The state has announced that $5 million in MassTrails grants has been awarded to 71 trail projects in Massachusetts — three of which are in Amherst, Belchertown and Worthington.
The Kestrel Land Trust has received $50,000 from the state for the upgrading of part of the Robert Frost Trail in Amherst. In Belchertown, the town has received $50,000 from the state toward construction of the Lake Wallace Sensory Trail. The state also awarded a $39,799.11 grant to the Worthington Snowmobile Club for equipment necessary for trail maintenance.
“Massachusetts is home to thousands of miles of public trails, and today’s MassTrails Grants will aid in the improvement of these trails and assist in the creation of new sections for the public to enjoy,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement from the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
According to the statement, MassTrails grants focus on improving trails around the state, building new trails and maintaining the trail system.
In Amherst and surrounding towns, work will be done to upgrade 37 miles of the Robert Frost Trail on conservation land. Sections of the trail will be rerouted, parking will be added for parts of the trail, and signs and certain bridges will be upgraded.
The Belchertown grant will go toward completing the 2,500-foot-long and 5-foot-wide, fully accessible Lake Wallace Sensory Trail. The trail is meant to highlight the unique nature of Lake Wallace for any person by incorporating wayfinding that makes the trail simple to navigate.
For Worthington’s project, the grant will enable the snowmobile club to purchase a Kubota L3800 tractor and necessary accessories to assist in fallen tree removal, washout repairs, bridge repairs and trimming overgrown brush. The equipment will also help the club maintain Worthington trails in the winter months.
MassTrail grants are funded by the DCR’s capital budget along with the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles.
Each grant recipient must match the grants with a minimum of 20 percent in funding or in-kind services for their projects. Methods for attaining this funding vary from in-kind labor and professional services, material donations, use of equipment or a cash match, the statement said.
The Kestrel Land Trust provided $44,620 in matching funds, the town of Belchertown had $115,035, and the Worthington Snowmobile Club had $24,621 in matching funds.
“Our administration is proud to prioritize the state trails system, which builds community pride, connects municipalities, and improves quality of life throughout Massachusetts,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.
Including grant and matching funds, a total of $14 million has been invested in the state trail system, the statement said.
Michael Connors can be reached at mconnors@gazettenet.com.