Saturday, October 22, 2016

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Matthew Beaton Visiting Franklin’s SNETT Trail - Oct 26

On Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Matthew Beaton, will be participating in a trail ride of Franklin's SNETT trail. The goal is to expand awareness of trail conditions and potential future economic development opportunities relative to trail expansion between the Town of Bellingham and The Town of Franklin's recently rejuvenated, historical downtown.

Secretary Beaton will be joined by State Legislator's, Local officials, community leaders and interested resident's — all are welcome to participate.

"I look forward to riding with Representative Roy and other members of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) community to witness, first hand, the beauty of this 22-mile Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) trail," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. "Our ride will raise awareness regarding this regional asset and provide an opportunity to learn from trail stakeholders."

"The Southern New England Trunkline Trail or SNETT runs from Franklin all the way to Douglas virtually unobstructed, except for a large wall right here in Franklin," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) "The Town of Franklin, the Friends of the SNETT, and the Franklin Legislative Delegation have been working together for a number of years to ensure access to Franklin's portion of the trail. This ride will be a great opportunity to illuminate both the trail's shortcomings and unrealized potential to the Commonwealth."

"Well maintained, accessible recreational trails and open space have a significant impact on quality of life in Franklin and across the state," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Improving and expanding access to the SNETT will allow more people to enjoy the beautiful natural resources our region has to offer, be active and connect with the community and local businesses."

"The SNETT Trail of Franklin is an important part of the town's character," said Senator Ross (R-Wrentham). "To continue to develop this stretch of land means we are creating new opportunities and access for residents looking to enjoy the natural beauty of their home town."

There has been a dedicated movement by local groups, such as the Friends of the SNETT, as well as by the Franklin and Bellingham Legislative Delegation to fund path improvements, path expansion and fix a large obstruction at the intersection of the trail and Prospect street.

The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) runs approximately 22 miles from the Franklin State Forest on the east, to the Douglas State Forest on the west. It passes through the towns of Douglas, Uxbridge, Millville, Blackstone, Bellingham, and Franklin, and is one of the longest trails in southern Massachusetts.




SNETT_GroveStSign
SNETT trail header at parking lot on Grove St


Additional photos of the SNETT taken in Sep 2013 can be found here

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