Please remember - leave only footprints - The Bear Hole Watershed is a sensitive ecosystem supporting and a back-up public water supply. Mittineague Park is a wonderful 330 acre asset enjoyed by all ages throughout the region year round.
Passive recreation within Bear Hole and Mittineague Park is strongly encouraged. The Town of West Springfield is very fortunate to have these two open areas encompassing over 1,900 acres. Most communities aren't so fortunate.
None of Nature's landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild. - Our National Parks, (1901)
Q: What is Bear Hole and why is it so significant?
Bear Hole, located within West Springfield, is an expansive woodland that encompasses much of the northwestern border between West Springfield, Holyoke and Westfield. Bear Hole Watershed is located within West Springfield, but the watershed is part of a tract that extends into the cities of Holyoke and Westfield. Westward, the watershed abuts Westfield as well as the active Lane Quarry. To the north is Holyoke and to the south the property line is located near the Bear Hole Pumping Station and abuts YMCA Camp Weber, a few residential neighborhoods and the Pioneer Valley Sportsman's Club. The majority of the watershed includes steep-sided valley walls, although the center of Bear Hole lies within a broad, brook valley along the Paucatuck Brook and extending north into Holyoke at Ashley Pond. A section of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, recognized in 2009 as part of the New England National Scenic Trail system, section 4 of the trail system is primarily located upon the ridge of East Mountain in Bear Hole, but section 3 is within the watershed's lower lying areas. East Mountain is located at the watershed's western boundary and continues north into Holyoke's McLean Reservoir Watershed. Bear Hole Reservoir, covering 20.63 acres of water surface area, went online as a public water supply in the early 1900s. In recent years Bear Hole has incurred infrastructure and water quality issues and is now considered a back-up water supply. The Bear Hole Pumping Station facility is not the original, which was washed out during the flood of August 1955 (Hurricane Diane) when the reservoir's original dam burst. The current facility is circa the mid 1950s and is old, simply outdated and dysfunctional. Keep in mind the reservoir's engineers of the 1900s never imagined it being operational as long as it has been. The reservoir has a distribution limit set by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and cannot supply all the town's water via the pumping station's three gravity fed sand and gravel aerated filter beds. See below the FAQ question....Is it true Bear Hole is no longer used as a water source? for more info.
The watershed's history, before it became a water supply watershed, extends back to the 1700s and probably earlier as it relates to human activity. There were farms accompanied by homesteads and a few mills along current day Millville Road. Mills along Paucatuck Brook on Millville include a hydraulic cement factory 1825-1831 at what's now known as Lost Pond, but also referenced as "Slate Pond" historically, which supplied cement for the Hampshire and Hampden Canal. Between Millville Road and current day Quarry Road, was the Bosworth Quarry during the 1840s, which was a supplier of stone for the Holyoke canals. Bosworth Quarry employed 40 men. The value of the stone quarried in 1845 was $60,000 and represented 79% of the building stone produced in the Connecticut Valley. $60,000 in 1845 is equivalent to almost $2 million in 2018. A railroad spur (track) lead in from the current day Pioneer Valley Railroad, into the quarry. Lane Quarry, a basalt quarry, used to be a part of East Mountain and the Massachusetts Turnpike, which intersects the watershed, used to not be there. Records of quarrying can be found dating to the 1600s. Bush's Notch was a shortcut between Westfield, West Springfield and the Ashley Pond area of Holyoke. The road more or less followed the current day Old Holyoke Road in Westfield onto Prospect Avenue in Bear Hole and branched off onto Millville Road. At current day Four Corners (intersection of Morgan Rd, Millville Road and Prospect Ave) was a farm, ruins which are visible today if you bushwhack to the left and right of the Millville gate. These current-day roadways traverse along the base of East Mountain much as they did in the 1800s. It is confirmed that Millville Road's route has not changed since the 1800s. So as you trek Millville, you are literally taking steps into the past.
Of course there was the well known Bear Hole Restaurant, which was located at the northern end of the actual reservoir and started in its infancy in the early 1800s before blossoming to what is seen in photos today. The Restaurant was not a "hotel". There was no lodging. It was a day use facility providing meals, picnic sites along Paucatuck Brook where clam bakes were not uncommon and row boats on a manmade pond that was created upstream on Paucatuck Brook. The brook was dammed creating the pond as well as a very picturesque waterfall. Bear Hole was not a thickly settled area by any means, but what did exist must have provided a challenging lifestyle within a wilderness area. Up until the late 1800s to early 1900s the reservoir as we know it today, did not exist. It was just a brook meandering through the woods. Land in Bear Hole was cheap, but living in the area created many obstacles to contend with such as wolves, the threat of attack from Native Americans and very rocky terrain, particularly in the northern areas, which means settlers had to remove stones to provide land for crops and pasture. Stones and boulders were managed by using Oxen. The stones were removed from the land when they surfaced through freeze/thaw cycles and were used to make stone walls. Farm fence wire found along Millville indicates sheep were pastured. Pasture extended above Lost Pond on East Mountain where stone walls and boundary markers can be explored.
In addition, of course there is the wildlife. The wildlife corridor technically extends from Provin Mountain in Agawam all the way up to Northampton if viewed via Google Earth. Unfortunately, the corridor is interrupted by roads. Because Bear Hole is part of such a large tract of wildlife habitat, you will not see lots of wildlife activity. All the creatures are spread out versus being concentrated. You can see deer, coyote, bear, raccoon, rabbit, turkey, beaver, otter and fox to name a few Bear Hole critters, amongst all sorts of amphibians and birds such as heron and hawks not to mention wildflowers, geological features and a variety of trees. There are also 51 certified vernal pools, which come alive each spring and provide vital habitat for sensitive creatures. Volunteers from the Environmental Committee researched and subsequently certified Bear Hole's vernal pools through the state's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Moose have also been known to venture onto East Mountain in Bear Hole, following the environmental corridor from north to south. A corridor like what Bear Hole is part of, according to MA Audubon, is a rare territory within an urban environment and therefore reinforces the area's significance and value. Bear Hole is part of a 12,000 acre tract running north/south that is already protected. Bear Hole is labeled as one of the most 10 intact forested landscapes in Massachusetts and hosts at least 24 species of rare plants and animals including 5 reptile species, 2 amphibian species, 4 butterfly/moths and 13 species of vascular plants. The landscape is currently protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution and several environmental themed laws / regulations.
Finally, modern day Bear Hole is well known for its passive recreation and is quite popular for hiking, dog walking and cross country running. The area offers upwards of 15 miles of trails over varying terrain. Some of the terrain is level, while other areas are mountainous, steep or swampy. Trails vary from service roads and old logging roads, ATV trails to foot paths. The area also supports educational initiatives. Bear Hole has transformed significantly since the Environmental Committee became engaged with the acreage in 2008. Bear Hole used to be a mecca for heavy duty illegal dumping, partying, drug dealing, target shooting, abandonment of stolen cars and off-roading. It has taken several years for Bear Hole to transform into what it is today. Although Bear Hole still has its issues, those issues are by no means as nearly as intense as several years ago. Bear Hole has become significantly cleaner, safer and more user friendly.
So when you consider what has been noted in the preceding about Bear Hole, plus everything that has not, Bear Hole is a very special place in more ways than one.
The watershed's history, before it became a water supply watershed, extends back to the 1700s and probably earlier as it relates to human activity. There were farms accompanied by homesteads and a few mills along current day Millville Road. Mills along Paucatuck Brook on Millville include a hydraulic cement factory 1825-1831 at what's now known as Lost Pond, but also referenced as "Slate Pond" historically, which supplied cement for the Hampshire and Hampden Canal. Between Millville Road and current day Quarry Road, was the Bosworth Quarry during the 1840s, which was a supplier of stone for the Holyoke canals. Bosworth Quarry employed 40 men. The value of the stone quarried in 1845 was $60,000 and represented 79% of the building stone produced in the Connecticut Valley. $60,000 in 1845 is equivalent to almost $2 million in 2018. A railroad spur (track) lead in from the current day Pioneer Valley Railroad, into the quarry. Lane Quarry, a basalt quarry, used to be a part of East Mountain and the Massachusetts Turnpike, which intersects the watershed, used to not be there. Records of quarrying can be found dating to the 1600s. Bush's Notch was a shortcut between Westfield, West Springfield and the Ashley Pond area of Holyoke. The road more or less followed the current day Old Holyoke Road in Westfield onto Prospect Avenue in Bear Hole and branched off onto Millville Road. At current day Four Corners (intersection of Morgan Rd, Millville Road and Prospect Ave) was a farm, ruins which are visible today if you bushwhack to the left and right of the Millville gate. These current-day roadways traverse along the base of East Mountain much as they did in the 1800s. It is confirmed that Millville Road's route has not changed since the 1800s. So as you trek Millville, you are literally taking steps into the past.
Of course there was the well known Bear Hole Restaurant, which was located at the northern end of the actual reservoir and started in its infancy in the early 1800s before blossoming to what is seen in photos today. The Restaurant was not a "hotel". There was no lodging. It was a day use facility providing meals, picnic sites along Paucatuck Brook where clam bakes were not uncommon and row boats on a manmade pond that was created upstream on Paucatuck Brook. The brook was dammed creating the pond as well as a very picturesque waterfall. Bear Hole was not a thickly settled area by any means, but what did exist must have provided a challenging lifestyle within a wilderness area. Up until the late 1800s to early 1900s the reservoir as we know it today, did not exist. It was just a brook meandering through the woods. Land in Bear Hole was cheap, but living in the area created many obstacles to contend with such as wolves, the threat of attack from Native Americans and very rocky terrain, particularly in the northern areas, which means settlers had to remove stones to provide land for crops and pasture. Stones and boulders were managed by using Oxen. The stones were removed from the land when they surfaced through freeze/thaw cycles and were used to make stone walls. Farm fence wire found along Millville indicates sheep were pastured. Pasture extended above Lost Pond on East Mountain where stone walls and boundary markers can be explored.
