I was very happy with so many that attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and the chance that it gave me to talk about the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and how these funds can help improve our trails. Mendon is quite active in conserving open space properties that residents and visitors alike can enjoy. BSTRA got involved with the trails in Mendon in 2006 and have been working to improve them since then. Our organization is very grateful that horseback riding is allowed on the open space properties in Mendon and being true partners we like to give back and invest in the trails that we use. Monies from the RTP come from the federal level. It is then funneled into the FHWA-MA Division where someone from that department coordinates with DCR (Department of Conservation & Recreation) to administer the appropriated monies. The Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB) reviews the grant applications of which a 20% match is required, thus further leveraging the grant monies. Their recommendations are then sent “up the chain” to be approved by the Governor’s office and others that are involved in the whole review process. MARTAB likes their summer meeting to include a site visit to a RTP project. The timing was perfect as the final touches were finished this spring for the East Trail in Mendon. Representative Murray presented us with an official citation from the House of Representatives and Bill presented us with an official citation from the State Senate recognizing the work we did on this project.
