The Massachusetts Recreational Trail Advisory Board (MARTAB) was established by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in 1993.
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About Us
MARTAB is a volunteer board, appointed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. 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 approximately $1 million 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 assist in organizing the Massachusetts Trails Conference. These educational and community-building opportunities are funded through the Recreational Trails Program.
Member Name User Group / Member Organization
Board Co-Chairs:
Tim Craig Youth Corps / Student Conservation Association (SCA)
Marianne Iarossi Municipal Planners / City of Framingham
Board Members
Bill Boles Mountain Biking / New England Mountain Bike Association
Lawrence Tucker Snowmobiles / Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts
Liam Cregan Hiking / Appalachian Mountain Club
Becky Kalagher Equestrian / Bay State Trail Riders
Benton Phelps All-Terrain Vehicles / New England ATV Association
Mike White 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles / Northeast Association of 4WD Clubs
Dick Williamson Bicycling & Rail Trails / Friends of Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
Joe Geller Rail Trails / Topsfield Rail Trail Committee
Sarah LaValley Municipal Planners / City of Northampton
Kathy Baugh Community Trails and Greenways / Appalachian Trails Conservancy
Bryce Spare Skiers and Snowshoers
Agency Liaisons
Amanda Lewis DCR, MassTrails Program Manager
Elijah Fry DCR, MassTrails Planner
Ellen Huffman DCR, State Parks and Forest Trails Planner
Scott Morrill EOEEA, Off-Highway Vehicle Coordinator