(Copied because the links only last for a limited time)
(This is House Proposed Bill No. 3856)
Cross country skiing eyed for Quabbin land
03/05/2004
By KIM RING
Springfield Republican
BOSTON - Cross country skiers could be taking to the woods around the Quabbin Reservoir when the snow falls next winter if a bill now before the state House of Representatives becomes law.
The bill, "An Act Relative to Cross Country Skiing at the Quabbin Reservoir" was released with a favorable report from the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means this week much to the delight of State Rep. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer, who filed the legislation. It now moves to the floor of the House for a vote and then, on to the state senate.
"They've always allowed snowshoeing but for some reason there's been a prohibition on cross country skiing," Gobi said. "I think at one time they were afraid they were going to get busloads of people skiing in there."
But, Gobi said, that isn't likely and she believes outdoor recreationists are respectful of the environment and wouldn't damage the area. Allowing cross country skiers onto the watershed property might also help with the policing of the area, said Gobi and state Rep. Reed V. Hillman, R-Sturbridge.
"It certainly puts more sets of eyes out there, looking around in that area," said Hillman, a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. "With homeland security, that's always good."
Hillman said he was in favor of the bill because it, "only makes sense that if snowshoes are allowed, then cross country skis should be, as well."
(This is House Proposed Bill No. 3856)
Cross country skiing eyed for Quabbin land
03/05/2004
By KIM RING
Springfield Republican
BOSTON - Cross country skiers could be taking to the woods around the Quabbin Reservoir when the snow falls next winter if a bill now before the state House of Representatives becomes law.
The bill, "An Act Relative to Cross Country Skiing at the Quabbin Reservoir" was released with a favorable report from the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means this week much to the delight of State Rep. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer, who filed the legislation. It now moves to the floor of the House for a vote and then, on to the state senate.
"They've always allowed snowshoeing but for some reason there's been a prohibition on cross country skiing," Gobi said. "I think at one time they were afraid they were going to get busloads of people skiing in there."
But, Gobi said, that isn't likely and she believes outdoor recreationists are respectful of the environment and wouldn't damage the area. Allowing cross country skiers onto the watershed property might also help with the policing of the area, said Gobi and state Rep. Reed V. Hillman, R-Sturbridge.
"It certainly puts more sets of eyes out there, looking around in that area," said Hillman, a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. "With homeland security, that's always good."
Hillman said he was in favor of the bill because it, "only makes sense that if snowshoes are allowed, then cross country skis should be, as well."
