Highlights from the 2011 Massahcusetts Forest and Park Friends Network Conference

The Friends Network facilitators thank Lawrence Adams and Trish Settles of the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission for hosting the Friends Network meeting in their spacious and modern conference room in Union Station. Their support is much appreciated.

Conference Photos

Conference Minutes

Forest Futures Visioning Process Landscape Designation Draft Public Comments—Highlights and Common Themes
By Claudia Hurley

Claudia Hurley presented highlights from the recent public input submitted to DCR with respect to the draft Landscape Designations. Claudia reviewed the 606 pages of public comment and organized a summary with emphasis on issues that received the most attention. (Link to public comments)

Recreational Trails Program Handout (Bill Finn)

Wicked Local Plymouth
FRIEND OF THE YEAR: Local volunteers honored
Groups call for state parks 911 number
Cassandra Zampini

Conference Agenda

Registration 9:30 AM

Morning Session
10:00 AM Keynote Speaker
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Edward M. Lambert: Common Goals Strong Partnerships.

11:00 AM Volunteer Presentations
Friends/volunteer groups introduce their group to the Commissioner (5-10 min. each)

The following representatives of Friends Groups introduced themselves to Commissioner Lambert and made presentations with accompanying slide (*) or video (**) presentations relative to their missions, projects, and goals:

1. Dave Conley, Friends of Robinson State Park*
2. Sarah Freeman, Arborway Coalition
3. Becky Kalagher, Bay State Trail Riders Association (BSTRA)*
4. Salt Philla, Freetown Fall River State Forest
5. Mike Ryan, Friends Network Facilitator, Friends of Middlesex Fells Reservation
6. Anthony Marcecellus, Friends of Myles Standish State Forest*
7. Ellen Mass, Friends of Alewife Reservation**
8. Bob Leverett, Friends of Mohawk Trail State Forest
9. Bill Boles, Friends of Wompatuck State Forest, New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA)
10. Ellen Arnold, Friends Network Facilitator, Friends of Upton State Forest*
11. Bob Schwobe, Mt. Tom Advocacy Group*
12. David Harris, Friends of Scusset Beach Reservation*

11:45 Award Presentations (visit the Awards page for more information on the winners and runners up)
Friends Network 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award

The 2011 Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network Volunteer of the Year:
Paul Louiselle, Vice President, Friends of Scusset Beach

Runners-up :

Nan Finkenaur, Friends of Georgetown Rowley State Forest

Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva, President, Friends of Dighton Rock State Park & Museum

Friends Network 2011 DCR Friend of the Year Award

The 2011 Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) 'Friend' of the Year:
John DeCosta, DCR Park Supervisor of Scusset Beach
(Letter from John DeCosta to the Friends Network)

Runners-up:

Alec Gillman, Mt Greylock State Reservation, DCR CCC Program Committee Coordinator

Tim Rayworth, Northeast Region, Member DCR CCC Program Committee

Timothy Zelazo, District Manager, North Berkshire District

The DCR Civilian Conservation Corps Program Committee

Lunch  12:00 - 12:30 PM

Afternoon Session
12:30 PM Robert T. Leverett, Eastern Native Tree Society Co-founder and Executive Director, Friends of Mohawk Trail State Forest Co-founder and President, old-growth forest researcher: Improving the Quality of our State Parks on a Shoestring Budget

1:00 PM Group Discussion Following Mr. Leverett's Talk: How Volunteers Can Help Massachusetts State Forests, Parks and Trails Survive the Budget Crunch. No matter where you volunteer in the State, your input is important!

1:30 PM Conrad Crawford, DCR Director of Partnerships, Volunteer Update

1:45 PM Sharon Jordan, Friends Network Representative to the Massachusetts Off-Highway Vehicle Committee.