In addition, of course there is the wildlife. The wildlife corridor technically extends from Provin Mountain in Agawam all the way up to Northampton if viewed via Google Earth. Unfortunately, the corridor is interrupted by roads. Because Bear Hole is part of such a large tract of wildlife habitat, you will not see lots of wildlife activity. All the creatures are spread out versus being concentrated. You can see deer, coyote, bear, raccoon, rabbit, turkey, beaver, otter and fox to name a few Bear Hole critters, amongst all sorts of amphibians and birds such as heron and hawks not to mention wildflowers, geological features and a variety of trees. There are also 51 certified vernal pools, which come alive each spring and provide vital habitat for sensitive creatures. Volunteers from the Environmental Committee researched and subsequently certified Bear Hole's vernal pools through the state's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Moose have also been known to venture onto East Mountain in Bear Hole, following the environmental corridor from north to south. A corridor like what Bear Hole is part of, according to MA Audubon, is a rare territory within an urban environment and therefore reinforces the area's significance and value. Bear Hole is part of a 12,000 acre tract running north/south that is already protected. Bear Hole is labeled as one of the most 10 intact forested landscapes in Massachusetts and hosts at least 24 species of rare plants and animals including 5 reptile species, 2 amphibian species, 4 butterfly/moths and 13 species of vascular plants. The landscape is currently protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution and several environmental themed laws / regulations.
Finally, modern day Bear Hole is well known for its passive recreation and is quite popular for hiking, dog walking and cross country running. The area offers upwards of 15 miles of trails over varying terrain. Some of the terrain is level, while other areas are mountainous, steep or swampy. Trails vary from service roads and old logging roads, ATV trails to foot paths. The area also supports educational initiatives. Bear Hole has transformed significantly since the Environmental Committee became engaged with the acreage in 2008. Bear Hole used to be a mecca for heavy duty illegal dumping, partying, drug dealing, target shooting, abandonment of stolen cars and off-roading. It has taken several years for Bear Hole to transform into what it is today. Although Bear Hole still has its issues, those issues are by no means as nearly as intense as several years ago. Bear Hole has become significantly cleaner, safer and more user friendly.
So when you consider what has been noted in the preceding about Bear Hole, plus everything that has not, Bear Hole is a very special place in more ways than one.
Q: IS Bear Hole a safe place to visit?
Incidents of hard crime have been non-existent in recent years. Hard crime being incidents such as shootings, stabbings, murder and rape. More recent issues include bonfires, destruction of habitat, abuse by off road vehicles, illegal dumping, illegal hunting and arson of stolen or unwanted vehicles. The following are some incident highlights. As you'll read, the type of incidents from 2010 thru 2018 have evolved in terms of their severity. This evolution demonstrates how the property has positively evolved and continues to do so.
* On Monday, September 20, 2010 a vehicle was set ablaze (a felony in Massachusetts) at an isolated area on Great Plains Road near the junction of Morgan Road. The fire was reported by Massachusetts State Police on the Turnpike at approximately 10pm. The Turnpike parallels Great Plains and crosses Morgan. The vehicle was registered out of state. This incident is being labeled as suspicious while also being a rare incident of "hard crime" for Bear Hole.
* November 20, 2010 (Saturday) at 2pm, the West Springfield Fire Department received a report of a vehicle set ablaze. The location was within an isolated area adjacent to Lost Pond, which abuts Millville Road in Bear Hole and is closed to traffic. The fire ignited adjacent woodlands. The incident is being treated as suspicious while also considering the fact that vehicles are prohibited from traversing Millville. The Millville area in 2010 was a haven for off-road vehicles. If you are hiking or recreating within the Millville / Four Corners area and observe something that doesn't seem quite right to you, please call 911 from your cell phone. Of course video and/or photos are always helpful.
* On December 1, 2012, a West Springfield Environmental Committee member was hiking on East Mountain within Bear Hole and encountered a group of illegal hunters gutting a deer they had just shot. The hiker was able to ascertain enough information from the hunters so that West Springfield Police could investigate. Hunting within Bear Hole is not allowed.
* On December 12, 2012, a West Springfield Environmental Committee member was hiking within the northern section of Bear Hole and found a car abandoned on a trail. The car was subsequently reported to West Springfield Police, who later confirmed it had been stolen out of Springfield. The trail was relatively remote and due to this issue, the car was not removed until mid January 2013. The question arises, "how did it get in there?" Nobody knows for sure, but one of the area's issues as of this December date was poorly secured access points, sometimes due to abutting private property owners not deterring unwarranted vehicle activity. Another major issue in 2012 was breached gates, particularly at the Four Corners area.
* June 2014 a member of the Environmental Committee was trekking the gated end of Prospect and encountered an unusually large group of off-roaders. West Springfield Police was notified, responded in force and encountered a bold and less than receptive group. The out-of-town group was properly dealt with, with one individual being trespassed. He later returned and was arrested. This incident initiated a beefed up response by police, in collaboration with MA Environmental Police to reclaim the watershed from illegal off-roading, which had become an issue for decades. Off-roading not only degrades Bear Hole's wooded areas, but also creates a liability for the town and creates safety issues not only for the off roaders, but for people passively recreating who encounter the riders. Police report their initiative is making a difference and they have dealt with many off-roaders since starting in early June.
* April 2015 an elderly gentleman was found approx 8pm deceased in a deep mud pool on Millville Road in Bear Hole within the Holyoke section near the Pioneer Valley Railroad track, which abuts Ashley Reservoir Watershed. His Nissan sedan was in the puddle / pool and the body floating next to it. Young off-roaders made the discovery. West Springfield, Holyoke and State Police responded. The death is not being labeled as being foul play. Media sources incorrectly labeled the location being Ashley Pond or Ashley Reservoir or "in a pond" All are inaccurate. Holyoke drinking water was never at risk as Ashley Reservoir is upland from the site. Article #1 Article #2 WWLP broadcast coverage
* May 6, 2015 West Springfield Fire and Police Departments respond to a brush fire at Lost Pond in Bear Hole. The fire was relatively small, but appeared to have started from a bonfire the night prior that was not completely extinguished and the wind whipped up embers, which started the fire. The fire was reported by an Environmental Committee member out for a hike.
* Saturday, May 23, 2015 ATV riders entered the immediate reservoir area. They were operating at an excessive speed, poorly navigated a corner and one rider crashed into the Bear Hole reservoir. Police patrolling on mountain bikes were present within Bear Hole and were dispatched to the scene.
* Friday, May 29, 2015 West Springfield Police were patrolling Bear Hole via mountain bike and encountered a group of vehicles that had transported ATVs via trailers within the gated end of Prospect of Bear Hole. Vehicles / ATVs were towed and impounded. $300 citations issued for violation of Bear Hole ordinances. The riders came from nearby communities such as Springfield, Chicopee, Westfield and Holyoke.
* Sunday, January 24, 2016 a hiker trekking at Lost Pond observed two snow mobile trailers that had been burnt at the pond's bonfire site. West Springfield and Environmental Police notified. DPW also notified and removed all debris at the site.
* Friday, February 12, 2016 at 3:13pm a hiker on Great Plains encountered a Jeep Cherokee that had navigated illegally around barriers at the junction of Great Plains and Morgan Road. License plate info obtained and forwarded to the police.
* Thursday, February 16, 2016 a hiker on Great Plains witnessed two men target shooting at a tree not far from Morgan Road. Police, mayor and DPW notified as was Dan O'Brien, town councilor for that area. Discharging firearms on any town owned land is forbidden. This is quite dangerous due to hikers that frequent that area and vehicles using Morgan Road being not too far away. Wouldn't take much for a stray bullet to cross the road. This is a highly unusual incident.
* Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 1:12pm, a dog walker in Bear Hole encountered an SUV traveling illegally and at a high rate of speed, sometimes fish-tailing on the closed to traffic section of Great Plains Road in Bear Hole. The operator navigated around cement jersey barriers located at the intersection of Great Plains and Morgan Road. The vehicle unsuccessfully attempted to exit and hit a large, metal fence post, then returned to Great Plains and crashed into a service gate, destroying it. Hikers and dog walkers were almost hit due to the operator's antics. Hikers notified West Springfield Police, which responded with due force. 3 police SUVs. Police issued multiple $300 fines for violation of watershed ordinances and the vehicle was towed / impounded. The offender's vehicle sustained at least $1,000 worth of damage. See this link for more incident photos: BH SUV incident photos: March 8, 2016
* Spring of 2018, the town was utilizing trail cameras for surveillance due to trail destruction observed from full sized off-road vehicles. The spring of 2018 delivered typical muddy and wet trail conditions, which off-roaders enjoy. Several images of full sized vehicles trespassing were obtained, day and night. License plate images obtained. Police pursued and issued multiple $300 fines.
* Late January 2019 a hiker observed an abandoned red 1990s model Suzuki Sidekick below Lost Pond. License plate removed and soft top damaged. A week later the same hiker observed a group of young males at the vehicle trying to get it operable. Some time thereafter the vehicle was observed trying to exit at the Millville gate. The gate was locked as it always is. Photo obtained and the operator accelerated backwards fleeing witnesses. The vehicle proceeded up Millville and drove onto the railroad track descending back into Bear Hole via a Jeep trail. An obvious vehicle trespasser who did not care for people observing. The young male operator resides in West Springfield. Police, mayor and DPW notified.
People young and old explore and enjoy various areas of Bear Hole everyday without incident. Does the area have its issues? Absolutely! But the more people venture into Bear Hole and report illegal activities to police, the more illegal activities will be deterred. As of 2019 Bear Hole's incidents are nowhere near as intense as the 50s thru 90s and early 2000s. West Springfield Police and Massachusetts Environmental Police actively patrol the area and several citizens act as the area's eyes and ears. Patrols and civic involvement have made a huge positive impact.
Yes, it's safe. Always use common sense when exploring wild areas.
* On Monday, September 20, 2010 a vehicle was set ablaze (a felony in Massachusetts) at an isolated area on Great Plains Road near the junction of Morgan Road. The fire was reported by Massachusetts State Police on the Turnpike at approximately 10pm. The Turnpike parallels Great Plains and crosses Morgan. The vehicle was registered out of state. This incident is being labeled as suspicious while also being a rare incident of "hard crime" for Bear Hole.
