MA DCR first day hikes - Jan 1, 2025

MA DCR first day hikes - Jan 1, 2025

 

"Join us for our brand new First Day Hike in the metro Boston area at Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester this New Years Day!  

Or check the link for details on one of more than a dozen First Day Hikes happening near you this January 1st!"

The listing of First Day Hikes ->  https://bit.ly/DCRFDH

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/first-day-hikes-2025-statewide-flyer/download

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassDCR/status/1871171504227979395

Final Days - DCR is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT

Comments must be submitted by October 31

View this email in your browser October 31 Deadline - DCR is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has prepared draft Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for several locations inside the Blackstone Complex.   The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) is one of the properties targeted for improvements. Copies of the plan for the SNETT are available on the Blackstone RMPs web page. A meeting was conducted on October 8 where DCR presented an initial draft of the RMPs for the Blackstone Complex.  A recording of the meeting and the slideshow from the meeting are available online.  DCR encourages the public to share additional feedback, with a deadline for receipt of comments by DCR of October 31st, 2024. Comments may be submitted via the DCR public comment portal.  Please be sure to select "Blackstone RMPs" from the "Topic Selection" drop down so that your comments are included with the correct project.  Please note that the content of comments you submit to DCR, along with your name, town, and zip code, will be posted on DCR's website. Additional contact information required when commenting, notably email address, will only be used for outreach on future updates on the subject project or property. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2024 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

DCR is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT

Comments must be submitted by October 31

View this email in your browser Department of Conservation & Recreation is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has prepared draft Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for several locations inside the Blackstone Complex.   The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) is one of the properties targeted for improvements. Copies of the plan for the SNETT are available on the Blackstone RMPs web page. A meeting was conducted on October 8 where DCR presented an initial draft of the RMPs for the Blackstone Complex.  A recording of the meeting and the slideshow from the meeting are available online.  DCR encourages the public to share additional feedback, with a deadline for receipt of comments by DCR of October 31st, 2024. Comments may be submitted via the DCR public comment portal.  Please be sure to select "Blackstone RMPs" from the "Topic Selection" drop down so that your comments are included with the correct project.  Please note that the content of comments you submit to DCR, along with your name, town, and zip code, will be posted on DCR's website. Additional contact information required when commenting, notably email address, will only be used for outreach on future updates on the subject project or property. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2024 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

The resource management plan can be found directly -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/snet-rmp-september-2024/download

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Historical Museum Saturday: Rod & Gun Club Display opens & Archaeology at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest

Saturday, October 5 – Historical Museum Display begins honoring the 90th anniversary of Franklin Rod & Gun Club

Local historian, Betsey Whitney (the Second Sunday Speaker for October), worked with the R&G Club to assemble exhibits of photos and memorabilia relating to the history of this organization which has included so many residents over the years and has also supported local scouting groups and other causes. 

Also included will be an ongoing showing of vintage R&G films recently rediscovered and digitized. Display will continue through October 27.

Saturday, October 5 –  Celebrate Archaeology at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest with Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

Last year, for Archaeology Month, DCR came to Franklin and led an exploration of the former CCC Camp in Franklin State Forest. This year, we are encouraging those interested in something similar to join DCR in Foxborough! 

• Where: F. Gilbert Hills State Forest Headquarters, Mill Street, Foxborough

• When: Saturday October 5, 2024, 10 AM - 1 PM; Inclement weather will cancel this event

• What: Learn about Archaeology and the history of F.G. Hills. See DCR’s archaeological collection from F. Gilbert Hills and participate in hands-on archaeology activities

• Who: Everyone is welcome. The event is free. 

Anyone from Franklin interested in carpooling, contact alan.r.earls@gmail.com

 

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. It is wheel chair accessible and always FREE.  

Historical Museum Saturday:  Rod & Gun Club Display opens & Archaeology at F. Gilbert Hills State Forest

SNETT trail adds steps to/from Prospect St

"There is something new on the rail trail this fall! 

At the west end of the Prospect Street tunnel in Franklin, a Student Conservation Association crew has started to install box steps where visitors have been accessing the SNETT from Prospect St. 

These are being installed as part of their training. Once the training is completed, a crew will spend several weeks finishing the steps. 

Thank you to the MA DCR team!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DAd6A_Rvv4j/

SNETT trail adds steps to/from Prospect St

DCR's Universal Adaptive Program brings Adaptive Cycling to Worcester and Blackstone

Start your Labor Day Weekend with a BANG by signing up for Fall UAP Adaptive Cycling in Worcester and Blackstone!  

These programs, run by our partner  All Out Adventures, offer an array of cycles that can accommodate riders of all abilities from stable, comfortable recumbent trikes, to handcycles, to tandem recumbent trikes, to wheelchair tandems. Instruction, equipment, and assistance (as needed) are provided.

Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot during the program.  You must register by 3 PM the day before the program. 

