Dear Mr. Lambert,

I'm writing in response to your request for comments on the new DCR "Volunteer Policy" put forth on 2 March 2011. I have been working with other volunteers over the last 18 months to try to establish a friends group for the Harold Parker State Forest (http://www.FriendsofHaroldParker.org). Some very good and forward-looking DCR employees have been instrumental in catalyzing this effort and I'd like to give credit to Steve David (Park Supervisor) Bob Anderson (interpreter) and others in the DCR like Ray Faucher and Barbara Buls. They provided the initial impetus to get us organized, and have supported us at every step. We now have a group of about 65 volunteers interested in this effort, and had 4 good people ready to commit to becoming leaders of the organization until we met with a lawyer who told us of the risks of being an officer and director of an organization such as this without having adequate insurance, which could cost $2,000. Since then we've been in a 'catch-22': we can't proceed until we have insurance, and we can't raise the funds for insurance without starting an organization. We had been meeting monthly to find a workaround to this impasse, and have been told that the state is going to release their new Volunteer Policy which will provide a solution to this problem.

The Policy as drafted not only doesn't provide a solution, but it works in the opposite direction. It imposes on our fledgling friend's group the requirement that we have insurance, and that we idemnify the state! In addition, it imposes ridiculous administrative burdens to actually engage volunteers. (See the excellent and thorough review by the Forest and Park Friends Network). It is completely counter to the original intent of Governor Patrick's 2007 act (and the press about it) and it appears that the state's lawyers are doing what they can to keep volunteer groups from forming and helping the state parks. It is so far off the mark that it would take a complete rewrite to make it work for friends groups like ours.

Considering that it took almost 4 years since the original act for the state to write this draft, I'm left with a very hopeless feeling about the chance that we'll see a reasonable policy from the state anytime soon, and that the Friends of Harold Parker will wilt on the vine. This is such a shame, because the DCR needs good and active volunteers now more than ever. Such volunteers could provide much needed advocacy for the DCR. The state should foster the development of these volunteer groups, not discourage them such as your draft "Volunteer Policy" does.

Sincerely,
Matt Russell

Please join us at 7PM at REI in Reading.

Winter is such a great time to be outside! This is your chance to use those new skis or snowshoes and enjoy a family day of snowshoeing, skiing or simply walking in the snow at Harold Parker State Forest. Hike with a ranger at 12:00 and enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows! Come anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – meet at the pavilion on Middleton Rd., North Andover. A guided Wear hiking footwear; bring water and sunscreen as appropriate. Feel free to bring snowshoes/skis.

In view of the snowstorm, the meeting has been cancelled for January. The next meeting is on February 9 at 7PM - hope to see you there. Also, the Wednesday Walk is cancelled for tomorrow.

Barbara Buls, Northeast Regional Interpretive Coordinator for DCR, has written a beautiful account of hiking in the 'Golden Age of Childhood'. A printable PDF of this great story is attached below...

Studies show that diminishing light at this time of year can cause changes including decreased levels of serotonin (affecting mood) and melatonin (affecting sleep). Doctors suggest that one solution for this is to GET OUTSIDE during daylight hours, and exercise. Exercise alone can increase serotonin, giving a sense of well being. Combine these two at beautiful Harold Parker State Forest every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – 11:30. Meet at the headquarters at 305 Middleton Rd.

Had too much to eat for Thanksgiving? Come and burn it off and join us with New England Discovery’s Bob Metcalfe, an expert tracker who will lead us on a hike to investigate how wildlife prepares for winter. We will be looking for signs of wildlife as winter descends upon New England. Dress appropriately, wear warm clothing, hiking boots, and prepare to walk in the forest. Bring water and sunscreen as appropriate. Meet at park headquarters: 305 Middleton Rd., North Andover.

The Friends of Harold Parker continue to meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at REI, in Reading, MA. The group discusses a range of issues facing the state forest. Please come if you're interested in the future of the Harold Parker State Forest.

At the meeting at REI last Wednesday, July 14th, the group assembled discussed the issues of organizing as a 501 C3 non-profit. Due to the impracticalities of raising money for the necessary general liability and ”Officers & Directors” insurance (approx $2,000/yr), those in attendance decided that it would be best to put off the incorporation until such time that the Massachusetts DCR could provide some protection for those that would be involved. In the mean time, a continuing interest in Harold Park State Forest will be discussed at monthly meetings the second Wednesday of the month at the Reading REI. Until this issue is resolved, or someone from the group is willing to accept the responsibility of being an officer, there is no 'official' organization, and no officers of the group. Any meetings or activities will have to be hosted by the DCR, and Bob Anderson, Park Interpreter, thought that would not be a problem. (He is hosting the picnic this evening at 6:00 at the campground) This website will continue to provide updated information about the Friends' effort, so stay tuned.