Golden Spike 2018 A Conference Re-envisioning Two of the Longest Rail Trails in New England
July 27 & 28
Union Station
Northampton MA
Golden Table of Contents Conference Sponsors & Supporting Organizations 4-5 ……………… Rail Trail Movement by Craig Della Penna 6-7 ……………… Golden Spike 2018 Overview 8 ………………. Conference Agenda 9 ……………..... Keynote Speaker 10-11 …………….. Trail Update Presentations 3
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Tours 12 ………………. 13 ...…………….. 14 ………………. 15 ………………. 16 ……………….. 17 .………………
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Mill River Greenway Complete Streets History & Development of Downtown Northampton Abolition + Utopian Communities in Florence The Manhan Rail Trail The MCRT’s Norwottuck Branch Flora & Fauna of the Northampton Rail Trail Union Station to Haydenville
Cover photo from the collection of Craig Della Penna. Taken in the winter of 1962, it shows a fantrain trip that originated in New Haven, CT and shown here at Union Station in Northampton on its way to the end-of-track in Williamsburg, MA. The RDC Buddliner train-set is above Strong Ave along the right of way of today’s trail that is 90% open all the way to New Haven.
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Spike Our Sponsors
Supporting Organizations
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Golden The Rail Trail Movement by Craig Della Penna The greatest recycling project underway in our part of the world at present is the conversion of former steam railroad corridors in the US into walking and biking trails, and perhaps the densest network currently being developed in the US is right here in our backyard in southern New England. Over 200 such projects are underway within 125 miles of Northampton, making this network unique, because the projects connect at the intersection of where people live, work, and play, bringing profound positive change to the neighborhoods fortunate enough to host them.
Many of the former steam railroad corridors in this region connect to large numbers of vacant mill complexes in the so-called “Gateway Cities” such as Lowell, Lawrence, Springfield, Holyoke, and Brockton that experienced economic decline and disinvestment in for over two generations. Since the time that the mills closed down, the former railroad corridors in these places were abandoned as well—neglected destinations until being repurposed as linear parks. Smart Growth, a state planning policy, epitomizes the development of this network as an opportunity to build walkable and bikeable communities, so that if you do not see cyclists and pedestrians as commonplace users in your community then you know that it’s time to get involved and make plans.
In southern New England, the origins of these conversions can be traced back to two projects—both on Cape Cod in the 1970s. The Shining Sea Trail in Falmouth/Woods Hole and the Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) that stretches through several communities further out on the Cape. The CCRT was the first long rail trail project done by a state parks agency in the Northeast. It was put specifically in an area where tourists are welcomed for economic development purposes, though no one thought it would become the seed of an idea that people brought back home to their communities. 4
Spike The Shining Sea Trail is important because the policy regulations that came about as a result of the conversion has allowed for more ease in Massachusetts trail development. The roots of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) can be traced back to the efforts in Falmouth/Woods Hole by Barbara Burwell, mother of David Burwell, who later founded RTC based on the need for a clearinghouse of information about how to do this work. You can read about this trail and how it was eventually built: https://bit.ly/2uoJKxD
The Golden Spike Conference celebrates, connects, and continues the hard work of those early advocates for rail trail networks. We will offer forums for community leaders and organizations to share information and experience; various tours and activities to further increase awareness and understanding of rail trail networks; and other resources to help expand the impact of such projects.
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Golden The Golden Spike conference brings together rail trail advocates, transportation and legislative policy makers and trail users from both Connecticut and Massachusetts and will feature a panel presentation of the current rail trail system from Boston to Northampton and also Northampton to New Haven. We will share the positive developments along specific segments and also the design challenges of the 190 mile trail system. The location of the conference is symbolic because it is the intersection of the two trail networks; both trail mile-markers originate at Union Station and signage indicates 0.0 miles in both directions. The 84 mile N-S line from New Haven to Northampton is about 90% complete as a trail while the 110 E-W line from Boston to Northampton is about 40% open as a trail in several segments. Once completed this 190-mile intra-state trail will have a major impact to the two states in terms of recreation and quality of life as well as the economic benefits from increased spending through tourism and residents. The development of the N–S trail from Northampton to New Haven coincides with the expansion of the Amtrak passenger rail system from New Haven through Hartford, Springfield, Northampton and beyond. The increased tourist activity via the alignment of these two non-vehicular transportation networks will have major economic impacts in the years ahead. Massachusetts currently has a quality rail trail system and an active network of advocates, however, the completion of the east-west MCRT and further expansion of local spurs is challenging because of the lack of statewide fiscal, operational and planning oversight. The “balkanization” of rail-trail development has put the burden on individual towns rather than county, regional or statewide bodies. The Golden Spike conference will highlight the positive recreational, health, and economic impacts of the current trail system and also identify the specific challenges to be addressed in order to complete the MCRT and the New Haven to Northampton trail. This furthers the goal of DCR’s strategic plan by focusing attention on the critical issue of completing the Mass Central Rail Trail. 6
Spike The 2018 Golden Spike Conference is an opportunity to facilitate dialogue and share critical information around the myriad beneficial impacts that trails provide for residents and municipalities. Inspiring and generating support of a fully connected trail network that has the ability to elevate social interaction and economic benefits for residents and businesses throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut is one impact we’re hoping to achieve. Enhancing public health through recreational trail activities and mitigating outputs through human powered, sustainable transportation while addressing issues of equity through non -motorized transport is a goal that lawmakers, businesses, and residents share. The GS conference intends to be the forum to explore the necessary steps to bridge any and all gaps along the east-west and north-south trail corridors. We know that a connected trail not only increases tourism potential but fosters a deeper sense of community participation that creates more advocacy for the preservation of greenways along these corridors. The panel presentation at the conference will highlight the specific portions of the MCRT and the New Haven to Northampton trails that are most challenging to complete. Both trail systems are interrupted by short under-developed sections. Developing a shared awareness of these crucial missing links will support a coordinated effort by state officials and local trail advocates to address these gaps in both states. Even though the Governors of each state are fully behind the completion of these trails many communities still lack the political consensus to support trail development. The Golden Spike conference aims to promote and detail the tools and strategies used by communities to establish advocacy groups and successful funding collaborations with both public and private entities.