* November 20, 2010 (Saturday) at 2pm, the West Springfield Fire Department received a report of a vehicle set ablaze. The location was within an isolated area adjacent to Lost Pond, which abuts Millville Road in Bear Hole and is closed to traffic. The fire ignited adjacent woodlands. The incident is being treated as suspicious while also considering the fact that vehicles are prohibited from traversing Millville. The Millville area in 2010 was a haven for off-road vehicles. If you are hiking or recreating within the Millville / Four Corners area and observe something that doesn't seem quite right to you, please call 911 from your cell phone. Of course video and/or photos are always helpful.
* On December 1, 2012, a West Springfield Environmental Committee member was hiking on East Mountain within Bear Hole and encountered a group of illegal hunters gutting a deer they had just shot. The hiker was able to ascertain enough information from the hunters so that West Springfield Police could investigate. Hunting within Bear Hole is not allowed.
* On December 12, 2012, a West Springfield Environmental Committee member was hiking within the northern section of Bear Hole and found a car abandoned on a trail. The car was subsequently reported to West Springfield Police, who later confirmed it had been stolen out of Springfield. The trail was relatively remote and due to this issue, the car was not removed until mid January 2013. The question arises, "how did it get in there?" Nobody knows for sure, but one of the area's issues as of this December date was poorly secured access points, sometimes due to abutting private property owners not deterring unwarranted vehicle activity. Another major issue in 2012 was breached gates, particularly at the Four Corners area.
* June 2014 a member of the Environmental Committee was trekking the gated end of Prospect and encountered an unusually large group of off-roaders. West Springfield Police was notified, responded in force and encountered a bold and less than receptive group. The out-of-town group was properly dealt with, with one individual being trespassed. He later returned and was arrested. This incident initiated a beefed up response by police, in collaboration with MA Environmental Police to reclaim the watershed from illegal off-roading, which had become an issue for decades. Off-roading not only degrades Bear Hole's wooded areas, but also creates a liability for the town and creates safety issues not only for the off roaders, but for people passively recreating who encounter the riders. Police report their initiative is making a difference and they have dealt with many off-roaders since starting in early June.
* April 2015 an elderly gentleman was found approx 8pm deceased in a deep mud pool on Millville Road in Bear Hole within the Holyoke section near the Pioneer Valley Railroad track, which abuts Ashley Reservoir Watershed. His Nissan sedan was in the puddle / pool and the body floating next to it. Young off-roaders made the discovery. West Springfield, Holyoke and State Police responded. The death is not being labeled as being foul play. Media sources incorrectly labeled the location being Ashley Pond or Ashley Reservoir or "in a pond" All are inaccurate. Holyoke drinking water was never at risk as Ashley Reservoir is upland from the site. Article #1 Article #2 WWLP broadcast coverage
* May 6, 2015 West Springfield Fire and Police Departments respond to a brush fire at Lost Pond in Bear Hole. The fire was relatively small, but appeared to have started from a bonfire the night prior that was not completely extinguished and the wind whipped up embers, which started the fire. The fire was reported by an Environmental Committee member out for a hike.
* Saturday, May 23, 2015 ATV riders entered the immediate reservoir area. They were operating at an excessive speed, poorly navigated a corner and one rider crashed into the Bear Hole reservoir. Police patrolling on mountain bikes were present within Bear Hole and were dispatched to the scene.
* Friday, May 29, 2015 West Springfield Police were patrolling Bear Hole via mountain bike and encountered a group of vehicles that had transported ATVs via trailers within the gated end of Prospect of Bear Hole. Vehicles / ATVs were towed and impounded. $300 citations issued for violation of Bear Hole ordinances. The riders came from nearby communities such as Springfield, Chicopee, Westfield and Holyoke.
* Sunday, January 24, 2016 a hiker trekking at Lost Pond observed two snow mobile trailers that had been burnt at the pond's bonfire site. West Springfield and Environmental Police notified. DPW also notified and removed all debris at the site.
* Friday, February 12, 2016 at 3:13pm a hiker on Great Plains encountered a Jeep Cherokee that had navigated illegally around barriers at the junction of Great Plains and Morgan Road. License plate info obtained and forwarded to the police.
* Thursday, February 16, 2016 a hiker on Great Plains witnessed two men target shooting at a tree not far from Morgan Road. Police, mayor and DPW notified as was Dan O'Brien, town councilor for that area. Discharging firearms on any town owned land is forbidden. This is quite dangerous due to hikers that frequent that area and vehicles using Morgan Road being not too far away. Wouldn't take much for a stray bullet to cross the road. This is a highly unusual incident.
* Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 1:12pm, a dog walker in Bear Hole encountered an SUV traveling illegally and at a high rate of speed, sometimes fish-tailing on the closed to traffic section of Great Plains Road in Bear Hole. The operator navigated around cement jersey barriers located at the intersection of Great Plains and Morgan Road. The vehicle unsuccessfully attempted to exit and hit a large, metal fence post, then returned to Great Plains and crashed into a service gate, destroying it. Hikers and dog walkers were almost hit due to the operator's antics. Hikers notified West Springfield Police, which responded with due force. 3 police SUVs. Police issued multiple $300 fines for violation of watershed ordinances and the vehicle was towed / impounded. The offender's vehicle sustained at least $1,000 worth of damage. See this link for more incident photos: BH SUV incident photos: March 8, 2016
* Spring of 2018, the town was utilizing trail cameras for surveillance due to trail destruction observed from full sized off-road vehicles. The spring of 2018 delivered typical muddy and wet trail conditions, which off-roaders enjoy. Several images of full sized vehicles trespassing were obtained, day and night. License plate images obtained. Police pursued and issued multiple $300 fines.
* Late January 2019 a hiker observed an abandoned red 1990s model Suzuki Sidekick below Lost Pond. License plate removed and soft top damaged. A week later the same hiker observed a group of young males at the vehicle trying to get it operable. Some time thereafter the vehicle was observed trying to exit at the Millville gate. The gate was locked as it always is. Photo obtained and the operator accelerated backwards fleeing witnesses. The vehicle proceeded up Millville and drove onto the railroad track descending back into Bear Hole via a Jeep trail. An obvious vehicle trespasser who did not care for people observing. The young male operator resides in West Springfield. Police, mayor and DPW notified.
People young and old explore and enjoy various areas of Bear Hole everyday without incident. Does the area have its issues? Absolutely! But the more people venture into Bear Hole and report illegal activities to police, the more illegal activities will be deterred. As of 2019 Bear Hole's incidents are nowhere near as intense as the 50s thru 90s and early 2000s. West Springfield Police and Massachusetts Environmental Police actively patrol the area and several citizens act as the area's eyes and ears. Patrols and civic involvement have made a huge positive impact.
Yes, it's safe. Always use common sense when exploring wild areas.
Q: Are there trail maps of Bear Hole and Mittineague park?
As of early 2019 the town posted an informal map at the Bear Hole Road parking area, but generalized maps can also be found online via mountain biking and trail running websites. In 2018 the town mapped many of Bear Hole's trails and color coded (blazed) a few around the immediate reservoir area. White, red, yellow and orange. November 2018 the town published an online map. An even more comprehensive, non color coded map of Bear Hole and Mittineague Park is also available via Open Street Maps. Creating an account allows a more detailed view by zooming in / panning. AllTrails has a mobile app that tracks you live through your phone's GPS and offers several other features that helps to make your trek more enjoyable. Bear Hole, Mittineague Park and other locations nationwide. Using an app like this gives trail users confidence they won't get lost as you can backtrack using the app to where you started. You see your location live.
Social app SnapChat also tracks your location live as well as highlighting where your SnapChat friends may be on the trails. SnapChat's trail mapping for Bear Hole is comprehensive.
Feel free to go to the "Contact Us" link and send an e-mail if you need trail suggestions.
Social app SnapChat also tracks your location live as well as highlighting where your SnapChat friends may be on the trails. SnapChat's trail mapping for Bear Hole is comprehensive.
Feel free to go to the "Contact Us" link and send an e-mail if you need trail suggestions.
Q: Are there bears in Bear Hole and Mittineague Park? What type of wildlife is in the area?
Yes, there are black bear in Bear Hole. You should be aware they're within the watershed, which extends to the ridge of East Mountain. It's a toss-up if you'll encounter a black bear in Bear Hole. In 2017 and 2018 there have been several bear encounters in Bear Hole, sometimes including cubs.
Bears traverse Mittineague Park, but unlike Bear Hole, which provides the proper habitat for bears to den, Mittineague Park does not offer that amenity. Bears in the park are usually passing through foraging for food. If you encounter a black bear, DO NOT run. Instead back away slowly with your arms raised and speak in a soothing voice. Nine times out of ten, when a bear sees you in the woods, it will run in the opposite direction or up a tree. Black bear weight ranges from 125 to 500 pounds with females weighing between 90 and 300 pounds on average. If you happen to encounter a black bear mother and her cubs, remember, a mother bear with cubs is at its most aggressive state. They are highly dedicated to their cubs wellbeing and will attack humans as well as dogs or any other creature viewed as a threat. With or without cubs, you NEVER want to place a bear in a situation where it feels cornered with no or limited means of escape.
Particularly during spring, for safety reasons, it is wise to hike with a partner.
Other wildlife in Bear Hole and the park include coyote, bobcat, herons, owls, otter, fox, white tailed deer, wild turkey and beaver.
Bears traverse Mittineague Park, but unlike Bear Hole, which provides the proper habitat for bears to den, Mittineague Park does not offer that amenity. Bears in the park are usually passing through foraging for food. If you encounter a black bear, DO NOT run. Instead back away slowly with your arms raised and speak in a soothing voice. Nine times out of ten, when a bear sees you in the woods, it will run in the opposite direction or up a tree. Black bear weight ranges from 125 to 500 pounds with females weighing between 90 and 300 pounds on average. If you happen to encounter a black bear mother and her cubs, remember, a mother bear with cubs is at its most aggressive state. They are highly dedicated to their cubs wellbeing and will attack humans as well as dogs or any other creature viewed as a threat. With or without cubs, you NEVER want to place a bear in a situation where it feels cornered with no or limited means of escape.
