In 2017 we met with then DCR Commissioner Leo Roy and Dom Sacco, a meeting organized by our good friend Derrick Mason from Russell, founder of HOSA, Hilltown Outdoor Space Alliance. We toured CM Gardner State Park in Huntington and Chester Blandford State Park and Campground. These places were closed state parks and campgrounds. All of us who each were a part of numerous civic associations in the Hilltowns networked together to help solve the problems we faced and to give our input for what we want to see happen in the future, such as creating a connecting trail network throughout the Hilltowns, opening up Windsor State Forest, opening up the Chester Blandford Campground and having an outfitter on Route 20 with bike, ski and kayak rentals. Our open spaces and recreation areas are key in attracting tourists and boosting economic development in the hilltowns. We need to stay diligent and keep these places full of their natural beauty while also promoting them to visitors. Our natural resources are priceless and they attract home buyers, tourists and small business entrepreneurs. Commissioner Roy shares the same passion as us Hilltowners and listened to our ideas as well as informing us that the State will be investing more dollars in Western Mass in 2018. We will work closely with the DCR in the upcoming year to make improvements where needed and create some great new attractions here as well. Wild n Scenic Westfield River, Jacob’s Ladder Scenic Byway Trail, Jacob’s Ladder Business Association, Highlands Footpath, the Town Of Huntington and Chester and Western Mass Hilltown Hikers all were a part of the agenda.

PRESENT DAY: CM Gardner State Park and Windsor State Forest is re-opened! Here are some photos of how Windsor State Forest looked, and our group hike here in 2018 to raise awareness of this asset to Western Mass!

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