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Golden Friday 27th •
2:30pm—4:30pm
Biking & Walking Tours
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5pm—7pm
Hotel Northampton: Networking, Cocktails, Hors D’oeuvres
Saturday 28th
Union Station
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8am—9am
Arrive & Gather
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9am—9:15am
Welcome
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9:15am—10:15am
Mass Central Rail Trail Updates: Boston to Northampton
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10:15am—10:30am
Q&A
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10:30am—11:00am
Break & Networking
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11am—12pm
Canal Greenway Updates: Northampton to New Haven
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12pm—12:30pm
Q&A
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12:30pm—1:30pm
Lunch with Keynote Speaker Golden Spike Awards
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Spike Kurt Gaertner keynote speaker
Kurt Gaertner is the Director of Land Policy and Planning for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). In that capacity he is responsible for land use and land conservation policies and programs, seeking to promote sustainable development and reduce land, energy, and natural resource consumption. Kurt also serves as the Secretary’s designee on the Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, and represents the agency on the Governor’s Trails Team. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Boston University in their City Planning and Urban Affairs Program, where he has taught since 2009.
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Golden Plenary Speakers East
West
Alan Moore
Boston / Cambridge / Somerville
John Dieckmann
Belmont
Laurel Carpenter
Waltham
Larry Kiernan
Weston / Wayland / Sudbury / Hudson / Berlin
Chris Ebstein
Clinton
Mike Peckar &
Sterling / West Boylston / Holden /
Rich Barry
Rutland / Oakham / Barre
Cynthia Henshaw New Braintree / Hardwick / Ware Denis Ouimette
Ware
Paul Jahnige
Belchertown /Amherst / Hadley / Northampton
Gaby Immerman Williamsburg
15 minutes
Q&A
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Spike Plenary Speakers North
South
Kris Badertscher
Southside of Northampton
John Losito
Easthampton
Mike Buehler
Southampton
Ashley Eaton
Westfield
Christy Bannish
Southwick
Bruce Donald
Granby / Simsbury / Avon / Farmington
James Cassidy
Plainville CT
Bruce Donald
Southington /Cheshire / Hamden / New Haven 30 Minutes
Q&A
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Golden Mill River Greenway Friday & Saturday
2:30 pm Smith College Botanic Garden
Walking Tour
2 miles
90 minutes
Explore the path of the Mill River from Smith College to Licking Water, downtown before it was diverted away from the city center in 1940. At each stop along the way, local experts will reveal bits of history about the particular location and archival photos and maps will be explained.
John Sinton is one of the principals of the Mill River Greenway Initiative whose mission is to design and create a greenway along the Mill River that protects the watershed, preserves cultural artifacts and encourages recreational activities. John is a trained historian and is currently writing a book on the history of the Mill River.
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Spike Complete Streets Tour Friday & Saturday
2:30 pm Union Station Parking Lot
Walking Tour
2 miles
90 minutes
Participate in a guided, walking tour of the recently revamped gateway to downtown Northampton. This stretch of Pleasant Street recently upgraded to meet new MA DOT standards incorporates a variety of Complete Street safety and design features that provide safety and accessibility for all users of all abilities including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists.
