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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, 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

   
DCR Liasons:  
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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