MAINE WOODS INITIATIVE
Next Steps On June 2, Maine’s Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) directed its staff to finalize the Plum Creek concept plan for the Moosehead Lake Region based on feedback from the commission and intervening parties, including AMC. Should LURC make a final vote on the plan at its September meeting, AMC would have 45 days to purchase the 29,000-acre Roach Pond Tract. While AMC continued to express concern over the extent of development on Lily Bay and Indian Pond, it felt that the outstanding conservation and recreation opportunities assured by the plan were significant enough to outweigh those concerns.
CONSERVATION
Suggestions Welcome The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has initiated a public process to develop a renewed vision for stewardship and management of Massachusetts’ forests. The department is also developing recommendations to ensure that DCR policies and practices reflect public values. AMC Deputy Director of Conservation Heather Clish has been appointed to a technical steering committee, which began meeting in May. A stakeholder advisory group has also been formed to provide input from a wide range of organizations and individuals. Receive updates on this topic by joining AMC’s Conservation Action Network or visiting the DCR’s website.
TRAILS
Fun in the Sun Interest in the Berkshire Teen Trail Crew is increasing. AMC is running 25 percent more programs this summer, and the “crew weeks” this year already have waiting lists. Also, more than 10 percent of the participants are returning.
EDUCATION
Watch and Learn AMC’s Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) conducted three successful Outdoor Leadership Trainings in May and trained more than 30 new youth workers. Participating organizations include the Roxbury Boys & Girls Club, Urban Youth Leadership Corps, Castle Square Tenants Organization, United Teen Equality Center, Oak Square YMCA, and several New York organizations. YOP expects these participants will serve more than 500 youth in a year.
AMC DESTINATIONS
Tip-Top Shape Recent renovations at AMC destinations include updates to the North Cottage at the Noble View Outdoor Center, expansion of the manager's cabin at Three Mile Island, the opening and dedication of a new conservation and education center at Fire Island Cabin, the replacement of Notchview Cabin at Cold River Camp, and safety upgrades to Knubble Bay Camp.
School's in Session AMC's search-and-rescue team of staff and volunteers took part in a joint training at Cannon Mountain in early May. Topics included person tracking, low angle rope rescues, and search techniques. The training provided good reminders as groups and agencies prepare for the upcoming summer season. Avoid becoming one of the statistics this year by attending one of AMC’s outdoor skills programs.
CHAPTERS
The chapter committee retreat took place in May at Cardigan Lodge in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. The group discussed practical strategies for building and sustaining vibrant chapters, including programs for getting children outside and embracing electronic communication. Great ideas, recreation, and food made the weekend a success.
The Berkshire and Worcester chapters conducted a joint Intro to Three Season Hiking program, with presentations in Northborough and Hadley, Mass., and subsequent hikes planned through the fall. They also presented a daylong introduction to backpacking seminar in Ludlow, Mass., and conducted their first backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail in Pittsfield, Mass.
Ten young member committee chairs and leaders representing five chapters (Berkshire, Boston, Maine, New Hampshire, and Worcester) organized the first young member summit at Camp Hi-Rock in Mount Washington, Mass., on April 24-26. Meeting topics included activity leadership, AMC appeal for existing and new young members, future partnerships, and interchapter trips. The young member committees plan to hold a second summit next April.