Particularly during spring, for safety reasons, it is wise to hike with a partner.
Other wildlife in Bear Hole and the park include coyote, bobcat, herons, owls, otter, fox, white tailed deer, wild turkey and beaver.
Q: Is it true Bear Hole is no longer used as a water source?
Yes and No. Bear Hole Reservoir is still an active water back-up drinking water supply and has not been officially decommissioned. Currently it is a "back-up water supply". If you walk down to the Bear Hole Pumping Station and there is no water in the filter beds, the system is offline or a particular filter bed is not being used. If there is water coming from filter tank aerators, the system is active. If a filter tank is full of water, but no water coming from aerators, that particular tank is on stand-by. State regulations mandate that Bear Hole cannot supply water 24hrs/day.
Bear Hole's demise as an active everyday use drinking water source began in the fall 2009 and continued through to September 1, 2010. The system was offline due to pending routine maintenance such as replacing gaskets and repairing aerators. On September 22, 2010 it was confirmed with the DPW that Bear Hole was back online as a drinking water supply after being offline for 1 year. May 2011 the Committee was informed that due to a severe water main leak located on the hill in front of the Bear Hole Pumping Station, the reservoir was offline as a water source. 20 gallons of water were leaking per minute. 900,000 gallons per month. The pipes and valves that had been leaking since summer or fall 2010 and as of fall 2012, the leaks were repaired. The pipe / valves of issue actively transports water from the town's Southwick Wells to homes throughout West Springfield. As of March 2012 the Bear Hole Pumping Station remains off-line due to extensive damage the filter beds incurred during the winter of 2010-2011. However a large water main up hill from the pumping station is still active. There are two distribution water mains in Bear Hole. Two 12 inch pipes and a 24 inch.
June 2019, according to the Water Division of the West Springfield Department of Public Works, Bear Hole, if fully operational, could provide a maximum of 1 million gallons of water per day as is mandated by MA DEP, which equals 25% West Springfield's water use. This limit is also known as a "safe yield". As of June 2016, West Springfield uses between 3.5 million and 4.5 million gallons of water per day. Peak use has been 6.5 million gallons. Three of the 9 top commercial water users in town includes Bondi's Island, Agri-Mark and the Eastern States Exposition, which collectively consume 750,000 gallons per day. Bear Hole Reservoir has a capacity to hold 9 million gallons within its 20.63 acres of water surface area and is treated via a gravity fed sand filtration system with onsite chlorination. In contrast, Bear Hole's northerly neighbor, McLean Reservoir in Holyoke, has a 365 million gallon capacity, yielding .5 million gallons daily for public consumption. Ashley Reservoir, also Bear Hole's northerly neighbor, has a 795 million gallon capacity and can yield 2.1 million gallons per day. Quabbin Reservoir has a 412 billion gallon capacity and Wachusett Reservoir 65 billion. As of 2014 the MA Department of Environmental Protection has mandated the town act what it will do with Bear Hole's water infrastructure. June 2016 the W Springfield DPW Water Division classifies Bear Hole as a back-up water supply with "sub-par" water quality. This MA DEP mandate situation does not threaten Bear Hole's wild lands. If Bear Hole was activated during an urgent situation, a boil order provision would be mandated. The pumping station is in severe disrepair and would require substantial financial resources to overhaul (see proceeding paragraph).
As of June 2016, the state's Water Management Act, due to anticipated forthcoming water use limitations from the Act, which would limit the volume of water drawn from the town's Southwick well-fields, the town could consider reactivating Bear Hole to make up the difference, but according to the the W Springfield DPW Water Division, the sand filtration beds would not be used. The pumping station would be upgraded to use a modern treatment method, such as osmosis. Reactivating Bear Hole is a hypothetical possibility and would require a financial commitment of several million dollars to upgrade the reservoir's infrastructure. Summer 2019 the town is exploring Bear Hole's hydrology to determine if a well-field in Bear Hole could be viable for drinking water. There is a lot to be considered for a well-field including water quality and volume. If this project became reality, it would be 6 or more years away, The year 2025 or 2026 at the earliest.
The Environmental Committee is unaware if / when the pumping station will be active again. So is Bear Hole currently being used for water? NO. Could it be used? YES, if infrastructure was repaired and updated with modern technology. The DPW labels Bear Hole reservoir as inefficient and outdated. Currently, when Bear Hole is offline, our drinking water originates from the town's "Southwick Wells", as well as what is purchased from the City of Springfield. (source of information: West Springfield Water Dept)
Bear Hole's demise as an active everyday use drinking water source began in the fall 2009 and continued through to September 1, 2010. The system was offline due to pending routine maintenance such as replacing gaskets and repairing aerators. On September 22, 2010 it was confirmed with the DPW that Bear Hole was back online as a drinking water supply after being offline for 1 year. May 2011 the Committee was informed that due to a severe water main leak located on the hill in front of the Bear Hole Pumping Station, the reservoir was offline as a water source. 20 gallons of water were leaking per minute. 900,000 gallons per month. The pipes and valves that had been leaking since summer or fall 2010 and as of fall 2012, the leaks were repaired. The pipe / valves of issue actively transports water from the town's Southwick Wells to homes throughout West Springfield. As of March 2012 the Bear Hole Pumping Station remains off-line due to extensive damage the filter beds incurred during the winter of 2010-2011. However a large water main up hill from the pumping station is still active. There are two distribution water mains in Bear Hole. Two 12 inch pipes and a 24 inch.
June 2019, according to the Water Division of the West Springfield Department of Public Works, Bear Hole, if fully operational, could provide a maximum of 1 million gallons of water per day as is mandated by MA DEP, which equals 25% West Springfield's water use. This limit is also known as a "safe yield". As of June 2016, West Springfield uses between 3.5 million and 4.5 million gallons of water per day. Peak use has been 6.5 million gallons. Three of the 9 top commercial water users in town includes Bondi's Island, Agri-Mark and the Eastern States Exposition, which collectively consume 750,000 gallons per day. Bear Hole Reservoir has a capacity to hold 9 million gallons within its 20.63 acres of water surface area and is treated via a gravity fed sand filtration system with onsite chlorination. In contrast, Bear Hole's northerly neighbor, McLean Reservoir in Holyoke, has a 365 million gallon capacity, yielding .5 million gallons daily for public consumption. Ashley Reservoir, also Bear Hole's northerly neighbor, has a 795 million gallon capacity and can yield 2.1 million gallons per day. Quabbin Reservoir has a 412 billion gallon capacity and Wachusett Reservoir 65 billion. As of 2014 the MA Department of Environmental Protection has mandated the town act what it will do with Bear Hole's water infrastructure. June 2016 the W Springfield DPW Water Division classifies Bear Hole as a back-up water supply with "sub-par" water quality. This MA DEP mandate situation does not threaten Bear Hole's wild lands. If Bear Hole was activated during an urgent situation, a boil order provision would be mandated. The pumping station is in severe disrepair and would require substantial financial resources to overhaul (see proceeding paragraph).
As of June 2016, the state's Water Management Act, due to anticipated forthcoming water use limitations from the Act, which would limit the volume of water drawn from the town's Southwick well-fields, the town could consider reactivating Bear Hole to make up the difference, but according to the the W Springfield DPW Water Division, the sand filtration beds would not be used. The pumping station would be upgraded to use a modern treatment method, such as osmosis. Reactivating Bear Hole is a hypothetical possibility and would require a financial commitment of several million dollars to upgrade the reservoir's infrastructure. Summer 2019 the town is exploring Bear Hole's hydrology to determine if a well-field in Bear Hole could be viable for drinking water. There is a lot to be considered for a well-field including water quality and volume. If this project became reality, it would be 6 or more years away, The year 2025 or 2026 at the earliest.
The Environmental Committee is unaware if / when the pumping station will be active again. So is Bear Hole currently being used for water? NO. Could it be used? YES, if infrastructure was repaired and updated with modern technology. The DPW labels Bear Hole reservoir as inefficient and outdated. Currently, when Bear Hole is offline, our drinking water originates from the town's "Southwick Wells", as well as what is purchased from the City of Springfield. (source of information: West Springfield Water Dept)
Q: Does logging / timber harvests occur in Bear Hole? Does it happen in Mittineague Park?
Different answers for both properties.
Yes, logging or what's known as timber harvests have occurred in Bear Hole for decades on a rotating basis. According to Mary Wigmore, owner of Wigmore Forest Resource Management, the town's forester for Bear Hole, the last harvest was done in 2004 around the immediate reservoir area. As of 2014 there are initiatives in motion to ensure that harvesting will not occur in Bear Hole or if it does it would be highly selective. It's a change in current day environmental thinking. Years ago thinking was that harvesting Bear Hole allowed for a healthier forest. Current thinking is that a mature forest promotes many environmental benefits, such as long term carbon storage and supports "carbon sequestration" initiatives. Carbon sequestration is also known as geo-engineering. Basically what this means is that large mature forests act as vaults per se with sucking and storing dangerous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change. There are programs available to land owners that reward them for maintaining an intact forest.
As of 2014, West Springfield pursued taking advantage of such a program for Bear Hole and Mittineague Park. In April 2018, West Springfield Town Council voted to officially participate in the the Massachusetts Carbon Credit Program. The program is a joint venture with Westfield and Holyoke. This program results in West Springfield being paid $300,000 over a ten year period for keeping its Bear Hole and Mittineague Park forests intact. The town locks in via contract with Bluesource, a global vendor of carbon credits. Minimal timber harvesting is allowed, but nothing is planned for either property. If a harvest was scheduled it would be for Bear Hole and take place within a section of white pines abutting the residential section of Bear Hole Road. In essence, this program puts a stop to traditional Bear Hole harvests.
