Massachusetts Grants Fund State Parks Improvement Projects

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is funding  a series of initiatives aimed at making public recreation improvements in areas across the state. WAMC’s Lucas Willard reports…

The Masschusetts DCR recently announced two programs to help upgrade outdoor attractions and state parks. The 2012 Partnerships Matching Funds Program last week awarded $1 million in matching grants to community organizations, private businesses, non-profits, and parks advocacy groups to help fund select improvements. DCR’s Conrad Crawford explains…

In the Berkshires, the Partnerships Matching Funds Program has assisted with a handful of projects in recent years. The program has assisted the Appalachian Trail Committee maintain trails on Mount Greylock, assisted with landscaping and site improvements at the Western Gateway Heritage State Park in North Adams, and helped the Lakes and Ponds Association of Western Massachusetts on treating invasive species. This year, the program assisted the Berkshire Scenic Railway at the Pittsfield State Forest restore a 100-year old DCR owned coach.

Conrad Crawford says the program reaches areas across the state.

One project is the construction of the Mass Centrail Rail Trail. $100,000 was awarded to Wachusett Earthday – one of the partners in constructing a portion of the long trail. Craig Della Penna, Coordinator of the Mass Central Rail Trail…

Final completion of the project is projected in about 8 years.

The DCR has also put out a call to artists to submit designs for its 7th Iron Rangers Painting Program campaign. Over 100 Iron Rangers donation boxes at state parks throughout Massachusetts will be painted and decorated with designs from local artists. DCR’s Conrad Crawford…

The deadline for design submissions for the program is July 9th.

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/trust/IronRangerCall.htm