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  WASHINGTON - Congressman John W. Olver announced that the House of Representatives passed the   New England Scenic Trail Designation Act on January 29, 2008 by a vote of 261 to 122. This legislation   will amend the National Trail System Act to designate the Monadnock, Metacoment and Mattabesett   (MMM) Trail System as the New England National Scenic Trail.

  "I have hiked every mile of the trail through Massachusetts, and, while some segments are very well   protected, other sections have suffered serious encroachment. Not only could designation provide an   opportunity for maintenance assistance, but it will also help ensure that we don't lose the trails to residential   subdivision growth," Congressman John Olver said. "This vote is a major milestone and is nearly a decade   in the making," he added.

  Congressman Olver introduced the bill in March 2007 with the following co-sponsors: Representatives   Richard Neal (D-MA), John Larson (D-CT), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Chris   Murphy (D-CT). A companion bill was introduced by Senator John Kerry.

  more . . . complete press release from Congressman Olver

  Fact Sheet about the New England Scenic Trail Designation Act

  Background:
  The Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett trail system, or "Triple M Trail", is one of New England's   premier scenic and recreational resources. Traversing more than 200 miles of ridge lines, forests, and open   spaces, the three trails pass through and link 37 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts to a unique   but vanishing landscape.

  The MMM Trail Study:
  In December 2002 the President signed Public Law 107-338, directing the National Park Service to study   the Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett trail system in Connecticut and Massachusetts for possible   inclusion in the National Trails System through designation as a National Scenic Trail. The principal   rationale for the Study, as expressed in testimony before Congress, is that without a concerted effort to   protect this trail system, it will cease to exist as a recreational resource for future generations.
  MMM Trail Study: Executive Summary

  Public Comment on the Draft Trail Study:
  Completed in April 2006, the draft study was released and posted online for public review and comment in   August 2006. On September 26 and 27, 2006, public meetings were held in Connecticut and   Massachusetts, respectively. Participants at both meetings expressed broad support for the preferred   alternative and asked questions about the effect of the preferred alternative on trail use and management,   and about alternative trail routes.
  MMM Trail Study: Summary of Public Comment