Middlesex Fells Meeting January 31

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has begun developing a Resource Management Plan for the Middlesex Fells Reservation, which covers parts of Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, and Winchester. The plan will guide future preservation and stewardship efforts in the Reservation, and will ensure consistency between recreational uses and protection of natural resources.

As a first step in the process, DCR is holding a public meeting on Monday, January 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the McGlynn School Cafeteria, 3002 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford.

“The Middlesex Fells Reservation is an extraordinary resource offering vital recreational opportunities to thousands of users, including hikers and dog-walkers, mountain bikers, and bird watchers,” said DCR Acting Commissioner Jack Murray. “It also protects critical natural and cultural resources including endangered species habitats, vernal pools, public drinking water supplies, and numerous historic and archeological resources. We encourage public participation as we move forward with the Resource Management Plan.”

Under the Patrick-Murray Administration, DCR has begun developing Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for all agency properties. DCR has prioritized parks based on their natural and cultural resources, management issues, and uses of the facilities.

At the January 31 public meeting, DCR staff members will share information about the resource management planning process, and solicit feedback from the public. Participants will be invited to talk about the Reservation, including how they use it, what aspects of it are important to them, and what they feel should be protected and how.

Following that initial meeting, DCR will hold a series of five Wednesday night workshops in partnership with statewide environmental, recreational, and cultural organizations. Each workshop will cover a different topic relating to the RMP. Those meetings are:

– Wetlands and Water Resources: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 2; Botume House, 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham
– Flora and Fauna: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 9; Botume House
– Cultural Resources: To be announced
– Education and Enforcement: To be announced
– Recreation: To be announced

The final meeting schedule and additional information concerning the Fells RMP process and upcoming meetings will be posted online.

For more information on the Middlesex Fells Reservation, visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/fells.htm.

– Information from Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation