It's hard to believe but I can now actually write about what we are going to be *doing* in the Fells.

Since the Fells RMP was approved last month, responsibility has shifted over to DCR's Operations staff for implementation. On Friday, February 9th, 2012, we had a very good meeting to get the ball rolling on the changes that the RMP enables.

Let's review the major items made possible by the passing of the RMP that directly affect MTB in the Fells:
1. Orange Trail becomes re-designated as multi-use
2. Dark Hollow Pond trail system redesigned with 1 to 3 possible trails and becomes multi-use
3. Exploring designating singletrack trails on the East side, including sections of the Rock Circuit Trail as multi-use trails
4. Separate overlaps between Orange/White/MTB Loop which will increase singletrack and help decrease user conflict.
5. Included in the RMP, but enacted in January 2011, Winter Closure is the month of March (unless conditions dictate otherwise).

One of the big questions has been, "When will the trail-use changes take effect now that we have an RMP?" At the meeting on this past Friday, we were able to get some answers to the start of these changes.

As an intro to the answer to this, we had proposed to DCR that our annual Fells Kickoff event become part of the Mountain Bike Adventure Series which would enable it to raise money for the Fells to help with trail improvement projects. DCR has approved this which is awesome. The Fells MBAS is now scheduled for 5/6/2012 - which is the date that the Orange Trail will become designated for multi-use as "phase 1" of the trail-use changes!

To get there however, we have some work to do. DCR has identified four Priority Projects to fix some immediate problems on the Orange Trail that were identified when we did a complete survey walk of the Orange Trail with them back in December. These range from a re-route, some armoring and quick fixes of deficient boardwalking. These issues were identified as areas that are not good for all trail users and will provide immediate safety and sustainability improvements for everyone. Some of this will also start seprating some of the overlaps Orange has with Skyline (white) Trail. DCR will also be getting enhanced signed deployed to help identify what is legal for riding.

The lack of real snow helps us out here since we can get started very quickly on banging these projects out so that the 5/6/12 date can be met. Stay tuned for trail work dates in the near future!

On top this, GB NEMBA is forming a Mounted Trail Crew (MTC) this year, as an enhancement to our trail work resources. The MTC will be a small team of experienced trail builders equipped with a BOB trailer and a small cache of trail tools that will be able to quickly get out onto the trails and be able to cover a lot of ground performing trail maintenance as they go. DCR has requested proposals from us to cover the North half of the Orange Trail and the existing MTB loop. The Fells trails need active maintenance and we are pleased that we can start providing it!

Other trail use changes: we had an initial discussion about identifying some loops on the East side of the Fells that could be implemented easily. The initial priority is going to be the focus on getting Orange ready to go, but this could follow on not long after. We did not discuss or review Dark Hollow Pond at this meeting - that will be a larger planning process and we wil get there.

As part of all the changes, DCR is asking all trail users to start observing the rules and practicing good trail etiquette. This comes under the RMP goal of better enforcement of the rules at the Fells. We ask the riding community to take this to heart and make extra effort to obey the rules at the Fells which is going to require some personal sacrifices - we're going to be under the magnifying glass, folks and everyone needs to pitch in and show that the riding community supports these changes.

DCR will be starting to do "enhanced enforcement" soon. This will amount to an increased presence on the trails to help educate all trail users on the rules and may include increased use of ticketing to help compliance.

This means:
1. Ride on legal trails only. We will be releasing a more detailed summary of what these are to make sure everyone has good data on this.
2. Good trail etiquette. We yield to all trail users. Take a moment and make it a positive interaction whether it's another biker or a hiker. Keep things positive! Remember, though not common in the Fells, equestrians can be found there and all users must yield to people on horseback (best policy is to stop - whether you are overtaking or coming at them - make sure the rider knows you are there and ask them what they want you to do. They will tell you whether you should stay put or to come on by)
3. Report problems. If you find a problem or have a bad interaction, DCR wants to know. If it is an emergency, call 911. If it's a user conflict, disengage - don't escalate it. Call DCR's emergency line: 617-722-1188. It's staffed 24/7.

This is the start of good things. We need to remember that we are part of a larger trail community and do our part to make things work. Things will only get better!