Jacob's Ladder Trail
Vegetation Management Plan

Russell to Lee, Massachusetts
1999

Designated the first Scenic Byway in Massachusetts, the Jacob’s Ladder Trail com-prises 35 miles of rural roadway spanning five southern Berkshire towns. DDA’s manual for this Trail, sponsered by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, aims to inspire and guide conservation and enhancement of its scenic resourses. Its detailed management program is based on scientific and aesthetic principles, coupled with analyses of four land use types (town and village, roadside development, corridor and turnout) and six native plant communities (riverine, shrubby wetland, grassy meadow, abandoned pasture, oak forest and northern hardwood forest). Case studies demonstrate the recommended approaches and specific procedures. DDA’s work also included advocacy to local Public Works Departments, Town managers, institutional stakeholders and private abutters.