Four grants totaling $95,000 will support open space and recreation projects in Heath, Rowe and Shelburne.
The grants are part of $253,200 that the Baker-Polito Administration awarded to seven communities and two organizations within the Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership region. The group — which advocates for forest conservation and sustainable forest management in a way that improves local economies — has worked with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the U.S. Forest Service for seven years to develop its goals and objectives.
“The Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership grants serve as a great example of the Baker-Polito Administration’s proactive approach to protecting the commonwealth’s natural resources by working with local communities and organizations in an effort to continue to improve these outdoor spaces for the public to enjoy,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card said in a statement. “With the state still recovering from the COVID-19 public health emergency, it is even more important to support local initiatives, such as the conservation and effective management of forest areas for natural resource-based economic development, which achieves climate goals, supports job creation and grows local economies.”
Heath and Rowe received a grant for $40,000 to jointly continue building the Mahican-Mohawk Trail. According to the state website, the trail is envisioned as a “100-mile, long-distance trail from the Connecticut River to the Hudson River” that follows a historic Native American path. However, only 30 miles of trail currently exists.
The $40,000 grant will help link the Shelburne trail across a mountainous region north of Route 2 to the Mohawk State Forest. According to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the towns are planning to hire a consultant to map out a route and speak with landowners to develop the trail. No consulting group has been hired yet.
Additionally, Rowe received $20,000 to mark the many miles of trails and add maps and educational exhibits in the five kiosks that were recently installed in the town forest. Officials also plan to build a boardwalk in a 300-foot section to improve access for residents and tourists.
Janice Boudreau, Rowe’s executive secretary, said the boardwalk will be built along the Lakeview Trail. She also said the town hopes to have maps for the trails be available on apps, so hikers can follow the trail with their phones.
Also, Shelburne received $20,000 to prepare an Open Space and Recreation Plan with a focus on climate resilience, as well as to renovate the town ballfield. In the winter, the space will feature an ice skating rink.
The last grant awarded in Franklin County was given to Heath, representing $15,000 that will go toward buying a trail groomer that would allow for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking in the winter on the new trail system developed using past grants.
According to Mike Cucchiara, chair of the Heath Parks and Recreation Committee, the town used to host a cross-country skiing race.
“There has been talk of hosting this again,” he said.
Town officials also plan to add trails in the Heath Town Forest. The town forest is in the process of rebranding, and these new trails to be used in the winter are part of the effort. Cucchiara said the town also plans to work with landowners to groom further trails across the area.
“We are thankful to the people involved for providing these opportunities,” he said.
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.