Yes, we are asking you to submit more comments! But these are probably some of the most important comments you will ever submit on the Fells since these can help influence and shape what is defined by the final RMP - your comments could be crucial to this! So please take a few minutes and send comments in to DCR!

Send comments to:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

or by mail to:

Fells RMP Comments, 136 Damon Road, Northampton, MA, 01060

 

Please also cc: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are comfortable sharing your comments with us!

DCR would really prefer if everyone used their own words to submit comments, so here are some general bullet points for you to copy use to draft your comments:

Trail Access

• We urge expansion of multi-use single track trails
  Single-use trails should be the exception, not the norm
• Fast-track access and re-designation of trails suggested by the RMP, including
  Reservoir trail (Goal 4.9)
• 3 Dark Hollow trails (Goal 4.10)
• Rock Circuit trail (Goal 4.11)
• Sensible re-routes of existing trail system to address trail issues and overlaps, following best practices as established by DCR's trail guidelines (Goal 4.14)
• Conversion of under-utilized forest roads into multi-use single track (Goal 4.18)
• All-persons trail connector from Flynn Rink (Goal 4.1)

 

Trail Restrictions

• DCR should lead discussions to relax and rationalize restrictions in place for roads and trails transecting local water authority property (Goal 1.2)
• Support closing or re-routing trails near vernal pools, enabling visitors to experience, but not disturb them (Goal 1.5)
• March winter closure must apply to all park visitors, and not unjustly single out mountain bikers (Goal 1.9)
• Pedestrian-only area in Virginia Wood and Long Pond should not set a precedent for future RMPs, as it is only to appease a small but vocal minority of trail users (Goal 4.8)
• Pedestrian-only area in Virginia Wood will require at least one multi-use transit corridor (Goal 4.8)

 

Stakeholder Cooperation

• Support increased enforcement of rules
• Support a formal Memorandum of Understanding and Stewardship agreement with DCR
• Unauthorized trail work enforced to same degree as unauthorized trail use, e.g. if a ranger or trooper writes a $50 ticket to a rider on a closed trail, unauthorized trail builders should get a $500 ticket.

 

Fairness and Equality

• Remove references to mountain bikers having distinct trail needs as opposed to hikers (Section 4.4)
• Remove undocumented speculation regarding mountain bike impacts on racer snakes and tiger beetles (Section 4.4)
• Apply March mud season closure policy to all park users, and apply only to single track trails

 

Goals With Full NEMBA Support

Goal 3
Goal 5
Goal 6

Again, send your comments to:

Send comments to:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

or by mail to:

Fells RMP Comments, 136 Damon Road, Northampton, MA, 01060