We are unaware of a timber harvest occurring in Mittineague Park since the town has owned the land.
Yes, logging or what's known as timber harvests have occurred in Bear Hole for decades on a rotating basis. According to Mary Wigmore, owner of Wigmore Forest Resource Management, the town's forester for Bear Hole, the last harvest was done in 2004 around the immediate reservoir area. As of 2014 there are initiatives in motion to ensure that harvesting will not occur in Bear Hole or if it does it would be highly selective. It's a change in current day environmental thinking. Years ago thinking was that harvesting Bear Hole allowed for a healthier forest. Current thinking is that a mature forest promotes many environmental benefits, such as long term carbon storage and supports "carbon sequestration" initiatives. Carbon sequestration is also known as geo-engineering. Basically what this means is that large mature forests act as vaults per se with sucking and storing dangerous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change. There are programs available to land owners that reward them for maintaining an intact forest.
As of 2014, West Springfield pursued taking advantage of such a program for Bear Hole and Mittineague Park. In April 2018, West Springfield Town Council voted to officially participate in the the Massachusetts Carbon Credit Program. The program is a joint venture with Westfield and Holyoke. This program results in West Springfield being paid $300,000 over a ten year period for keeping its Bear Hole and Mittineague Park forests intact. The town locks in via contract with Bluesource, a global vendor of carbon credits. Minimal timber harvesting is allowed, but nothing is planned for either property. If a harvest was scheduled it would be for Bear Hole and take place within a section of white pines abutting the residential section of Bear Hole Road. In essence, this program puts a stop to traditional Bear Hole harvests.
We are unaware of a timber harvest occurring in Mittineague Park since the town has owned the land.
Q: Who should I call if I witness suspicious activity at Bear hole or mittineague park?
Please call the West Springfield Police Department at 413-263-3210.
Emergencies and urgent matters call 911. More details you can give the dispatcher, the better. Vehicle and/or person description, nature of the problem, license plate info and your location are essential. Cell phone callers not knowing their location when calling 911 can be tracked via GPS/satellite tracking at the state police barracks in Northampton, which is where first contact for all cellular 911 calls are handled for our area. The state police will then transfer your call to West Springfield Police and relay any pertinent info, such as your location.
Emergencies and urgent matters call 911. More details you can give the dispatcher, the better. Vehicle and/or person description, nature of the problem, license plate info and your location are essential. Cell phone callers not knowing their location when calling 911 can be tracked via GPS/satellite tracking at the state police barracks in Northampton, which is where first contact for all cellular 911 calls are handled for our area. The state police will then transfer your call to West Springfield Police and relay any pertinent info, such as your location.
Q: I have heard about a trail maintenance crew for Mittineague Park and Bear Hole. What is this and how do I join?
The park's trail maintenance crew came into existence in August 2011 under cooperation of the West Springfield Park and Recreation Department.
West Springfield was hit hard with various storms in 2011, which left many of Mittineague Park's trails impassable due to tree debris. Various other trail issues had come to surface as well. Todd Steglinski of the Environmental Committee, in conjunction with Park / Recreation, formed the Mittineague Park Trail Maintenance Crew to help address many of the park's trail issues, which the DPW does not have the resources to handle.
The program has expanded into Bear Hole under the authority of the Department of Public Works.
The volunteer crew, as of February 2012, worked in excess of 100 volunteer trail maintenance hours. Not bad for just 6 months of service and it also demonstrates the volume of attention the park's trails necessitated. Removing tree debris, trash, graffiti, cutting back brush and removing general trail hazards demanded the most hours.
The lack of snow during the winter of 2011-2012 allowed the crew to stay active during months that would normally not be conducive to trail works.
Volunteers supply their own equipment such as trash bags, chainsaws and fuel, shovels etc.. In 2013 the crew volunteered 107 hours of trail maintenance in Mittineague Park and to a lesser degree in Bear Hole. 2014 delivered 360.25 volunteer hours. 323.25 in Mittineague Park and 37 hours in Bear Hole. 2015 delivered 368.5 volunteer hours. 284.75 in Mittineague Park and 83.75 in Bear Hole. 2016 equaled approximately 263 total hours with 220 for the park and 38.75 for Bear Hole. 2017 delivered 137.25 in the park and 86.25 in Bear Hole (223.5 total). 2018 equaled 153.5 total, 76.5 in the park and 62.75 Bear Hole. Crew volunteers also assisted with 14.25 hours outside the park and Bear Hole including at Robinson State Park in Agawam (work authorized by MA DCR), as well as along the town's Lagodich canoe/kayak launch and river walk and a vacant town owned wooded property on Amostown Road. Annual hours vary depending on the volume of work needing to be accomplished, volunteer availability and how much the town assists with land management. Ages of volunteers range from high school students to senior citizens. Volunteer commitment is based on your availability. Some volunteers help once a year, while others on a more consistent basis.
* If you'd like more info or would like to join up, please e-mail Todd at WSGSD@comcast.net or Vicky Connor, Director of Park and Recreation vconnor@west-springfield.ma.us
West Springfield was hit hard with various storms in 2011, which left many of Mittineague Park's trails impassable due to tree debris. Various other trail issues had come to surface as well. Todd Steglinski of the Environmental Committee, in conjunction with Park / Recreation, formed the Mittineague Park Trail Maintenance Crew to help address many of the park's trail issues, which the DPW does not have the resources to handle.
The program has expanded into Bear Hole under the authority of the Department of Public Works.
The volunteer crew, as of February 2012, worked in excess of 100 volunteer trail maintenance hours. Not bad for just 6 months of service and it also demonstrates the volume of attention the park's trails necessitated. Removing tree debris, trash, graffiti, cutting back brush and removing general trail hazards demanded the most hours.
The lack of snow during the winter of 2011-2012 allowed the crew to stay active during months that would normally not be conducive to trail works.
Volunteers supply their own equipment such as trash bags, chainsaws and fuel, shovels etc.. In 2013 the crew volunteered 107 hours of trail maintenance in Mittineague Park and to a lesser degree in Bear Hole. 2014 delivered 360.25 volunteer hours. 323.25 in Mittineague Park and 37 hours in Bear Hole. 2015 delivered 368.5 volunteer hours. 284.75 in Mittineague Park and 83.75 in Bear Hole. 2016 equaled approximately 263 total hours with 220 for the park and 38.75 for Bear Hole. 2017 delivered 137.25 in the park and 86.25 in Bear Hole (223.5 total). 2018 equaled 153.5 total, 76.5 in the park and 62.75 Bear Hole. Crew volunteers also assisted with 14.25 hours outside the park and Bear Hole including at Robinson State Park in Agawam (work authorized by MA DCR), as well as along the town's Lagodich canoe/kayak launch and river walk and a vacant town owned wooded property on Amostown Road. Annual hours vary depending on the volume of work needing to be accomplished, volunteer availability and how much the town assists with land management. Ages of volunteers range from high school students to senior citizens. Volunteer commitment is based on your availability. Some volunteers help once a year, while others on a more consistent basis.
* If you'd like more info or would like to join up, please e-mail Todd at WSGSD@comcast.net or Vicky Connor, Director of Park and Recreation vconnor@west-springfield.ma.us
Q: You're involved with recycling efforts, who should I contact to learn more?
Over a decade ago the town had no formal recycling program. The Environmental Committee was instrumental with convincing the town to initiate a program. The Department of Public Works currently manages the recycling program. From time to time, the Committee offers suggestions. March 2013 the Environmental Committee endorsed the town's interest with switching to single stream municipal waste recycling, which is now being used quite successfully.
See this link for more info: Town of West Springfield Recycling
See this link for more info: Town of West Springfield Recycling
Q: How much junk has been removed from Bear Hole since you've started your clean-up events?
In the Fall 2008, June 2009, Fall 2009 and Spring 2010, Spring 2011 we did large clean-ups. Summer of 2015 we removed in excess of 1 ton total of junk, primarily from Millville Road, Morgan Road and Prospect within Bear Hole.
March 2012 had Americorps visiting Bear Hole where they conducted an extensive clean-up of the Morgan Road, Prospect, Millville and Lost Pond watershed areas. The DPW assisted by providing dump trucks and a backhoe. Since 2012 we have conducted numerous other clean-ups, particularly in Bear Hole because that's where the need is, but also in Mittineague Park and at the town's Lagodich kayak and canoe launch park located off Riverdale Street. We also randomly pick-up loose litter throughout the watershed and parklands. Most of the Bear Hole's bulk debris appears to belong to contractors or people from surrounding communities who don't want to pay to dispose of their waste, so they dump illegally. Household items have included computer monitors, furniture and appliances. It's suspected many, but not all of these homeowners are from out of town.
What has been removed from Mittineague Park is mostly junk that had been in the park's woods for several decades. On a few isolated occasions modern day dumping is discovered or party sites from teens are remediated.
As of August 2015 over 20 tons of debris have been tallied for Bear Hole. Since 2015 illegal dumping tonnage has varied tremendously from one year to another and is becoming less common while the town is becoming more proactive with pursuing violators and people become more observant reporting incidents to police. The DPW also routinely removes junk on their own. General litter pick-up is often conducted within Mittineague Park. 2018 Bear Hole dumping is almost non existent. Litter that includes chip bags, beverage bottles and similar is common.
March 2012 had Americorps visiting Bear Hole where they conducted an extensive clean-up of the Morgan Road, Prospect, Millville and Lost Pond watershed areas. The DPW assisted by providing dump trucks and a backhoe. Since 2012 we have conducted numerous other clean-ups, particularly in Bear Hole because that's where the need is, but also in Mittineague Park and at the town's Lagodich kayak and canoe launch park located off Riverdale Street. We also randomly pick-up loose litter throughout the watershed and parklands. Most of the Bear Hole's bulk debris appears to belong to contractors or people from surrounding communities who don't want to pay to dispose of their waste, so they dump illegally. Household items have included computer monitors, furniture and appliances. It's suspected many, but not all of these homeowners are from out of town.
