Now that spring appears to be here to stay, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) says its forests are open for hiking, but warns that people still need to be diligent about staying safe during the pandemic.
DCR Press Secretary Olivia Dorrance said, for instance, Erving State Forest, including Laurel Lake, and others are open to visitors, but the hope is that they will take precautions. In Erving, visitors can access the park at the Warwick entrance off Moss Road; access in Erving at Swamp Road is closed due to a bridge closure.
Dorrance said the bridge was closed in late April due to damage from a motor vehicle accident. The state agency is currently assessing the damages and necessary repairs to get it open.
DCR has not closed any nature trails throughout its state parks system because of the pandemic, she said, including those in Franklin County and beyond. However, DCR has implemented one-way loops at select locations to reduce close contact of trail users.
Dorrance said that while parks remain open and are popular destinations, DCR asks the public to refrain from visiting if crowds are forming, particularly during high-visitation times like weekends.
If a park is crowded, she said people should consider leaving the area temporarily or visiting another location. Typically, parks are less busy during the week or early in the morning.
Dorrance said people should stay home if they are ill or 70 years old or older, because those are the more vulnerable populations. She added that people should practice good personal hygiene (including hand-washing for at least 20 seconds), participate in only non-contact recreational activities, wear face masks in public and practice social distancing.
People should stay within their small groups and avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, Dorrance said. They should also follow any posted rules, including “carry-in, carry-out” policies regarding trash and other waste.
In an effort to aid park users, Dorrance said DCR continues to provide park alternatives using its Twitter and Instagram social media channels (@MassDCR).
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Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-9591 or afritz@recorder.com.