Adaptive Cycling

These programs are open to people with disabilities and their families and friends.  Seniors are invited to register as well! 

WHERE:  Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center, 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester

WHEN: Wednesday, September 11, 11 AM - 3 PM

WHERE: Blackstone River Valley Greenway, 85 Canal St., Blackstone

WHEN: Wednesday, September 25, 11 AM - 3 PM

COST: $5-$20. Sliding scale per session.

QUESTIONS & TO REGISTER: Call All Out Adventures at (413) 584-2052 or email Programs@alloutadventures.org 

Sign up and let the good times rollllll

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/groups/616401235386068/posts/2207920439567465/

More about DCR's Universal Access Program -> https://www.mass.gov/orgs/universal-access-program

Mass Parks For All: DCR Stewardship Council Stakeholders Committee @ Monday, Aug 12, 2024 6:30 PM (ET)

Register for Monday's Committee meeting, and thank your elected officials for supporting our state parks

Mass Parks For All August 2024 Dear Parks Supporter,   We have two opportunities for you to support state parks!   The first is on Monday, August 12, when the Department of Conservation and Recreation Stewardship Council's Stakeholders Committee will hold its second listening session for park users, park friends groups and other stakeholders via Zoom from 6:30-8 p.m. ET.   Established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2003, the Stewardship Council is an independent body consisting of 13 members appointed by the Governor that assists and oversees DCR. The Council meets monthly to discuss issues pertaining to state parks, to hear presentations from DCR staff and outside partner organizations, and to receive public comments.   Monday's session will focus on what participants see as the greatest improvement at DCR, and what they see as the greatest operational need at DCR. The Council will use this feedback to inform its policy and other decisions as it seeks to help guide DCR as the agency rebuilds our parks.   You should register ahead of time here, and if you wish to speak during the session, please contact Matthew Perry at matthew.s.perry1@mass.gov. Matthew will organize and call upon speakers during the meeting. Please note that the meeting will be recorded.   You can view the first Stakeholders Committee listening session, held on February 26, 2024, on YouTube here.   The second opportunity is available now: click here to send a thank you message to your state legislators!   Mass Parks for All (MPA) recently reported on the FY2025 budget signed into law by the Healey-Driscoll Administration on July 29. The budget gives DCR a combined $8.4 million increase for day-to-day operations and seasonal employees, who staff DCR facilities during peak use periods. MPA feels this budget, especially in light of ongoing fluctuations in state tax revenues, will allow the agency to continue the progress it made during the last two budget cycles.   Together, we sought substantial budget increases for DCR for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and the Legislature and the Administration, recognizing our parks are essential, delivered. Over that two-year period, DCR's operations budget has increased by 29 percent, to $110.00 million, while the seasonal employee account went up by 18 percent, to $28.5 million. During the same period, the overall state budget increased by 9.7 percent, to $57.8 billion.   Please join us in thanking your elected state officials for recognizing the value DCR brings to our lives and for having the agency's back, even during fiscally unstable times.   Yours in conservation,   Doug Pizzi Executive Director Mass Parks for All (MPA) is a statewide non-partisan, non-profit 501(C)(3) organization with a 21st-century vision for protecting, renewing, expanding, and connecting our public lands. This newsletter is supported by the community that funds this work. Donate to support our work → Our mailing address is: Mass Parks For All P.O. Box 300343 Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 United States

DCR Recreational Advisory: Southern New England Trunkline Trail - May 22

DCR Recreational Advisory: Southern New England Trunkline Trail

WHAT:

On Monday, May 22, 2023, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will conduct landscaping work along the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) bike path from Prospect Street to Grove Street in the Town of Franklin from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM to accommodate landscaping work. The path will remain open, users should be cautious around equipment and work areas.

WHERE:

Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) bike path from Prospect Street to Grove Street in the Town of Franklin

WHEN: Monday., May 22, 2023 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Shared from -> https://t.co/ay3l0tFAdL

DCR Recreational Advisory: Southern New England Trunkline Trail - May 22

No rain in the forecast for this Earth Day Celebration at DelCarte - Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

We only have one Earth! Let's take good care of it! Franklin Residents are encouraged to join us for our Earth Day at DelCarte event on May 7th, 2023! Come join the Franklin Conservation Commission, Department of Public Works, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Agricultural Commission, and others to celebrate our shared Earth from 9am to 1pm at the DelCarte Conservation Area at 459 Pleasant Street. This is a great event for children and families!

Celebrate with us by signing up for compost bins, learning about stormwater and rain gardens, enjoying a woods walk, exploring vernal pools, and more!

Overflow parking is available at 337 Pleasant Street and other side streets. Service Hours validated upon request and stewardship. See you there!

This event had been scheduled for April 23 but got rained out.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/events/427281

No rain in the forecast for this Earth Day Celebration at DelCarte - Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM