3 Public Forums: Exploring the Possibility of a National Forest Designation

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has hired the Massachusetts Office of Dispute Resolution & Public Collaboration (MODR) to conduct a series of focus groups with a broad range of stakeholders to explore a new model for a "family-forest based" National Forest designation in western Massachusetts.

Stakeholders including state and municipal officials, environmental organizations, recreational and sportsmen organizations, foresters, forest industry/wood producers, agricultural organizations, private landowners, land trust and conservation organizations are asked to attend these focus groups.

The purpose of the meetings will be to hear the thoughts, concerns and ideas of local citizens and to identify ways in which the public can be actively engaged in the exploration of the concept of a National Forest designation in Massachusetts.

Local Focus Group Meetings:
Monday, June 8, 2009, 10AM to Noon
Berkshire Community College

Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 10AM to Noon
Mass. College of Liberal Arts

Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 2pm to 4PM
Mass. College of Liberal Arts

Please RSVP by Tuesday, May 26th to Courtney Breese at MODR (617) 287-4046 or modr@umb.edu.

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