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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 representing major motorized and non-motorized trail user groups and trail managers in Massachusetts.  MARTAB seeks to build a coalition of trail users, stakeholders and advocates to promote a cooperative, practical approach to promoting trails and solving trail issues in Massachusetts.  MARTAB advises DCR on various trail policy and management issues.  One of its most important functions 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 between $600,000 and $1,000,000 each year in RTP funds.  MARTAB’s members review each proposal, rate and rank them according to program criteria. Recommended grants are then submitted to the DCR Commissioner and Governor for final review and 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.  MARTAB, in partnership with DCR, also organizes and hosts the annual Massachusetts Trails Conference.   These educational and community-building opportunities are funded through the Recreational Trails Program - Educational Grants. 

Finally, MARTAB 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
Dick O’Brien - Chair Non-motorized Trail Use
Bill Boles - Vice Chair Mountain Biking / New England Mountain Bike Association
Becky Kalagher Equestrians / Bay State Trail Riders
Heather Clish Non-motorized Trail Use / Appalachian Mountain Club
Dick Williamson Cycling/Rail Trails
Benton Phelps ATV Riding / New England ATV Association
William Riordan 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

   
DCR Liasons:  
Amanda Lewis   Recreational Trails Program 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

TBD

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

July 25, 2012                                 Hardwick, Mass Central Rail Trail

October 24, 2012                                Leominster Public Library

March 2, 2013                  Northampton (Executive Session – Grant Review)

 

For more information contact:

Dick O’Brien,

MARTAB Chairman

dobrien578@gmail.com

 

 

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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