Porcupine News

Club News
THINK SNOW!

Attention all outdoor enthusiasts! Hi Shutesbury and Leverett Friends Ive been notified that mountain bike and cross country skiers and their organized groups are chain sawing new trails on Cowls and other private land in Leverett Shutesbury. When an abutting landowner of ours asked a chain sawing mountain biker to stop cutting trees on his land, he was told that it was public land so it was ok. It would NOT be ok if it were public land, and it is not OK on private. How can we get the word out that Cowls does not allow any trail building on its land. We allow only the Porcupine Ridge Runners to maintain existing snowmobile trails. Trees are Cowls crop and we do not want them cut down by recreationists who enjoy use of our private property. In fact we are prepared to prosecute if our crops are destroyed or any of our forest resources are taken. Interestingly, one condition of our CR is that while we do allow recreation on our woods roads, no trails are allowed to be built or maintained on the Paul C. Jones Working Forest (except maintenance by F&W/Cowls permission on each occasion by the snowmobile clubs specific named representative). I dont know if you know the bikers and xcountry skiers and associations who cut trails on private land, or if you have a way of reaching all residents, but we would really appreciate your help getting the word out about this upsetting situation. Thanks in advance for your help. Cinda If you observe any of the above activity, please email land@cowls.com

Trail notes: If you happen to be riding to Wendell State Forest from Lake Wyola, please be advised that the old trail that crosses the Fiske Pond area is CLOSED, due to Conservation Department restrictions on motorized vehicle use. There are signs to that effect, as well as signs that direct you to the new trail adjacent to the Old Egypt Rd. We appreciate your cooperation on this matter.