by Barb Bryant
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation invites public comment as it updates its plans for managing the Middlesex Fells. While it appears that NEOC and CSU will continue to be able to obtain permits for orienteering meets, the strong anti-off-trail-use language in the draft plan may hamper orienteers' ability to train informally.
Below is the letter that I wrote to the DCR in response to their request for public input; you have until March 30th 2011 to submit your own comments.
The DCR's draft management principles and goals are here: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/materials/rmp/midfellsmpg2011-2-9.pdf.
Emails or written comments should be sent to the process facilitators from the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration (MOPC) at:
or to:
Middlesex Fells RMP Comments
c/o MA Office of Public Collaboration
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd., M-1-627
Boston, MA 02125
Comments are posted periodically at www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/rmppast.htm.
Here is my letter:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the trails plan!
I have been bringing students from Melrose and Cambridge in grades 1 though 8 to the Middlesex Fells for the past 8 years, to orienteer (map navigation), to learn about geology, and to clean up the woods. I started working with kids as a parent volunteer in my children's school, and it grew to include additional students through my involvement with the New England Orienteering Club, and by word of mouth from teachers I'd worked with. I'd guess that somewhat over 300 kids have experienced the Fells through trips I've been involved with.
I'm writing to encourage you to consider these children as important users of the Fells, along with the conservationists, the nature lovers, the bikers, the dog-walkers, and the rest. A lot of these kids had grown up in an urban environment and had never been to the woods! They came away from their experiences with an appreciation for the beauty of the woods, a feeling having made a difference when they pick up the garbage, and the skill of reading and using a map.
I'd like to ask you to include orienteering as an important use of the Fells, and to thank you for making it possible all these years through your work with the local orienteering clubs and our schools.
Barbara Bryant
P.S., I'm attaching a few photos of these beautiful kids in the Fells!
