Press Release  DCR and MA Recreational Trail Advisory Board to Host the Seventh Statewide Trails Conference

Boston — Today, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced the start of the seventh Massachusetts Trails Conference, which takes place from Saturday, November 5, 2022, through Saturday, November 12, 2022, in various locations throughout the state. In partnership with the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB), the conference aims to highlight the role of trails within communities across the Commonwealth and provide valuable information and inspiration. The week-long conference will combine virtual sessions, hands-on workshops, and site visits with planners, designers, trail stewards, and professional trail builders.    

“The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages a vast network of trails that spans thousands of miles and connects communities in every region of the Commonwealth,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Doug Rice. “The MassTrails Conference showcases these trails and ongoing efforts, and encourages stewardship of these important recreation and transportation networks. We encourage anyone interested in learning more to participate in the conference.”  

“Since 2011, MARTAB and DCR have partnered to host the MassTrails Conference in an effort to share information, create awareness, and offer education for the trails community within the Commonwealth,” said Tim Craig, co-chair of MARTAB. “This Conference is an opportunity for trail professionals, contractors, trail advocates, user group organizations, and volunteers to network, share challenges, compare accomplishments, and celebrate the growth of the trails systems in Massachusetts.”    

“Conine Family Foundation founders Alexi and Steve Conine are passionate cyclists committed to acting as a catalyst to create a world-class active trail network in the greater Boston area. They aim to connect communities, people, and places through their foundation’s HubLuv Initiative. They have funded various projects to further this goal and take actions to help institutionalize the MassTrails program. We are pleased to support the greater Boston cycling network through our new HubLuv Initiative,” said Conine Family Foundation President Alexi Conine. “We are grateful for the collaboration of community leaders and the increase in public funding for shared-use pathways being connected across the state. We are pleased to sponsor the MassTrails conference to assist in creating a space of education and community.”   

The keynote address will be delivered on Saturday, November 12, 2022, by Alec Griswold, the founder of Elevate Youth, a nonprofit organization that is focused on connecting underserved youth with nature experiences and positive adult mentors in the Cities of Boston and Cambridge. The vision of Elevate Youth is to spark a lifelong love of the outdoors through equitable access and routine immersion in nature as a way to foster agency and lead holistic, healthy lifestyles. Elevate Youth works alongside youth to elevate their voices as the next generation of diverse environmental stewards. With over a decade of experience in the outdoor industry, Griswold has refined his skills in outdoor leadership and education. As an alumnus of the National Outdoor Leadership School and founder of several adventure outfitters (ACKkayak, Patagon Adventures, and Soul Fly Lodge), he is skilled in risk management, environmental education, and business management.   

In June 2022, the Baker-Polito Administration announced, as part of its statewide trails initiative, over $11 million in funding for 81 projects to expand and connect the state’s trail networks. The MassTrails Grant Program provides grants up to $500,000 for a variety of trail protection, construction, and stewardship projects throughout Massachusetts. The grants assist municipalities, non-profit organizations, and other public entities for the design, construction, and maintenance of a variety of public trails throughout the state, including hiking trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths. All MassTrails Grant Program applications are reviewed by Governor Baker’s inter-agency Trails Team and MARTAB.  

To learn more about opportunities to participate, exhibit, or sponsor the Massachusetts Trails Conference, please visit www.MassTrailsConference.com. Registration is currently open online, and walk-ins and last-minute requests will be honored upon availability.  

###