The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a MassTrails Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The funding will be used to install additional seating along the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT), enhancing comfort and accessibility for trail users.

MassTrails grants are awarded by DCR to support the development, maintenance, and improvement of recreational and shared-use trails across the Commonwealth.

This grant will provide the majority of funding needed to install four new benches along the 2.8-mile stretch of the SNETT between Grove Street in Franklin and Center Street in Bellingham. The remaining funds will be provided by FBRTC and its generous community sponsors and donors.

“These new benches will greatly improve comfort and accessibility for all trail users,” said Darren McNamara, FBRTC President. “The most common feedback we’ve received is that the lack of seating made it difficult for some—particularly those with mobility challenges—to fully enjoy the trail. This project demonstrates how local advocacy groups like FBRTC can work hand-in-hand with state agencies to improve quality of life in our communities.”

FBRTC is a volunteer-led advocacy organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. Earlier this year, the committee played a key role in advocating for the use of Community Preservation Act funds in Franklin to purchase disused freight rail land—extending the SNETT by 1.75 miles into downtown Franklin. The group’s ongoing priorities include improving the Franklin–Bellingham section of the trail and advancing connectivity toward Blackstone.

FBRTC extends its sincere thanks to the Massachusetts DCR, as well as to state and local officials, sponsors, and donors who supported this successful grant application. Those interested in getting involved with FBRTC’s trail improvement and advocacy efforts are encouraged to contact fbrtcommittee@gmail.com.

With autumn colors just starting to show on the trail, come out and see us at 2 upcoming autumn festivals later this month! We will be at the Bellingham Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 20 and the Franklin Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 27. At both events, you will have a chance to enter to win a prize!

Last year, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) had prepared draft Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for several locations inside the Blackstone Complex.   The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) was one of the properties targeted for improvements.

Earlier this year, DCR posted the finalized version of the RMP for the SNETT on their website here.

The RMP covers the entire trail, from Franklin to Douglas. With regards to the portion of the trail that runs through Franklin, Bellingham and Blackstone (identified as the East Section in the report), there were the following items of interest:

Page 17 –  An opportunity exists to increase engagement with user groups and local communities to continue improving the SNETT.

Page 19 – The various property owners that need to be engaged on the portions of the trail West of South Main Street in Bellingham.

Page 33 – Improve trail signage and mile markers.

Page 34 – Install bike repair stations in Franklin & Bellingham, similar to what is currently in Blackstone.

Page 35 – Improve the trail from downtown Blackstone to South Main Street in Bellingham.  Work with the town or Franklin to extend the SNETT eastward.