What has been removed from Mittineague Park is mostly junk that had been in the park's woods for several decades. On a few isolated occasions modern day dumping is discovered or party sites from teens are remediated.
As of August 2015 over 20 tons of debris have been tallied for Bear Hole. Since 2015 illegal dumping tonnage has varied tremendously from one year to another and is becoming less common while the town is becoming more proactive with pursuing violators and people become more observant reporting incidents to police. The DPW also routinely removes junk on their own. General litter pick-up is often conducted within Mittineague Park. 2018 Bear Hole dumping is almost non existent. Litter that includes chip bags, beverage bottles and similar is common.
Q: I hear a lot about Bear Hole's history, particularly the "bear's den". What can you tell me about all this?
Bear Hole is rich in history. The "Bear Hole Restaurant" and "Massasoit Spring" existed from the mid 1800s until around 1900, which is when Bear Hole was taken by eminent domain for the purpose of being a public water supply. The restaurant was an impressive two story open air wood timber pavilion style structure constructed over Paucatuck Brook and existed for roughly 30 years. The restaurant proved to be quite successful due in part because America's industrialization was growing and people sought a way to escape city life. A caretaker's house, carriage house / horse stable was located up hill from the restaurant glen along the ridge above Paucatuck Brook. Cellars of the structures are quite visible. Bear Hole Restaurant existed during the same era as the Eyrie House Hotel (1861-1901) and on the tail end of the Mt Tom Summit Houses' existence (1897-1929), as well as Mountain Park in Holyoke (1894-1987). At the end of the Bear Hole Restaurant era at the turn of the century, the town demolished the restaurant's buildings and drained an adjacent man-made pond. There was indeed a bear that was part of the restaurant. It was a three legged bear from the Adirondacks. Today, a few pictures of the area, an old chimney, cellar wells, the shadows of stone dams within a stream, remnants of Massasoit Spring and of the bear's den are all that remain.
"Massasoit Spring", a natural water spring, if looking at the chimney in the glen of the restaurant, was off the to the far right within a notch-like area in the hillside. The water reportedly was quite pure and reported to have healing properties. A recent independent lab analysis conducted by the West Springfield Historical Commission, confirms the same....excellent purity. Water is potable. There was a pavilion-like structure where containers could be filled for a nominal fee. Water was also bottled and sold in Springfield. The pavilion no longer exists, but the spring still flows through an underground man-made aqueduct / canal type of system dating to the 1800s that drains into Paucatuck Brook. The water is ice cold year round. The area of the spring is quite swampy and wet.
In the Four Corners area there were farms and down Millville Road a complex of mills existed along the stream and what's known today as "Lost Pond". "Great Plains Road" in Bear Hole had farms. Due to it being so expansive and flat, it's how the name Great Plain came to be. Land in Bear Hole during the 1800s was cheap, which attracted immigrants who left their home country to settle a country where land was abundant and affordable. The Bosworth Quarry was also in the area hence the street name "Quarry Road". All our historical information is derived from the town's historian and other historical resources. If you want to learn more, please e-mail us. Please refer to the first FAQ question, "What is Bear Hole and why is it significant?" for more detailed historical info.
"Massasoit Spring", a natural water spring, if looking at the chimney in the glen of the restaurant, was off the to the far right within a notch-like area in the hillside. The water reportedly was quite pure and reported to have healing properties. A recent independent lab analysis conducted by the West Springfield Historical Commission, confirms the same....excellent purity. Water is potable. There was a pavilion-like structure where containers could be filled for a nominal fee. Water was also bottled and sold in Springfield. The pavilion no longer exists, but the spring still flows through an underground man-made aqueduct / canal type of system dating to the 1800s that drains into Paucatuck Brook. The water is ice cold year round. The area of the spring is quite swampy and wet.
In the Four Corners area there were farms and down Millville Road a complex of mills existed along the stream and what's known today as "Lost Pond". "Great Plains Road" in Bear Hole had farms. Due to it being so expansive and flat, it's how the name Great Plain came to be. Land in Bear Hole during the 1800s was cheap, which attracted immigrants who left their home country to settle a country where land was abundant and affordable. The Bosworth Quarry was also in the area hence the street name "Quarry Road". All our historical information is derived from the town's historian and other historical resources. If you want to learn more, please e-mail us. Please refer to the first FAQ question, "What is Bear Hole and why is it significant?" for more detailed historical info.
Q: What about other areas and environmental issues in town?
In early 2010 the committee focused on utility line maintenance within wooded areas of Mittineague Park's peninsula that was to be done by Western Massachusetts Electric (WMECO, now known as Eversource. Committee members conducted a site walking tour with town and WMECO officials, attended a hearing at town hall regarding the project, monitored the project's environmental impact as it was in progress and worked with the town's Conservation Officer as needed. The Environmental Committee was instrumental with influencing WMECO to change its access plan to the peninsula as an effort to preserve critical habitat and prevent a hard scar on the landscape.
Beginning in July 2012 the concept of the proposed "dog park" that was being planned near the horseshoe courts within Mittineague Park as well as other proposed improvements at the "Santa's House / Fife Lane" areas and at the Unico building. As of 2014 the town received a state grant to pursue these projects. We monitored as was needed. The horseshoe court site was abandoned due to wetland issues. In 2018 it was broadly being considered to place the dog park in the park's greenhouse meadow, known as Meadow #1. The Environmental Committee in collaboration with the West Springfield Garden Club opposed this site. This site was abandoned in part due to wetland and habitat issues and of course civic activism. Summer of 2018 the dog park project seems to have been sidelined due to logistical issues.
Santa's House on Fife Lane was replaced in 2014, replacing the original 1976 structure known as the Ezekiel Day House. Funding for a new Santa's House came from a bequest to the West Springfield Garden Club, whom purchased the Amish built replacement structure. Although not an environmental issue, it was a project we supported as it is an amenity to Mittineague Park, which we are a proponent of.
During the Fall of 2010, we collaborated with the West Springfield Parks and Recreation Department regarding vandalism, possible illegal hunting and ATV activity within Mittineague Park. We also conducted a Mittineague park clean-up in November 2010 comprised of 13 volunteers who removed various bulk items, as well as up to 30 large trash bags of everyday litter, including dozens of plastic beverage bottles and aluminum cans, all of which were recycled.
April 16, 2011 the Environmental Committee assisted in organizing "Clean-Up West Springfield Day", an Earth Day themed event, that had 100+ volunteers focus on 15 public locations throughout town that needed removal of litter and bulk debris. Five tons of debris were recovered. Since 2011 we continue to co-sponsor and coordinate this annual event, resulting in tons of debris being removed from public and wooded areas. Are there other environmental issues in town to focus on? Yes..absolutely. We focus on what we can based on the resources at our disposal on a case by case basis. We have a good working relationship with the town's Conservation Commission.
October 2018 after years of lobbying, town officials mandated that Eversource Electric, formerly Western Massachusetts Electric, replace a deteriorating brook crossing within Mittineague Park's Hillcrest section. The crossing that parallels the power lines was suffering from severe erosion and collapse of side supports holding up dirt at the crossing. The washout material was washing into the brook. So not only was this an environmental impact issue, but also safety for hikers using the crossing. We attended and spoke-up at the 2018 Conservation Commission hearing for this project regarding project logistics. Blu Roc construction of Hadley, under contract by Eversource, completed the rehabilitation, which included digging out the entire defunct crossing and rebuilding, which now includes side rails to help ensure human safety as the drop from the top to the brook below is noteworthy. By early winter 2019 work was complete. Blu Roc was able to take advantage of mild fall and winter weather to expedite the project. In addition to this crossing rehab, the service road leading in from the Hillcrest service gate was rehabbed, which included better access over an intermittent stream embedded within the road.
2018 the Environmental Committee monitors the town's mis-management of the Mittineague Park meadows. Half of which were being routinely mowed like a golf course. Cutting so short destroys meadow habitat. Our concerns have been brought forth to the town, whom has been less than receptive with proper management recommended by Mass Wildlife. The meadows when properly managed support an array of wildlife large and small (deer, fox, coyotes etc..), birds, insects, wild flowers and more. It's a complex habitat. The town's excuse for mowing as they are is purely for aesthetics.
* Our main focus is Bear Hole Watershed, though as of 2011 we became more involved with Mittineague Park and in October 2014 an extensive tire removal was conducted at Lagodich Park located along Riverdale Street. At least 100 tires were manually removed from the Connecticut River abutting the park's beach. Remnants from when the park was a go-cart race track. The tires were used as bumper-like guardrails. When the facility closed decades ago, the landowner dumped the tires in the river where they remained until 2014. We have monitored Lagodich since 2014 conducting small clean-ups as needed and the area is one of several sites targeted every spring for Clean-Up West Springfield Day.
During the summer of 2018 we also monitored the purchase and clean-up of 70 acres of private land along Morgan Road and Prospect in Bear Hole. The acreage was purchased by the town from Earl Tessier using Community Preservation Act funds. The land will add to Bear Hole's acreage.
Beginning in July 2012 the concept of the proposed "dog park" that was being planned near the horseshoe courts within Mittineague Park as well as other proposed improvements at the "Santa's House / Fife Lane" areas and at the Unico building. As of 2014 the town received a state grant to pursue these projects. We monitored as was needed. The horseshoe court site was abandoned due to wetland issues. In 2018 it was broadly being considered to place the dog park in the park's greenhouse meadow, known as Meadow #1. The Environmental Committee in collaboration with the West Springfield Garden Club opposed this site. This site was abandoned in part due to wetland and habitat issues and of course civic activism. Summer of 2018 the dog park project seems to have been sidelined due to logistical issues.
Santa's House on Fife Lane was replaced in 2014, replacing the original 1976 structure known as the Ezekiel Day House. Funding for a new Santa's House came from a bequest to the West Springfield Garden Club, whom purchased the Amish built replacement structure. Although not an environmental issue, it was a project we supported as it is an amenity to Mittineague Park, which we are a proponent of.
