Adams Waits on State for Greylock Glen Trail Go-ahead
 DCR's notice of intent to build 26 miles of trails at the Greylock Glen was continued to Dec. 19. |
ADAMS, Mass. — The Conservation Commission on Thursday granted the state Department of Conservation and Recreation a two-week continuance for its Notice of Intent for permission to construct a series of new trails and to install snowblowing apparatus at the Greylock Glen.
The continuance was requested in order for state representatives to digest a project report compiled by an independent consultant, according commission Chairman Jason Krzanowski.
The commission expects notification to come during its next meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, and for representatives of DCR to be in attendance.
The state and the town, acting as developer for the glen, have planned some 26 miles of trails, part of a development including a campground, amphitheater and conference center.
William Lattrell, an ecologist and wetlands scientist with more than 30 years of experience, submitted a 17-page report on time to the state, documenting a number of concerns and observations he recommends need clarification, and in some cases remediation, in order for the project to work efficiently.
A number of wetlands listed as being affected by the project are not properly flagged or delineated, according to Lattrell, who said he was contacted by a representative of DCR who showed concern with this portion of his report.
"It's very, very important that we get these resource areas correctly done and verified, prior to approving the work," Lattrell said. "I will say that the application itself, many parts of it, were really excellent. I'm not here to say that the was, in any way, deficient."
Lattrell said flagging was the best way the town can be proactive in completing this project. Other issues Lattrell raised included the height of some boardwalks to allow for proper sunlight; proper signage and wayfinding; and monitoring vegetation in wetlands over time.
Though none of the issues he reported are uncommon to a project of this magnitude, he said it is difficult to expect its completion in one, short period of time.
“It would be very smart to phase this project, instead of trying to do one application and get everything done in one, three-year period. Phase it so it was done over a longer period of time,” Lattrell said.
Of the dozen or so members of the public who attended the meeting, about half voiced comments and criticism on the project, including members of local snowmobile and ski clubs.
Tom Satko of the Adams Sno Drifters said the parking infrastructure currently plotted on the project's layout will not adequately allow snowmobilers to park their vehicles — including trailers — on the mountain and have access to the riding trails. According to committee member Corey Bishop, the snowmobile trails being created can garner over a dozen vehicles on a good night.
Satko also inquired about accessing the same trails with grooming equipment, including the size of gating and projected weight limits on new bridges. Whereas class one trails — the largest form of trails, made for all type of travelers — will be professionally groomed, the committee suggested that the local snowmobile club and town strike an agreement for the upkeep of other portions of trail.
The town expects to incur responsibility to maintain the trails, after the project is complete, according to Community Development Director Donna Cesan, generating revenue from operations conducted throughout the trail system to fund the completion of work as needed.
"Potentially, I think the first phase of the trail system that will be put out to bid, that could begin as early as the summer of 2015," Cesan said following the meeting.
In total, the project is expected to encompass 26 miles of multi-use trails, footpaths and snowmobile trails; relocation of the Thunderbolt ski trail; and installation of snowmaking apparatus. During this process, other portions of existing trails will be abandoned, according to the town.
Thunderbolt Ski Runners member Josh Chittenden, also an avid mountain biker, referenced the willingness for local and national biking clubs to create elaborate, professional-grade courses to run in conjunction with the proposed project, saying there is a large market of enthusiasts who would climb the paths if offered the right accommodations.
Committee member James Fassell, at the meeting's onset, said Lattrell made it sound like the project is infeasible, based on vandalism and behavior common in some miscreants bound to impact the trail. After reassurance by Lattrell that the methods of flagging and delineation can be alleviated effectively, he later urged the public to be passionate about its well-being.
"I would hope that all of you would be concerned with the glen and its preservation ... and try to figure out how to make it go. You know, the easy way out, folks, is to say 'screw it.' If you come and say, 'I'm gonna save the glen by destroying this project,' I'm not sure I agree with you," Fassell said.
Update: An earlier version of this article contained incorrect information related to state and federal agencies; Mr. Satko's name was given wrong.
Tags: conservation commission, DCR, Greylock Glen, trails,
