA).
“Less than half of the MMM Trail System in Massachusetts is permanently protected for public use, putting at risk one of New England’s long-time outdoor recreational treasures,” said Heather Clish, AMC’s Deputy Director of Conservation. “National Scenic Trail designation is the result of more than five years of collective efforts, with Representative Olver at the helm. We applaud the Representative’s leadership and persistence in working tirelessly to secure this designation, which includes the opportunity for funding and technical assistance to protect and manage the Trail.”
Designation of the NENST is based on recommendations from the National Park Service (NPS) feasibility study, conducted in partnership with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. The feasibility study gathered input from trail users, landowners, and community members.
Volunteers from the AMC’s Berkshire Chapter originally built the 89-mile Metacomet-Monadnock (M-M) Trail, comprising the Massachusetts portion of the MMM Trail System, and today continue to maintain and manage this stretch of trail passing through 19 communities from Agawam to Royalston, Massachusetts. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) is responsible for the Metacomet and Mattabesett Trails that run approximately 100 miles through 20 communities in Connecticut. The NENST in its entirety will be about 220 miles in length and, as proposed by the NPS Preferred Management Alternative, include a significant deviation from the existing route in Massachusetts to make use of state-owned land. The NENST will also include an extension in Connecticut to Long Island Sound. The bill encourages the NPS to work with the State of New Hampshire to extend the NENST to include the portion of the MMM Trail System in that state.
“AMC volunteers have been maintaining the M-M Trail for more than a half century, and recognizing it as part of the NENST aptly captures the distinctive scenery, natural resources, and historic characteristics of the regional landscape it crosses,” said Pat Fletcher, Chair of the AMC Berkshire Chapter Trails Committee. “National Scenic Trail designation is critical for the long-term viability of the entire MMM Trail System—for the enjoyment of the millions of residents living within a few miles of this backyard gem and for visitors hiking the trail for the first time.”
The AMC and CFPA will collaborate with local partners and communities in managing the Trail and coordinating use of any federal funds as part of a newly formed Trail Stewardship Council. 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. The NPS will provide support and assistance for a local approach to trail management and protection, but not own or manage any lands as a result of the NENST designation. No land acquisition to protect the Trail will occur without the consent of the landowner.
A NPS PDF map of the proposed New England National Scenic Trail route and Question and Answer resource highlighting additional details of the designation is available on AMC’s website at: www.outdoors.org/about/newsroom/press/index.cfm.
To learn more about AMC’s trail stewardship program, visit www.outdoors.org/trails.
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the nation. With 90,000 members in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers 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.
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