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FERC NO. 2485-063) Letter of Support for Study Request (Accession No 20130304-5032 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 3/1/2013 10:15:22 PM NORTHFIELD MOUNTAIN PUMPED STORAGE PROJECT (FERC NO. 2485-063) Letter of Support for Study Request (Accession No. 20130301-5029) Dear Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Northfield Mountain, site of the pumped storage hydroelectric facility owned and operated by FirstLight Hydro Generating Company, is an integral part of Franklin County. It currently boasts over 26 miles of shared-use trails that are loved by many for summertime activities ranging from hiking, trail running and mountain biking to rock climbing and horseback riding. In the winter, the cross country skiing is some of the best in New England (if there’s snow). Beautiful scenery, impressive lookouts and a combination of green meadows, deep forests, bubbling streams, ledges and rock features give this park its unique character that attracts visitors from near and far. The 26 miles of trails consist of a combination of unpaved roads, double track and single track shared-use trails. At the time the last license was issued for Northfield Mountain, mountain biking was still a fairly young sport but it has gained popularity ever since and now represents 20% of all outdoor recreation in the US1. A 2006 survey revealed that more than 1 million Massachusetts residents mountain bike2. While Northfield Mountain allows mountain biking, the trails were designed for activities like hiking, horseback riding and snowshoeing, and strategic addition or alteration of some of the existing trails would greatly improve the riding experience. In addition, the science of sustainable, low-impact, low-maintenance trail design has come a long way over the past forty years. Given the importance of mountain biking to the Franklin County community, it should be integrated into the new license, and a study evaluating the trail system at Northfield Mountain should be conducted as part of the pre-license proceedings. Trail conditions should also be assessed for safety hazards. For example, over the past few years, deep water bars have been dug diagonally across the 10th Mountain road at Northfield Mountain to help with drainage. These water bars have been challenging to negotiate on a bike or on horseback from the beginning, and I have personally witnessed two accidents that resulted in extensive road rash, bruising, whip lash and concussion-like symptoms. After these accidents, the water bars have been dug out even further, making traveling on 10th Mountain extremely dangerous. For public safety, the condition of this trail should be carefully assessed and alternative drainage solutions considered (i.e., underground water pipes). The variety of terrain, pitch and naturally occurring features at Northfield Mountain make it a perfect candidate for an exciting, well-balanced trail system of beginner, intermediate and expert shared-use trails. The National Scenic Trail crosses Northfield Mountain, connecting Northfield to other area trail networks. Northfield Mountain’s proximity to major highways, the spacious lodge and abundance of parking add to its appeal, and with all these pieces in place Northfield Mountain could be developed into a supreme outdoor recreation destination. Outdoor recreation in the United States is an almost $700 billion industry, and despite the economic Stefanie Krug, President, PV NEMBA 1 | 2 FERC Project No. 2485-063 20130304-5032 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 3/1/2013 10:15:22 PM recession has grown about 5% annually between 2005 and 20113. The US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Report found that recreation and tourism development contributes to rural well-being, increasing local employment, wage levels, and income, reducing poverty, and improving education and health4. If Northfield Mountain was developed into an outdoor recreation destination it could bring a substantial, sustainable inflow of cash to the Pioneer Valley. The area surrounding Kingdom Trails in East Burke, VT has greatly benefitted from visiting mountain bikers, with approximately $5 million spent by Kingdom Trail visitors in 20115. The impact tourism could have on the socioeconomic state of the region makes this project a high priority of public concern. We anticipate that the assessment of the interest and need for mountain bike trails at Northfield Mountain could be included in other proposed studies to assess the recreational offering at Northfield Mountain using standard survey methods for needs assessment. We would gladly collaborate and assist in outreach efforts for survey information from our membership. Thank you for your time and for taking our comments into consideration. Please contact me at any time. Sincerely, Stefanie Krug President, New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA), Pioneer Valley Chapter [email protected] References: [1] Outdoor Industry Foundation. 2004. The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy. Boulder, CO. [2] Outdoor Industry Foundation. 2006. Outdoor Recreation Participation & Spending Survey. A State-by-State Perspective. [3] Outdoor Industry Foundation. 2012. The Outdoor Recreation Economy. Boulder, CO. [4] US Department of Agriculture. 2005. Economic Research Report ERR-7. [5] boston.com: http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2012/06/10/mountain_bikers_flock_to_n ortheast_vermont/ Stefanie Krug, President, PV NEMBA 2 | 2 FERC Project No. 2485-063 20130304-5032 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 3/1/2013 10:15:22 PM Department of Conservation and Recreation Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual The Metacomet-Monadnock trail to Mt. Norwottock The health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depend on the accessibility and quality of our green infrastructure - our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) provides vital connections between people and the environment with over 3,000 miles of trails and 145 miles of paved bikeways and rail trails. Consistent and clearly defined trail policies, procedures, and program guidelines can provide inspiration and direction to managing, enhancing, and developing a successful and sustainable trail system for Massachusetts. DCR Trails Guidelines and Best Practices Manual Updated March, 2012 20130304-5032 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 3/1/2013 10:15:22 PM Table of Contents Page Implementation Schedule ....................................................................................... iii Definitions .............................................................................................................. iv Section I: Introduction .................................................................................................... 2 Trail Policy and Program Mission ............................................................................. 2 Importance of Trails ................................................................................................ 2 Striving for Sustainable Trails .................................................................................. 2 Promoting Stewardship ........................................................................................... 3 Past Trail Practices with the Agency ........................................................................ 4 Consistency with other plans and regulations ......................................................... 4 Trends in Recreational Trail Demand and Uses ........................................................ 8 Trail Regulations ...................................................................................................... 8 DCR Approved Trail Uses ......................................................................................... 8 Additional Types of Trails......................................................................................... 9 DCR Trail Team ...................................................................................................... 10 Section II: Trail System Planning and Development ................................... 11 Assessing and Planning an Existing Trail System .................................................. 11 Assessing Requests for New Trails or Changes in Trail Designation ...................... 14 Additional Trail Development Concepts ................................................................. 15 Principles of Ecologically Sustainable Trails........................................................... 17 Building Sustainable Trails .................................................................................... 21 Building an Enjoyable Trail Experience .................................................................. 23 Building Accessible Trails ...................................................................................... 26 Permitting .............................................................................................................. 28 On the Ground; Putting It Together ....................................................................... 30 Trail Design and Construction Resources ............................................................... 32 Section III: Trail System Management, Maintenance and Monitoring ......... 34 Trail Classification ................................................................................................. 34 Trail Maintenance .................................................................................................. 37 Trail Signage .......................................................................................................... 43 Trail
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