Set within an urban area just north of Boston, the Middlesex Fells Reservation's size and natural diversity have made it a sanctuary and refuge for both humans and nature for over a century.  The unusual geology of the "Fells" attracts people to its many rocky outcrops and steep slopes, open water, and woodlands. The geology and topography of the area support diverse plant communities and many habitat types, making it home to a surprising array of wildlife and plants.

The AMC was an active proponent of establishing the Middlesex Fells Reservation, just north of Boston, in 1894 as one of the first five parks that created the Boston Parks System. Today, many people enjoy hiking, skiing, biking, observing nature, and other activities along the many trails within the Reservations 2,575 acres. AMC’s Boston Chapter also has maintained trails at the Fells for many years. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages the Fells and is responsible for protecting the resources that make it so attractive while providing recreational opportunities for the many urban neighbors and visitors.

In September 2011, DCR released the draft Resource Management Plan for the Fells for public review.  Comments are due on November 14, 2011.  The Resource Management Plan includes the draft Trail System Plan that was completed in 2010, and comments on all portions are important now. Below are links to the draft plan and AMC's comments from 2010 on the draft Trail System Plan component.

• 2011 draft Resource Management Plan (including the draft trails plan)
  
• AMC 2011 Comments on the draft Fells Trail System Plan

The Plan seeks to balance often competing uses in the Fells.  Key recommendations of the report focus on modifications to the trail system to make it more understandable and reduce impacts on natural resources.  The plan also acknowledges the need for improved enforcement and makes specific recommendations for protecting water resources, cultural resources, and rare and endangered species habitat.

The main recommendations of the Middlesex Fells Resource Management Plan include:

• Enforce prohibition of off-trail recreation
• Designate Virginia Wood and the Long Pond Trail area as pedestrian-only areas
• Allow mountain bikers on the entire Reservoir Loop as well as walkers and consider opening more mountain bike use to single-track trails in the Eastern Fells
• Designate 1 to 3 official mountain bike trails in the Dark Hollow area
• Enforce no biking rules in pedestrian-only trails and areas
• Maintain the pedestrian-only status of the Skyline Trail
• Reduce overlaps and intersections of certain main loop trails through trail re-routes and re-designation.  These may include Skyline, Reservoir and the Mountain Bike loop
• Increase DCR Ranger presence at trailheads and on trails
• Designate and manage a pilot off-leash area at the Sheepfold in collaboration with dog-owner groups
• Establish a Park Watch program for the Fells to involve citizens more directly in the care of the Fells

However, many of the important recommendations in the plan could not be implemented in the near future due to DCR's severe budget constraints.  AMC will recommend that DCR refocus available funds to the most critical problems and will continue to advocate for adequate state park funding, which will take the active support of everyone who enjoys the Fells or other DCR forests and parks.

The Middlesex Fells Resource Management Plan (RMP) is one of about 80 RMPs that the DCR expects to complete for its properties statewide in the coming years. More information about the planning process can be found here.

For more information contact: Mike Gildesgame, Southern New England Policy Manager. 617-391-6586.