When we need to hunker down in the Berkshires (or anywhere else) during inclement weather, whether it is a named system like Hurricane Sandy or just a run of wind and rain or snow, we like to take advantage resources on the Internet, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s MetPublications. It gives you access to the Met’s renowned print and online publications published from 1964 to the present. Eventually it will offer access to nearly all books, bulletins, and journals published by the Metropolitan Museum since its founding in 1870, as well as online publications.

There is a Berkshires link to one of the latest books available because of the Silk Road Ensemble, founded at Tanglewood by Yo-Yo Ma. Available for free through Google books is Afghanistan: Forging Civilizations along the Silk Road, which was published this year. Additionally, 140 out of print books can be bought through a high-quality print-on-demand service administered by Yale University Press. Of course, recent publications are available at book stores and at amazon.com.

So, bring it on Hurricane Sandy, and please stay on western Massachusetts electric and other utilities because we’re looking forward to a virtual journey along the Silk Road, with detours as they undoubtedly will arise thanks to tabs reading “additional resources,” and “related titles.”

Ashuwillticook Trail extension gets federal funds

News from Berkshire Bike Path Council: The Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) prioritized federal funding for the extension of the Ashuwillticook Trail north from Lime Street in Adams to Hodges Cross Road in North Adams.

Berkshire bike paths get $13 million

The MPO allocated $13,000,000 towards construction of bike paths in Berkshire County in their 5-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The funds require the towns and cities to fund complete project design, environmental permitting and Right of Way before construction money is released and depending upon costs, other sources may also be needed to make up any deficits . The exception is the Mohawk Trail Phase II project in Williamstown and North Adams that funds design, environmental permitting and Right of Way with a Scenic Byways grant. The Town of Lee also has Scenic Byway funds to assist their effort in preparing for construction funds.

Adams and North Adams successfully raised the required funds to bring their project from Lime Street Adams to Hodges Crossing in North Adams to construction. The MPO committed to funding the extension’s construction at a well-attended MPO meeting but required additional funds from the communities involved.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission needs help

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission needs help to identify preferred routes and provide input for what factors help you decide where to ride. Eyes on are needed to report back on road conditions and traffic flow. A draft map and information can be found here: berkshireplanning.org.

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Count 2012

BRPC’s intern, Eric Magazu counted trail users this July. He counted all the people crossing the entry gate to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Each user was counted by mode. The direction of travel was not considered (i.e. whether individual was entering or leaving the trail); If an individual crossed the gate and immediately turned around, they counted twice. The position of observation was near the restrooms at the south trailhead, adjacent to the US7 Route 8 Connector Road. The methodology for counting users was different than in years’ past, but heavy use of the Trail remains consistent. This methodology will be used in the future so data will be comparable. While we appreciate all the volunteers who have helped with this effort in the past, we welcome the support of BRPC in this effort to collect important data.