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More about Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network
Massachusetts forests in need of friends
Critical issues regarding forests and parklands in Massachusetts
Friends Network Issues of Concern
Illegal off-highway vehicle (OHV) use in Massachusetts' forests
Stewardship Council worries
Forests and parks in western and central Massachusetts in need of friends
Forestry concerns
Illegal off-highway vehicle (OHV) use in Massachusetts' forests
Friends Network OHV Initiative
Illegal off-highway vehicle (OHV) use in state forests is of primary concern to many friends groups across the state. Destruction to wildlife habitat, trail erosion, noise pollution, and dangerous encounters with other forest user groups caused by motorized vehicles is increasing. People who report illegal OHV riding are often frustrated by the lack of enforcement of state laws which are supposed to protect our natural resources and recreational areas. Friends Network has researched the problem, held meetings with various state and local officials, environmentalists and OHV riders to come up with suggestions for ending illegal OHV use.
Massachusetts allows OHV riding in six forests. At one time the state allowed OHV riding in nine forests but irresponsible riding caused their closure. Connecticut, by comparison, has only one state forest open to OHV's, now many riders from CT come to Massachusetts! With more OHV's sold every year, It is in the best interests of all for OHV riders to ride only on designated trails. Below are two examples of what happens when people ride off trail.To find out how to stay safe and legal in MA click here.
OHV crushed Red Belly Cooter-Photo Courtesy of Mass Audubon |
OHV Damage to Pine Barrens Earth |
The Friends Network has a developed a grassroots initiative to help stop illegal riding in Massachusetts' forests. We need your participation. To view the OHV Initiative click here.
Worry #1 Four empty chairs on the Stewardship Council - June 17, 2008 Letter to the Governor
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Stewardship Council was set up to provide oversight state forests and parks. A critical part of their charge is to hold monthly public meetings, forums for public input and discussion. Currently, the Stewardship Council has four unfilled seats. The Berkshire County seat, and three other positions for central and western regions are vacant, in violation of statutes mandating representation. This is a serious concern to friends groups because the Stewardship Council plays an important role in approval of land management plans proposed for central and western regions of the state—the regions most susceptible to timber harvesting. We have written a letter to the Governor to fill all open Stewardship Council positions according to mandate.
To view the Friends Network letter sent to the Governor click here. Please join us in asking the Governor to fill all the seats on the Stewardship Council. To contact the governor's office click here.
Worry #2 - Stewardship Council proposes quarterly meetings at June 26, 2008 meeting!
At the June 26, 2008 Stewardship Council meeting, discussion ensued leading to an offer by Commissioner Sullivan to a draft bill allowing the Council to meet quarterly—four meetings a year rather than twelve. The Stewardship Council is the only entity in state government which has a regularly scheduled public comment period. Reducing the frequency of meetings reduces the time for public comment by two-thirds. People who care about forests and parks need to insist on a strong Stewardship Council.
Please tell the Governor, click here, and Rick Sullivan, the Stewardship Council Chair, click here, that you do not want a reduction in the mandated monthly meetings of the Stewardship Council.
To view the laws governing the Stewardship Council click here.
To read an article by John Broderick describing the value of the Stewardship Council to Massachusetts forests and parks click here.
Volunteer!
Forests and parks in western and central Massachusetts in need of friends
The Forests and parks in the state’s western and central districts have too few friends. DCR’s web site shows 25 parks in western district but lists only 3 “friends” contacts. In the central district, 31 forests and parks are listed but only six have listings for friends groups. So far Friends Network has been unable to verify that all of the groups listed are currently active.
If you’ve ever thought of joining or starting a friends group we’re here to help! Please contact the Friends Network by clicking here.
DCR will help you start a friends group too. Conrad Crawford is the new Director of Partnerships at DCR. Conrad’s office is in Boston but he travels when needed across the state. You can find out more about DCR partnerships by calling Conrad (617) 626-4964 or email by clicking here.
To view Massachusetts' forests and parks in need of friends click here.