Encroachment Threatens the Midstate.

Each year, continuing development along the trail's corridor pushes the Midstate Trail onto paved roadways. Currently, the Midstate Trail is on approximately 45 miles of public land, 30 miles of private land and 17 miles of roadway. Landowners should realize the value the trail brings to the area and work to keep it off the roadways.

Protected land in Massachusetts is at a premium. Less than 15% of the Commonwealth’s land is publicly owned. Every year, Massachusetts loses over 16,000 acres of open space to residential and commercial development. This development destroys and fragments existing habitat and threatens the long-term conservation of Massachusetts ’ native species and natural communities. As private development continues at an alarming rate, public lands are becoming increasingly valuable for plant and wildlife habitat, recreation, education, research and spiritual renewal. Competing demands on our Forests and Parks are growing and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that the ecological resources and quality recreational opportunities remain for future generations.  

DCR AND ASHBURNHAM  CONSERVATION                                          TRUST BUY 170 ACRES TO HELP CONSERVE                          MOUNT HUNGER  IN ASHBURNHAM

May 7, 2010

BOSTON – The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Ashburnham Conservation Trust (ACT) recently acquired 170 acres at Mount Hunger, along the Mid-State Trail in Ashburnham, to protect forestland, wildlife habitat, and a popular stretch of the trail.

  The 92-mile Mid-State Trail runs through Worcester County between the Wapack Trail in New Hampshire and the North-South Trail in Rhode Island. Combined, these trails offer 191 miles of greenway hiking. The section of trail that runs through Mount Hunger is particularly well-known for its sweeping landscape views, a rarity for the Mid-State Trail, which primarily consists of interior woodland views. Portions of the property also have been identified by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program as a priority habitat for rare species, as the property includes a good mix of upland and wetland habitat.

“DCR is pleased to be protecting this important resource in Ashburnham,” said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “This property provides a wonderful opportunity to secure a critical link in the Mid-State Trail and further protect the natural resources found in this area.”

  Gary Howland, executive director of ACT and a consultant with the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership, said, “Mount Hunger has been a priority for ACT for the last eight years. We thank DCR for their efforts toward the protection and acquisition of this property, all the volunteers who helped with the ‘shack attack,’ and the previous owners for their care of the land and willingness to make its preservation possible.”

  This acquisition is part of a larger effort by DCR and ACT with the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership, the North County Land Trust, and the Nashua River Landscape Partnership to protect priority lands in the Southern Monadnock Plateau. This multi-year effort is being funded by the federal Forest Legacy Program in addition to contributions from state agencies, municipalities, local land trust partners, and landowners. 

Protection sought for Midstate Trail

CHARLTON — The Town of Charlton is in the process of updating its Master Plan and its Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). The 8.3 mile section of the Midstate Trail that passes through town has been identified as one of the most important trail connections in Charlton. Due to its scenic, recreational and historic value, the Open Space and Recreation Committee has recognized        the need to more formally protect the trail. Preservation of the Charlton section of the Midstate Trail through easements or other appropriate conservation tools will be included as a goal in the OSRP and the Master Plan. For more information, please contact Karen Gauvin, Chairperson, OSRP Committee at 508-248-2247 or visit www.townofcharlton.net.