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 |
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| DCR Liasons: |
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| 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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