The Massachusetts Recreational Trail Advisory Board (MARTAB)
The Massachusetts Recreational Trail Advisory Board (MARTAB) was established by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in 1993.
MARTAB is a volunteer board, appointed by the DCR Commissioner through the Director of DCR’s Recreational Trails Program. As an independent entity, it provides advice to DCR staff on issues and projects of importance to the trail community. It represents every major trail user group from motorized users to non-motorized users and seeks to promote a cooperative, practical approach to solving trail issues. It’s most important function is to make recommendations to the Commissioner on the distribution of the federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds that come to each state from the US Department of Transportation. Massachusetts disburses $600,000 to $800,000 each year. MARTAB’s recommendations are the first cut on how these funds could be spent and it involves the Board reviewing each proposal, discussing them and rating them according to an agreed list of criteria and weights. At the end of the review process, a ranked list of the applications submitted from communities and organizations throughout the state is created and forwarded to the Commissioner and Governor for their approval.
MARTAB is involved in other activities, including sponsorship of statewide trail workshops to improve the skills and experience of the many trail volunteers working to enhance our trail network within the Commonwealth. They also organize and put on the annual Massachusetts Trails Conference. These educational and community-building opportunities are funded through the Recreational Trails Program -Educational Grants.
MARTAB also works to unite the many trail user groups within the state to be more effective in their efforts and to speak with a stronger, more unified voice on issues ranging from increased funding from the State and Federal Government for trail projects to user education and training.
MARTAB Members
| Representative |
User Group/Organization |
| Becky Kalagher – Chair |
Equestrians / Bay State Trail Riders |
| Bill Boles |
Mountain Biking / New England Mountain Bike Association |
| Heather Clish |
Non-motorized Trail Use / Appalachian Mountain Club |
| Dick Williamson |
Cycling/Rail Trails |
| Dick O’Brien |
Non-motorized Trail Use |
| Benton Phelps |
ATV Riding / New England ATV Association |
| TBD |
Off-Road Motorcycle / New England Trail Riders Association |
| Dean Zuppio |
Snowmobiles / Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts |
| Pam Browning |
Canoe & Paddling / New England Canoe Kayak Racing Association, U.S. Canoe Association |
Michele Biscoe |
Dog Walking / Coalition of Massachusetts Dog Owner Groups |
| Mark Shea |
Full Size 4-Wheel Driving / Northeast Association of 4WD Clubs |
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| DCR Liasons: |
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| Amanda Lewis |
Recreational Trails Program Coordinator |
| Becky Barnes |
Western Regional Trail Coordinator |
| Paul Jahnige |
Director of Greenways and Trails |
MARTAB Meetings and Minutes
*For an up-to-date Meeting Agenda, please contact Amanda Lewis
Upcoming Scheduled Meetings Location
July 25, 2012 (2-6pm) TBD
October 24, 2012 (4-6pm) TBD
March 2, 2013 (9am - 5pm) Northampton (Executive Session - Grant Review)
Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2010 Teleconference
December 7, 2010 Leominster (Executive Session - Grant Review)
January 19, 2011 Teleconference
March 9, 2011 Northampton
April 27, 2011 Teleconference
July 20, 2011 Wells State Park
March 13, 2012 Quinsigamond State Park
For more information contact:
Amanda Lewis
Recreational Trails Program Coordinator
Department of Conservation and Recreation
136 Damon Road
Northampton MA 01060
413-586-8706 ext. 19
Amanda.lewis@state.ma.us
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