During the Fall of 2010, we collaborated with the West Springfield Parks and Recreation Department regarding vandalism, possible illegal hunting and ATV activity within Mittineague Park. We also conducted a Mittineague park clean-up in November 2010 comprised of 13 volunteers who removed various bulk items, as well as up to 30 large trash bags of everyday litter, including dozens of plastic beverage bottles and aluminum cans, all of which were recycled.
April 16, 2011 the Environmental Committee assisted in organizing "Clean-Up West Springfield Day", an Earth Day themed event, that had 100+ volunteers focus on 15 public locations throughout town that needed removal of litter and bulk debris. Five tons of debris were recovered. Since 2011 we continue to co-sponsor and coordinate this annual event, resulting in tons of debris being removed from public and wooded areas. Are there other environmental issues in town to focus on? Yes..absolutely. We focus on what we can based on the resources at our disposal on a case by case basis. We have a good working relationship with the town's Conservation Commission.
October 2018 after years of lobbying, town officials mandated that Eversource Electric, formerly Western Massachusetts Electric, replace a deteriorating brook crossing within Mittineague Park's Hillcrest section. The crossing that parallels the power lines was suffering from severe erosion and collapse of side supports holding up dirt at the crossing. The washout material was washing into the brook. So not only was this an environmental impact issue, but also safety for hikers using the crossing. We attended and spoke-up at the 2018 Conservation Commission hearing for this project regarding project logistics. Blu Roc construction of Hadley, under contract by Eversource, completed the rehabilitation, which included digging out the entire defunct crossing and rebuilding, which now includes side rails to help ensure human safety as the drop from the top to the brook below is noteworthy. By early winter 2019 work was complete. Blu Roc was able to take advantage of mild fall and winter weather to expedite the project. In addition to this crossing rehab, the service road leading in from the Hillcrest service gate was rehabbed, which included better access over an intermittent stream embedded within the road.
2018 the Environmental Committee monitors the town's mis-management of the Mittineague Park meadows. Half of which were being routinely mowed like a golf course. Cutting so short destroys meadow habitat. Our concerns have been brought forth to the town, whom has been less than receptive with proper management recommended by Mass Wildlife. The meadows when properly managed support an array of wildlife large and small (deer, fox, coyotes etc..), birds, insects, wild flowers and more. It's a complex habitat. The town's excuse for mowing as they are is purely for aesthetics.
* Our main focus is Bear Hole Watershed, though as of 2011 we became more involved with Mittineague Park and in October 2014 an extensive tire removal was conducted at Lagodich Park located along Riverdale Street. At least 100 tires were manually removed from the Connecticut River abutting the park's beach. Remnants from when the park was a go-cart race track. The tires were used as bumper-like guardrails. When the facility closed decades ago, the landowner dumped the tires in the river where they remained until 2014. We have monitored Lagodich since 2014 conducting small clean-ups as needed and the area is one of several sites targeted every spring for Clean-Up West Springfield Day.
During the summer of 2018 we also monitored the purchase and clean-up of 70 acres of private land along Morgan Road and Prospect in Bear Hole. The acreage was purchased by the town from Earl Tessier using Community Preservation Act funds. The land will add to Bear Hole's acreage.
Q. How many acres is Mittineague Park and what is the land's history?
Mittineague Park is 330 acres, which includes the 2018 acquisition of the 2.34 acre Altamont Ave property, which includes a historic house and expansive lawn.
Mittineague Park was mostly woodland and farm until the town acquired acreage over several years. The prominent farm on the acreage was the Aschenbach Farm, located along Fife Lane and with frontage along RT 20 (Westfield Street). Aschenbach family was from either Germany or Poland. The farm house was located behind the current day Santa's House. The farm was quite old dating back to the era of George Washington (1700s). There were likely different owners over the centuries. Aschenbach did not show up on land maps until 1894. The farm had livestock, apple trees and vegetables. The park's current day meadows were a mix of pasture and crops when the farm was in operation.
The park started becoming a park around 1933/ 1934 beginning at the current day baseball fields and tennis court area (Churchill property - see more below). The Aschenbach acreage was acquired by the town March 1962. As of February 1962, a land survey map shows 68.5 acres belonging to Henry Aschenbach and Robert Ashbrook extending from Route 20 / Westfield Street to the Boston and Albany Railroad tracks. Between December 17, 1934 and September 1937, John C. Robinson, whom Robinson State Park is named after, relinquished ownership of 71.6 acres (also known as Tract 4 as of this date according to land deed mapping) of what is now known as Mittineague Park's Peninsula to the Commonwealth and over 106 acres opposite the railroad tracks abutting current day Laurel Road, Rhodes Avenue and Crest Avenue. September 1963 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts forwarded land ownership of the park's Hillcrest section and peninsula to the town. At approximately this timeframe a golf course was under consideration at Mittineague Park and this acreage was to be added to it. Margaret Ganley owned 43+ acres abutting current day Hazel Street and Adrian Avenue, which she relinquished ownership to John Robinson in February of 1922. Now parkland. Harriette Puffer owned over 61 acres abutting current day Churchill Road, which ownership was transferred to West Springfield between 1933/ January 1934. December 1933 over 54 acres owned by Charles Churchill, which he owned since 1896 and 1897, was obtained by the town. This was the first section of the park as-is mentioned in the preceding. After the 1960s Aschenbach land acquisition, the large Aschenbach farm house was demolished, but not before some of the house's infrastructure was salvaged.
1935 land ownership map shows that the American Writing Paper Company operated a dam that spanned between current day Mittineague Park and Robinson State Park. The company owned approximately three narrow acres sandwiched between the railroad tracks and Westfield River. Near the park's farthest meadow near the railroad track there is a boulder at an overlook high point and below you can see a cement house-like structure opposite the railroad tracks. That building was the dam's gate house. The dam washed out during a river flooding event and was never rebuilt. It is possible the original dam was made of wood.
The major contributors to the park's current acreage include: Aschenbach, Charles Churchill, Harriette Puffer, Margaret Ganley, John C Robinson, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the American Writing Paper Company.
The park abuts the Westfield River, which is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. Most of the park's terrain was carved 15,000 to 20,000 years ago when the Laurentide Ice Sheet receded and Lake Hitchcock glacial lake drained. Native American people reportedly used the area of the park up until 400 years ago. The park at one time supported the site of an archeological dig due to Native American presence.
The prominent brook traversing the park is Block Brook and CSX railroad tracks are located at the park's perimeter and are quite active. The park has three historic stone bridges, constructed under the Works Progress Administration (aka WPA program). The park has supported an array of amenities that have come and gone over the decades. Ranging from a ski hill, skating rink, swimming hole at the stone bridge area and a wildlife education building that used to be located across from the current day tennis courts. The building used to house animals found in the park. A section of the park's trails supported an exercise course, remains which still exist today albeit defunct....made of old utility poles in the park's Tatham section of trails. Back in the 1990s a golf course was being proposed for the park, although both proponents and opponents gave an excellent battle supporting their interests, in the end the opponents won-out.
The park's peninsula, located opposite the railroad tracks, once supported a railroad track for the Feeding Hills Line railroad, operated by the Central Western Railroad beginning in 1899. An abutment is still present in the river and other supports on the park's peninsula for what was an impressive lattice style bridge. Abutments still visible on the park's peninsula and in Robinson State Park in Agawam. The bridge was constructed by the Phoenix Bridge Company of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania and operational by 1899. The bridge had its first train September 8, 1902. The line went defunct by 1938 and the lattice structure bridge spanning the Westfield River was dismantled to support the WWII scrap metal drive in the 1940s. Prior to removal, the bridge had old railcars parked, which reportedly hobos took-up residence. When in operation the track connected to what was the Boston and Albany railroad tracks, current day CSX tracks. By 1938, when the rail-line ceased operation, the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad operated the line at that time.
In January 1940 the Massachusetts Department of Conservation, Division of Parks (current day DCR) in cooperation with the United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, had a blueprint of a campground within Mittineague Park's Tatham section at the end of Hillcrest Avenue, which includes the parks peninsula. The plan was updated in July 1940. At this time the state owned land would have supported camping by tent and camping trailers. Would have been an entry point along RT 20 near current day Laurel Road with a road leading to the camping areas. The landscape at that time was predominately woodlands. A bridge would have likely spanned the Westfield River into Robinson State Park.
Mittineague Park was mostly woodland and farm until the town acquired acreage over several years. The prominent farm on the acreage was the Aschenbach Farm, located along Fife Lane and with frontage along RT 20 (Westfield Street). Aschenbach family was from either Germany or Poland. The farm house was located behind the current day Santa's House. The farm was quite old dating back to the era of George Washington (1700s). There were likely different owners over the centuries. Aschenbach did not show up on land maps until 1894. The farm had livestock, apple trees and vegetables. The park's current day meadows were a mix of pasture and crops when the farm was in operation.
The park started becoming a park around 1933/ 1934 beginning at the current day baseball fields and tennis court area (Churchill property - see more below). The Aschenbach acreage was acquired by the town March 1962. As of February 1962, a land survey map shows 68.5 acres belonging to Henry Aschenbach and Robert Ashbrook extending from Route 20 / Westfield Street to the Boston and Albany Railroad tracks. Between December 17, 1934 and September 1937, John C. Robinson, whom Robinson State Park is named after, relinquished ownership of 71.6 acres (also known as Tract 4 as of this date according to land deed mapping) of what is now known as Mittineague Park's Peninsula to the Commonwealth and over 106 acres opposite the railroad tracks abutting current day Laurel Road, Rhodes Avenue and Crest Avenue. September 1963 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts forwarded land ownership of the park's Hillcrest section and peninsula to the town. At approximately this timeframe a golf course was under consideration at Mittineague Park and this acreage was to be added to it. Margaret Ganley owned 43+ acres abutting current day Hazel Street and Adrian Avenue, which she relinquished ownership to John Robinson in February of 1922. Now parkland. Harriette Puffer owned over 61 acres abutting current day Churchill Road, which ownership was transferred to West Springfield between 1933/ January 1934. December 1933 over 54 acres owned by Charles Churchill, which he owned since 1896 and 1897, was obtained by the town. This was the first section of the park as-is mentioned in the preceding. After the 1960s Aschenbach land acquisition, the large Aschenbach farm house was demolished, but not before some of the house's infrastructure was salvaged.
