Regarding the June 5 letter, “Easthampton’s Rail Trail earns state recognition,” first, let me state that I am a big fan of all types of trails. Long trails, short trails, bike trails and hiking trails. All present unequalled opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
I wish to congratulate Easthampton upon having the Manhan Rail Trail chosen by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation as one of only 10 trails statewide for recognition in the 2026 DCR “MassTrails10” Program. This program selects trails from the 1,000 miles of “shared-use” paths in Massachusetts that showcase the special routes, accessibility, scenery and especially the connectivity that these trails offer.
At first glance, the MassTrails10 program seems like a good program. But, upon further reflection we find that it can rather easily be improved as revealed by the fact that trails under the “Shared-Use” designation can be “shared” by several more user groups especially during the winter time. For example, if the Norwottuck were not “plowed” in winter, then cross-country skiers would be able to enjoy this resource. And, if DCR regulations were improved then snowmobilers would also be able to enjoy some sections of the Norwottuck in the winter.
This program can and should be able to award trails that are truly “inclusive” of all groups and recognize as “diverse” an array of both summer and winter activities as possible. It has been shown that there is no good, reasonable explanation why snowmobiling should not be allowed to “share” some limited access to safely cross Route 9 in Hadley in the Norwottuck tunnel.
We all can “share” more of these extremely invaluable resources with our neighbors, friends and relatives especially during the winter so that we can all enjoy such valuable connective resources such as the Manhan, the Norwottuck and the Ashuwillticook.
Lawrence Tucker
South Hadley