Winter 2022
Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation staff has closely monitored the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest during 2021, per an agreement that was reached in June, 2021, between Sheriff’s Meadow and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (“DCR”).
Under the agreement, Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation conducted two types of monitoring. First, Sheriff’s Meadow completed a comprehensive survey of the entire forest to determine the locations of invasive plants. Second, Sheriff’s Meadow monitored the western half of the forest to determine whether trail closures were being observed, and if vegetation is growing back in. DCR staff conducted the same type of trail monitoring, only DCR monitored the eastern and southern parts of the forest. The trail monitoring occurred on a monthly basis for both Sheriff’s Meadow and DCR.
We can report that most trail closures are being respected by the public, and the trails are growing back in, especially in the western part of the forest that Sheriff’s Meadow monitored. While we found and mapped invasive plants in certain areas of the forest, the presence of these plants was not related to the creation and use of trails. Both Sheriff’s Meadow and DCR did observe a few problem areas where people have created new spur trails, or moved debris that was intended to block trails, or have otherwise ignored closure signs, and these areas will require continued attention. All data was recorded monthly and shared with DCR and the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program.
Land Steward Liz Loucks conducted most of the monitoring work on behalf of Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, with assistance provided by Lia Potter and Noah Froh. While the invasive plant survey is complete, the trail monitoring will continue on a monthly basis, per the agreement. Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation continues to enjoy a good working relationship with DCR and Natural Heritage.