1935 land ownership map shows that the American Writing Paper Company operated a dam that spanned between current day Mittineague Park and Robinson State Park. The company owned approximately three narrow acres sandwiched between the railroad tracks and Westfield River. Near the park's farthest meadow near the railroad track there is a boulder at an overlook high point and below you can see a cement house-like structure opposite the railroad tracks. That building was the dam's gate house. The dam washed out during a river flooding event and was never rebuilt. It is possible the original dam was made of wood.
The major contributors to the park's current acreage include: Aschenbach, Charles Churchill, Harriette Puffer, Margaret Ganley, John C Robinson, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the American Writing Paper Company.
The park abuts the Westfield River, which is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. Most of the park's terrain was carved 15,000 to 20,000 years ago when the Laurentide Ice Sheet receded and Lake Hitchcock glacial lake drained. Native American people reportedly used the area of the park up until 400 years ago. The park at one time supported the site of an archeological dig due to Native American presence.
The prominent brook traversing the park is Block Brook and CSX railroad tracks are located at the park's perimeter and are quite active. The park has three historic stone bridges, constructed under the Works Progress Administration (aka WPA program). The park has supported an array of amenities that have come and gone over the decades. Ranging from a ski hill, skating rink, swimming hole at the stone bridge area and a wildlife education building that used to be located across from the current day tennis courts. The building used to house animals found in the park. A section of the park's trails supported an exercise course, remains which still exist today albeit defunct....made of old utility poles in the park's Tatham section of trails. Back in the 1990s a golf course was being proposed for the park, although both proponents and opponents gave an excellent battle supporting their interests, in the end the opponents won-out.
The park's peninsula, located opposite the railroad tracks, once supported a railroad track for the Feeding Hills Line railroad, operated by the Central Western Railroad beginning in 1899. An abutment is still present in the river and other supports on the park's peninsula for what was an impressive lattice style bridge. Abutments still visible on the park's peninsula and in Robinson State Park in Agawam. The bridge was constructed by the Phoenix Bridge Company of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania and operational by 1899. The bridge had its first train September 8, 1902. The line went defunct by 1938 and the lattice structure bridge spanning the Westfield River was dismantled to support the WWII scrap metal drive in the 1940s. Prior to removal, the bridge had old railcars parked, which reportedly hobos took-up residence. When in operation the track connected to what was the Boston and Albany railroad tracks, current day CSX tracks. By 1938, when the rail-line ceased operation, the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad operated the line at that time.
In January 1940 the Massachusetts Department of Conservation, Division of Parks (current day DCR) in cooperation with the United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, had a blueprint of a campground within Mittineague Park's Tatham section at the end of Hillcrest Avenue, which includes the parks peninsula. The plan was updated in July 1940. At this time the state owned land would have supported camping by tent and camping trailers. Would have been an entry point along RT 20 near current day Laurel Road with a road leading to the camping areas. The landscape at that time was predominately woodlands. A bridge would have likely spanned the Westfield River into Robinson State Park.
Q. When I'm in Bear Hole i often hear gun shots....should I be concerned?
Bear Hole abuts the Pioneer Valley Sportsman's Club, which is geographically located near the Bear Hole Pumping Station. If looking at the station's front, the Club is behind the building up hill and to the left a far distance. You are in no danger if on Bear Hole's trails. Section 3 of the New England Scenic Trail traverses the Club area, but navigates away from the shooting range. Because the immediate reservoir area is situated within a valley, gun shots from the Club echo. The valley acts as a funnel for sound and propels it for miles. Because the Massachusetts Turnpike and Lane Quarry splits Bear Hole, you will not hear Sportsman's Club gun shots echo to "Bear Hole North" / East Mountain areas. If gun shots are heard within this area, notify West Springfield Police with as much detailed information as possible. Hunting and target shooting is prohibited on all town owned land.
Q. Why can't I ride my ATV, dirt bike or full sized vehicle at bear hole or mittineague park trails?
The Town of West Springfield government leaders have established regulations pertaining to Bear Hole and Mittineague Park. The West Springfield Environmental Committee does not create or authorize rules or fines for either property. Regulations have been established to help ensure the landscape's well-being and the public's safety. Although not all riders are malicious, over the decades there have been several instances of habitat destruction and inducing erosion, particularly ATVs ripping up wetlands and vernal pools and blazing through the woods off-trail, ATV and dirt bike riders riding irresponsibly where public safety is at risk, ATV and dirt bike riders operating unregistered vehicles, and full sized vehicles (SUVs, Jeeps and pick-ups) also destroying habitat and scarring the landscape with deep ruts and promoting erosion. Operators of full sized vehicles have also blazed through all sorts of barricades and pulled up gates. Both groups have had negative encounters with police, at times being belligerent and threatening. Riders also present highly abrasive and condescending comments on FaceBook regarding riding in West Springfield. This inclusive tract record with the ATV, dirt bike and full sized vehicle (OHV) riding community has tarnished their image considerably with town officials and the community at-large, which has helped reinforce prohibiting these groups from park and Bear Hole trails.
The least destructive and lower level safety issue of the riding enthusiasts in the park and Bear Hole have been snowmobilers. Although they are not authorized, we do admit...they do a nice job grooming trails for passive use during the winter.
For Bear Hole especially....there are several zones that are part of habitat for endangered and threatened wildlife. This wildlife at times utilize trails as part of their migratory route. When people see them, they can tactfully walk around, but motorized vehicles could lead to mortality.
2018 the mayor and an advisory committee welcomed the Patriots All Terrain Club to propose a riding plan for Bear Hole. The group's presentation was informative, but as of early 2019 the proposal appears stuck in neutral. The Club's plan was to sanction riding within Bear Hole north, the Millville, East Mountain areas. Since the West Springfield presentation, the Club presented to the City of Westfield since Westfield owns small sections of East Mountain within Bear Hole and riding would overlap into the city. That proposal also is stuck in neutral. Years ago the Environmental Committee met with officials from the police and DPW to consider authorizing riding in select areas of Bear Hole. The idea was ill-received.
In 2018-2019 the town is also pursuing a Conservation Restriction for Bear Hole, likely having MA Audubon and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as the front-runners. West Springfield will still own Bear Hole, but with oversight from outside entities that contribute large sums of money to help ensure conservation land stays as such. Organizations that join the initiative for Bear Hole, influence how the land is used and managed, as does input from the public and government officials. To learn more about Audubon's conservation restriction program, visit this link www.massaudubon.org/get-involved/conserve-land/conserve-your-land
It is well understood that there are few places within the immediate Springfield area to ride legally and that many trails in West Springfield were created by these user groups over several decades. Few places to legally ride is in large part for reasons listed in the preceding. It's just not West Springfield that has had issues with these user groups. It is unfortunate that a handful of bad riders ruin it for the majority. Please visit the two links below and visit the Patriot All Terrain Club's FACEBOOK page and connect with them for riding opportunities.
www.mass.gov/service-details/find-a-state-park-ohv-riding-trail and patriotsatvutvclub.ridetrails.org/
Can call the mayor's office at 495-1844 to discuss Bear Hole or Parks/Recreation - Director Vicky Connor 263-3284 regarding Mittineague Park.
The least destructive and lower level safety issue of the riding enthusiasts in the park and Bear Hole have been snowmobilers. Although they are not authorized, we do admit...they do a nice job grooming trails for passive use during the winter.
For Bear Hole especially....there are several zones that are part of habitat for endangered and threatened wildlife. This wildlife at times utilize trails as part of their migratory route. When people see them, they can tactfully walk around, but motorized vehicles could lead to mortality.
2018 the mayor and an advisory committee welcomed the Patriots All Terrain Club to propose a riding plan for Bear Hole. The group's presentation was informative, but as of early 2019 the proposal appears stuck in neutral. The Club's plan was to sanction riding within Bear Hole north, the Millville, East Mountain areas. Since the West Springfield presentation, the Club presented to the City of Westfield since Westfield owns small sections of East Mountain within Bear Hole and riding would overlap into the city. That proposal also is stuck in neutral. Years ago the Environmental Committee met with officials from the police and DPW to consider authorizing riding in select areas of Bear Hole. The idea was ill-received.
In 2018-2019 the town is also pursuing a Conservation Restriction for Bear Hole, likely having MA Audubon and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as the front-runners. West Springfield will still own Bear Hole, but with oversight from outside entities that contribute large sums of money to help ensure conservation land stays as such. Organizations that join the initiative for Bear Hole, influence how the land is used and managed, as does input from the public and government officials. To learn more about Audubon's conservation restriction program, visit this link www.massaudubon.org/get-involved/conserve-land/conserve-your-land
It is well understood that there are few places within the immediate Springfield area to ride legally and that many trails in West Springfield were created by these user groups over several decades. Few places to legally ride is in large part for reasons listed in the preceding. It's just not West Springfield that has had issues with these user groups. It is unfortunate that a handful of bad riders ruin it for the majority. Please visit the two links below and visit the Patriot All Terrain Club's FACEBOOK page and connect with them for riding opportunities.
www.mass.gov/service-details/find-a-state-park-ohv-riding-trail and patriotsatvutvclub.ridetrails.org/
Can call the mayor's office at 495-1844 to discuss Bear Hole or Parks/Recreation - Director Vicky Connor 263-3284 regarding Mittineague Park.
monthly contributionThis photo taken April 2013 of an illegal Bear Hole - East Mountain off-roader. Photo c/o a hiker acting as eyes and ears, who forwarded to police and issued a fine. License plate visible at the front. Vehicle owner was a West Springfield resident who at the time lived near St Thomas School in West Springfield. One of Bear Hole's biggest assets is its many users who observe and report. |
West Springfield Environmental Committee
PO Box 261
West Springfield, MA 01090
e-mail: wsgsd@comcast.net
PO Box 261
West Springfield, MA 01090
e-mail: wsgsd@comcast.net