Franklin County NEMBA needs your help

[hammerhead]

We just uncovered this document...

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/forestry/manage/docs/Forest%20Product/Eastern%20CT%20Valley/WeSF%20Whale's%20Head%20White%20Pine%20Timber%20Sa le%20ECV-6-08-T.pdf

The area in question contains our flagship trail at Wendell State Forest. Those of you in other regions that may have been successful in preserving trails from close encroachment from logging, we would sure appreciate your experiences.

Thanks

[digger]

Hammerhead

I can't profess any success but I am in close contact with our regional forester about a number of forestry projects.

All MA chapters should be aware that there is a new public notification policy for DCR timber sales. NEMBA offered comment on the draft policy and I'd have to say that the policy was watered down considerably from the draft. A twice annual meeting to accept input about specific projects has just gone by but comment on published summaries is still accepted.

The policy and link to the summaries is here:
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/forestry/docs/Public%20Notification%20Policy%20Summary.htm

My approach has been to work with the regional forester to improve the project plan and to reduce trail impacts from harvesting machinery rather than advocate for buffering. We have had a lot of support from this forester on a number of our trail projects.

My suggestion would be to develop a positive relationship with the forester and encourage a harvest plan (ask for a detailed plan showing landing location, skid roads, machinery specs, etc.) that minimizes or at least recognizes impacts to recreational resources.

In the end I think we need forestry management to provide a safe and healthy forest environment. On the other hand, there's no reason a trail should be obliterated by a forestry operation. Maybe I'm a dreamer, but in our area I hope to encourage a cooperative approach.

Prior history: What was the result at the Range? Take a look at Fireline at FOMBA. It took a lot of work, but it's a way better trail now than it was before the logging [IMO].

DS

[BigMac]

thanks digger any and all info is helpfull, and we are already contacting the forestry supervisor.
mark,

[Slappy]

On the bright side - skidder roads can evolve into really fun trails.

http://www.bustedspoke.com/Photos/bs7977.jpg

[hogboy]

I don't understand this thread.


by logging the land it generates money so it remains protected land.


there is nothing to see here...

[radair]

I think the point is that they don't want their flagship trail obliterated.

We've had this experience in the WMNF and on town lands. It's essential to meet with the land managers and foresters. The best course we've found is to heavily flag the trail just before the logging operation begins. Have the foresters minimize skidder crossings and keep those crossings at 90 degrees to the trail. We've had a couple operations where minimal clean up is required, others where it was a nightmare.

You mileage may vary.

[hammerhead]

Rob,

That is the tact we are taking - Big Mac had a long talk with him yesterday. Glad to know it works sometimes,

H.

[BigMac]

Yep! between tagging (heavily) possibly gps'ing and laying over topo to pinpoint certian areas and meeting with him and walking the area we should be all set.
mark,:)

[Slappy]

Mebbe you can even have them do a little work for you - I recall past talk of building a freeridey trail in the area. Skidder tracks work remarkably well for these - maybe they can help you out a little.