$25,838 Grant Announced For Improvements To Middlesex Fells

A release from Representative Michael Day and Senator Jason Lewis:

BOSTON, MA – The Friends of the Middlesex Fells have been awarded a $25,838 grant under the Recreational Trails Program administered by the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) according to Stoneham’s legislative delegation, Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Michael Day.

Partnering with DCR park management and the greater community, this project will rehabilitate Spot Pond Archaeological District in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Improvements include updating trails, structures, and accompanying interpretive materials. Much of the district is made up of Virginia Wood, which was the first gift of privately-owned property for public use and conservation purposes in the country and became a land trust model for the nation.

The $25,838 grant, which is funded through a combination of federal and state money, is part of a statewide grant program announced this week to assist with the design, construction and maintenance of multiple trail projects around the state.

“I’m excited that the Friends of the Fells are receiving this grant to enhance the historic conservation land of the Spot Pond Archaeological District," said Senator Jason Lewis, Assistant Majority Whip. “Spot Pond, and the entire Middlesex Fells reservation, is a local natural treasure, and I am pleased to support efforts to make the conservation land more accessible to residents and visitors for recreational and educational use.”

“This is very welcome news for our community,” said Representative Michael Day. “I applaud the Friends of the Fells for their initiative and their work in restoring and preserving the Archaeological district. I look forward to working with all stakeholders as we move together collaboratively with the Friends of the Fells, the DCR, the town of Stoneham and other engaged residents and groups to enhance the treasure that is Spot
Pond.”

Funding for the grants comes from federal Recreational Trails Program revenues generated by the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, as well as state capital funds. The federal funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Surface Transportation Act, in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

All of the grant requests were reviewed and approved by Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB), an independent volunteer board whose members are appointed by DCR Commissioner Leo Roy.