Wayne Feiden is the Director of Northampton’s Office of Planning and Sustainability and the chief architect of the City’s Complete Streets program. His focus includes sustainability, downtown revitalization, multimodal transportation, open space preservation, assessments, and management. 13
Golden History & Development of Downtown Northampton Friday & Saturday
2:30 pm Union Station Parking Lot
Walking Tour
1.5 miles
90 minutes
Find out the key ingredients and factors that have made Northampton one of the top 20 “Small Cities� in the country. Join us as we explore the historical, economic and cultural developments that can serve as examples for other small New England cities.
Amy
Cahillane is the Director of the Downtown Northampton Association and a huge advocate of livable downtowns that embrace and capitalize on the energy of diverse businesses and residents.
Elizabeth Sharpe is the Co-Director of Historic Northampton in addition to teaching a variety of history courses at UMass Amherst and other local colleges.
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Spike Abolition + Utopian Communities in Florence Friday & Saturday
2:30 pm
Elks Lodge 17 Spring St, Florence Biking Tour
5 miles
90 minutes
Join us on this 5 mile bike ride as we explore some of the significant historical sites of Florence’s mid 1800s Abolitionist and Utopian Communities. Stories of Sojourner Truth, the Underground Railroad, the early Silk Mill industries and Water Cures will highlight this tour.
Steve Strimer serves on the Board of the David Ruggles Center and Historic Northampton while also working full-time at the worker-owned Collective Copies and assisting local authors through Levellers Press. During his free time Steve has developed and leads tours of the African American Heritage trail in Florence that highlights the life of Sojourner Truth. Supporting Steve with the tour will be Board Members of the David Ruggles Center: Suzanne 15 Love Goldscheider and Tom Goldscheider.
Golden The Manhan Rail Trail Saturday only
2:30 pm Union Station Parking Lot
Biking Tour
10 miles
2 hours
The Manhan Rail Trail (Easthampton) Follow the remains of the 1829 canal from New Haven to Northampton and later a railroad that today has become one of the states treasured rail-trails. Explore the natural highlights of the area while learning about the funding and engineering strategies of the trail’s development.
Steve Donnelly is the long time Clerk of the Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail and the Manhan Rail Trail Committee. He is an IT Consultant for the Life Insurance Industry and has degrees from HCC and Westfield State University, as well as an MBA from Western New England University. A history buff, Steve is a regular contributor to the Historical Journal of 16 Massachusetts.
Spike The MCRT’s Norwottuck Friday & Saturday
2:30 pm
Union Station Parking Lot
Biking Tour
14 miles
2 hours
Mass Central Rail Trail’s Norwottuck Segment Explore one of the key segments of the MCRT that connects the UMass Amherst campus with local communities. Enjoy great views of the CT. River and local farmlands while the tour leaders describe the challenges and successes of this trail’s development.
Pete Sutton is the MassDOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator. He is a big advocate of alternative transportation models and is Chairman of the Commonwealth’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee Paul Jahnige is the MA. DCR Director of Greenways and Trails. He is a wealth of information on the development of the MCRT.
Paul Jahnige is the MA. DCR Director of Greenways and Trails. He is a wealth of information on the development of the MCRT system.
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Golden Flora and Fauna of the Northampton Rail Trail Friday & Saturday
2:30 pm Union Station Parking Lot
Walking Tour
2 miles
90 minutes
Local naturalists and educators will lead this ride along the Northampton railtrail stopping often to explore and discuss the many natural habitats that thrive amidst this busy trail system
Laurie Sanders is the Co-Director of Historic Northampton in addition to being an awardwinning naturalist and community organizer. 18
Spike Union Station to Haydenville Friday only
2:30 pm
Union Station Parking Lot
Biking Tour
11 miles
3 hours
Join us on this 11 mile loop along the rail trail that crosses the villages of Florence, Leeds and Haydenville. The tour leader will describe the many partners who came together since 1985 to envision, fund and design one of the oldest segments of the trail system in MA.
Craig Della Penna is the volunteer coordinator of the MCRT Coalition and a nationally known advocate for repurposing abandoned railways for multi-purpose rail trails. Craig, a historian by training also owns a bed & breakfast on the Florence segment of the Northampton rail trail. 19
Conference Planning Committee
George Kohout, Friends of the Northampton Trails and Greenways
Craig Della Penna, MCRT Advisory Committee
Tom Kelleher, Assabet River Rail Trail
Kris Badertscher, Friends of the Northampton Trails and Greenways
Conference Steering Committee Colleen Abrams
Wachusett Greenways
Richard Barry
Wachusett Greenways
Jim Cassidy
Plainville Greenway Alliance
John Dieckmann
Belmont Community Path
Bruce Donald
East Coast Greenway
Richard Fries
MassBike
Cynthia Henshaw
East Quabbin Land Trust
Denis Ouimette
Ware
Peter Salamone
Plainville Greenway Alliance
Peter Sutton
Mass DOT
Rail Trail
Richard Williamson MARTAB Ed Yaglou
ISSUE 2
Wachusett Greenways
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