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	Linking Trails and Communities along the East Branch of the Westfield River courtesy of the Westfield River Wild & Scenic Committee The Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee (WRW&SAC) announced the beginning of an exciting project that will link trails and communities along the East Branch of the Westfield River. The project stems from community support for an inventory of existing public trails sponsored by WRW&SAC last spring. WRW&SAC hopes to connect the unique geological, natural and historical features and link the communities through a regional trail network. The East Branch of the Westfield River is noted for its remarkable features, including Jacobıs Ladder Scenic Byway in Huntington, Windsor Jambs, Chesterfield Gorge and many of the historical and cultural features along the river corridor. The regional trail will link already existing trails in the Towns of Huntington, Chesterfield, Cummington, Windsor and Savoy. As a beginning phase, WRW&SAC will pilot the project along the East Branch in Huntington and Chesterfield. In cooperation with project partners, WRW&SAC hopes to have at least six (6) miles of existing trails incorporated as part of the East Branch Trail by the end of the 2003. "This trail will serve as a tangible link between Chesterfield Gorge and the public lands down river to Knightsville Dam. This reinforces the Gorges position as a gateway property to this area," said Jim Caffrey, Property Manager for The Trustees of Reservations in the Westfield River Basin and Windsor representative on the WRW&SAC. "I am very excited about the possibility of the trail connecting Chesterfield Gorge with other natural and historical features up and down the Westfield River. This will make for an exciting hike." The East Branch Trail Project will be a community-oriented project guided, designed and supported by local communities. WRW&SAC will partner with local towns, private landowners, non-profit land trusts, governmental land management agencies, and local residents to plan and implement the East Branch Trail. Dave Pardoe, a board member of the Westfield River Watershed Association and Huntington resident, believes, "The trail system will help build river and water awareness in very positive ways. This ambitious and well-planned project is just the kind of thing that will encourage many to get acquainted with and enjoy our beautiful river. Our Westfield River Watershed Association strongly supports this ongoing effort." This spring, WRW&SAC plans to hold a trail day and celebration to encourage the community to become involved with the East Branch Trail. "There will be many opportunities for community members to get involved and participate. We hope to make this a project that the entire community can contribute to and enjoy," said Westfield River Wild & Scenic Coordinator, Carrie Banks. If you would like to become involved in the East Branch Trail Project or would like further information, please contact Carrie Banks, Westfield River Wild & Scenic Coordinator at (413) 773-5031 or river_banks@hotmail.com.