Berlin Conservation Commission Sets ATV Enforcement Deadline, Advances Rail Trail Planning

BERLIN -- April 1, 2026, Berlin Conservation Commission moves toward Environmental Police referral for Allen Road ATV violators. At its April 1 meeting, the commission gave the owner of an Allen Road property, where ATVs and motorcycles have caused damage including destruction of a stand of mountain laurel and illegal wetland crossings, one final opportunity to engage before the case is forwarded to the Massachusetts Environmental Police, with a member warning that "school will be out, summer's coming and they have four wheelers and motorcycles." A separate Lancaster Road case will be addressed through a sub-quorum site visit by three members on a mutually agreed Saturday. On the rail trail front, a commission member reported that state Department of Conservation and Recreation staff, including Amber Kristofferson, have agreed to walk the proposed Phase 2 southern route through the Lester Ross DCR property on April 14, a step that could determine whether a costly overpass over Route 62 can be avoided. The member also disclosed that the Open Space Institute, a large Northeast land conservation nonprofit, has been in contact with CSX about purchasing railroad-owned property in Berlin needed to complete the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail corridor. The commission also confirmed the resignation of its chair effective May 13, with elections for a new chair and a Community Preservation Act representative scheduled for the May 6 meeting.