Trail Blazers

Collaboration - Towns/Cities, State, and Non - Profits Collaboration involving the various jurisdic tions does not occur in a centralized manner. In other words, there is not one institution or committee facilitating the different (or overlapping) efforts of the towns, DCR, and non - profits. With a shrinking pool of dollars, each recreational site has lim ited resources – especially staff and equipment – to perform the required maintenance. Nevertheless, dedicated employees and members of the community ensure that some of Berkshire County's most famous postcards continue to be just that. Moreover, Berkshire County offer some of the best outdoor recreation options in the country (per square foot), despite the limited resources and struggles for funding.

Local government and non - profits collaborate through partnerships in local opportunities and issues on a c ase - by - case basis through participation in town meetings, forums and workshops, newsletters, and volunteering efforts. Community involvement from local residents is often the facilitating power or cohesive effort involving all parties. This type of collabo ration is not necessarily geared toward maintenance, but more so concerning environmental issues.

There are many steps being taken toward collaborative efforts, such as the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT, www.thebeatnews.org/ ), who keeps nearly everyone who is interested informed about any and all environmental issues affecting Berkshire County. BEAT works with both individual and organizational partners in order to spread the information, gain support , and accomplish a given mission. With increased environmental awareness, and direct impact in the local economy as a result of recreational options in the Berkshires, increased community and institutional participation may result in new organizations with similar approach to BEAT's, only geared toward maintenance that prevent issues