Greylock Glen Trail System Progressing
ADAMS, Mass. — Phase one of the Greylock Glen trail loop is going well and should be complete by the end of June.
That was the report of Paul Jahnige of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation told the Conservation Commission last week.
"Work started last year but earnestly this spring we are building the main class one trail loop in the Glen area and doing some work on the lower development classes," Jahnige told the commission Thursday before asking it to extend the order of conditions. "It seems to be going gang busters."
The state is investing some $3 million in the slightly modified trail system approved by the Conservation Commission last year. Eventually, work will continue to a 30-mile improved trail system for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and skiing.
He said he holds weekly meeting with the contractor, Warner Brothers, to make sure erosion control, rural ponds and rare species are kept in mind.
Jahnige said depending on the state budget, the entire project should be wrapped up in two years.
Chairman James Fassell thanked Jahnige for the update.
"You have done some great work and its good that you meet with the contractor so often," he said. "We are not going to look over your shoulder and we know what you are charged with and that you will do it correctly."
The board also approved a request from Mackenzie Greer with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council to demolish a blighted structure at 400 East Hoosac St. and create access to the Hoosac Range.
"We want to get it done and we want to do it right," Greer said.
She said BNRC has partnered with DCR to acquire a parcel of land abutting Savoy State Forest.
"The owner did not want to separate these two lots and DCR is really not in the position to buy a lot with a building," she said. "So BNRC can come in and pre-acquire a property for the sate and do the necessary work to get ready for it to hold the property."
She said the building is severely blighted and that contaminated soil will be removed before demolishing the structure.
"We want to remove of all of the buildings that exist there now," she said. "They are in various conditions severely blighted."
Greer said there will be minimal earth work, and that the work will no cross any streams or touch the pond.
She said eventually there will be a trail head at the location.
"We don't have a trail planned at this point but I have walked the property a few times and there are a number of wood and logging roads," she said. "Some seem to go somewhere, others don't, but right now we are focusing on acquiring the property."
Jahnige said when it comes time, DCR will help lay out the trail route that will connect with the ridge.
Tags: BNRC, DCR, Greylock Glen, trails,
