We interrupt this program

Media Friday has been bumped by the following news (aka. and email I received)

DCR Stewardship Council Approves Middlesex Fells Reservation Resource Management Plan (RMP)

"On January 6, 2012, the DCR Stewardship Council unanimously approved the Middlesex Fells Planning Unit RMP after careful consideration and deliberation. With this approval, the RMP (available at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/rmp/rmp-midfells.htm) becomes the official adopted management document for the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Recognizing that plans are living documents and that adaptive management is an important goal, the Stewardship Council also asked the DCR to monitor its progress in implementing the plan and report back in one year."

Sweetness!!  So that means more trails legally open to mountain bikers with the future addition of new trails - hopefully including NEMBA in the design and construction!

User conflict has been a huge thorn in the side of this whole process.  The DCR included this in their email:
"User Etiquette: The DCR Middlesex Fells is a popular urban reservation with a variety of uses and users. The DCR asks all users to practice the following etiquette.
· Respect other users, expect other users.
· Be friendly and courteous.
· Share the trails. Ride, walk or run on the right, pass on the left.
· Stay on the official trails. Going off trail or on user-created trails creates erosion, damages habitat and causes new trails which can't be maintained.
· Bicyclists yield to equestrians, runners and hikers.
· All users yield to equestrians. When a horse approaches, move off the trail and ask the rider for instructions.
· Always ride within your ability, under control and at a safe speed.
· Avoid unpaved trails when they are muddy or wet.
· Warn people when you are planning to pass. Bells or horns may frighten horses.
· Anticipate other trail users around corners and blind spots.
· Respect wildlife.
· Leave no trace. Pack out your litter.
· Dogs should be kept on leashes and under control on all trails.
· Pick up and properly dispose of all dog waste.
· Respect private and posted property."

Nothing surprising and all good rules to follow wherever you are... common sense and courtesy people!!

Trail closures will be starting to decrease redundant trails.  If you would like to get the details on the plan feel free to follow the link: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/rmp/rmp-midfells.htm 
This is a big win for us in the Boston Metro area.  May sound foreign to riders in other areas of the country, but here trail access can be a highly contested thing.  Generally it isn't, but the Fells has been an ongoing battle for 25 years, finally we are seeing some positive outcomes for the biking community.