Over the last year I’ve discovered the beauty of our state forest from cycling along the trails that weave through the ever-changing scenery.
Over the last year I’ve discovered the beauty of our state forest from cycling along the trails that weave through the ever-changing scenery. In these strange times that challenge our physical and mental well-being, I am so grateful for the calmness and uplifting serenity of this lovely environment. But now, with many of these trails being closed down by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, it is deeply saddening that such recreational activity will be considerably reduced for all. Instead of opening up the forest to responsible enjoyment, the DCR’s action lessens the ability for the public to engage with, and treasure, this special countryside.
The impact of the targeted unapproved trails is minimal: 25 miles of an eight-foot-wide trail is less than half a per cent of the forest’s total area, and a fraction of the footprint of the fire roads, essential as they are. From reading the coverage in the papers, the decision seems rash and rushed — if recent mistakes were made in the permitting process, why not rectify them with a measured and strategic approach that fosters increased public appreciation of the forest and its ecology? I respectfully ask the Department of Conservation and Recreation to permit and restore the affected bike trails in line with their mission to “promote and enhance our common wealth recreational resources for the well-being of all.”
David Rhoderick
West Tisbury
Comments
David, I agree with you that
Convert Demers EdgartownDavid, I agree with you that some of the new trails ought to be reviewed for proper ex post facto permitting, within reason. But, they are hardly eight foot wide trails. Most are 1-2 feet of varying width. They have been so popular and that is why the endangered species folks are concerned. Human impact like this can be a huge problem. The use of the new trails created a rut from the bikes largely, many of which I have noticed are electric type of mopeds, which really tear up the ground. If the majority of the concerns are for endangered moth habitat, there are ways to design trails without adverse consequences. Even the YMCA had to create a special continuous pathway of wooded area and scrub oak to allow for the moths to traverse, and that was readily permitted by the Natural Heritage folks. If someone were to have simply gone to Natural Heritage with a permitting plan for use of some of these offshoot trails, maybe thatwould have been approved. But, given the fever of those who are strict naysayers, I'm unsure if the political climate would allow Mass Heritage to even entertain such ideas after the fact. It's too bad the ever changing guard at the Correllus State Forest and in our Environmental Police local rep were lax in making sure permitting had been sought.
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