Commission approves memorandum with New England Mountain Bike Association to support Sawmill Hills stewardship

The Northampton Conservation Commission on April 24 unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the local chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association to support trail maintenance, monitoring and limited improvements at the Sawmill Hills Greenway.

Sam, identified as the chapter president, described the group’s goals as organized trail maintenance, removal of unsafe or unauthorized features, and modest improvements such as boardwalks and bridges. He said the local chapter has about 200 members and that the group is a registered nonprofit; regional NEMBA has several thousand members across New England. The MOU allows NEMBA workdays and volunteer maintenance subject to staff oversight and excludes motorized vehicles.

Commissioners said they welcomed the partnership, noting it provides additional capacity for monitoring erosion, maintaining kiosks, and addressing user‑created features that harm resource areas. The MOU requires groups of more than 10 people to seek approval and does not automatically permit organized races or large competitive events. The commission voted in favor of the MOU on a roll call; the motion was moved by David and seconded by Paul.

Sarah said the city and NEMBA will work toward a city‑sanctioned map of trails in the area; commissioners observed that user‑generated mapping exists but that a more authoritative map would help in management and in evaluating changes to trail density. Commissioners also noted that e‑bikes and evolving bike technology raise site‑by‑site policy questions that could be addressed later as an addendum to the MOU.

The MOU establishes a formal partner to assist with stewardship and gives staff the authority to coordinate volunteer workdays and minor trail repairs, provided activities adhere to conservation objectives and exclude motorized vehicles.