Open Cobble Mountain Road

Do you want to be able to enjoy the beauty of Cobble Mountain Road, which is located in Blandford yet unavailable for residents to access? You may have recently seen the information released by Josh Garcia, Blandford Town Administrator (see link below). Josh and our Selectmen are doing everything possible to open Cobble Mountain Road. On the Blandford Town website you will also see it is a designated emergency access road for the Blandford Residents and its surrounding communities therefore, it never should have been closed.

Access to this area has been severely restricted since 2002, due to concern of a terror attack that could jeopardize the safety of the Springfield water system. Of course, our community desires to maintain the safety of individuals everywhere and did not question this decision at the time. However, in recent years that decision has been revisited and does not seem to “hold water”.

Please review these facts to help guide your decision on this important matter.

Many other Massachusetts towns use their reservoirs as an opportunity to enrich the lives of their residents and encourage healthy outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and fishing. Some even stock their reservoirs to further encourage fishing and boating! Here is a list of just some of the reservoirs open in the surrounding area:

 Littleville

 Knightville

 Ludlow

 Wachusett

 Sudbury

 Ashley (no boating or fishing)

 Quabbin

You will notice Quabbin Reservoir, which provides Boston with water, is even on the list. Providing water to three million people and 40+ towns, it is the largest water supply in the United States and it is open to walkers, bikers, fishing (even at night with permit), boating, cross country skiing, snowmobile and automobiles on some roads as well. For more information please see their website below:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-watershed-public-access-maps#quabbin-reservoir-watershed-

The reopening of Cobble Mountain Road is a matter of public safety for the town of Blandford in addition to our access for recreation. In these uncertain times when we are safest staying local and outdoors this is a more urgent need than ever. By allowing access to this gem of the Hilltowns we are increasing the pride in our community. The people of Blandford value our community and its unique resources and look forward to working with the State Police to continue to ensure the safety of both the residents and the reservoir.

This petition is to support the opening of Cobble Mountain Road for the Emergency Management System and for recreational enjoyment, including walking, biking, and fishing.

Blandford Link: https://mailchi.mp/0cfca20d8f93/hello-blandford-60...

Please sign below to support the reopening of Cobble Mountain Road. In 30 days, this petition with signatures will be sent to Carol Gladstone, Commissioner of DCAM, Boston, MA.

Thank you for your support,

Pat Daviau