A comprehensive review of correspondence between the state DCR and staff and board members of the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation shows all were closely involved with an aggressive trail cutting project.

Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation have finalized an agreement to close and restore more than 25 miles of trails that were illegally cut.

A long trail of good intentions that began with a once-promising partnership between the state and Sheriff’s Meadow ended with an announcement that 25 miles of unpermitted trails would be closed.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation plans to immediately close some 25 miles of unpermitted trails that were carved into the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest.

I have biked and walked our state forest trails for decades with the common understanding depicted on the signage I encounter there: walkers yield to horses, bikers yield to horses and walkers.

Unpermitted trail clearing in the state forest has led to a citation from state environmental officials for violations of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.