1. Introduction

The Town of Cheshire is developing an Open Space & Recreation Plan and needs your help! Your input will help guide the planning process and determine the future of recreation and open space in the town. 

The plan will make Cheshire eligible for state reimbursement grant programs for the improvement of recreation areas and protection of open spaces.

This questionnaire is open to year-round residents, seasonal residents, second homeowners, and visitors. All responses will be confidential. 

This questionnaire consists of 19 questions and should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. The survey will be open from March 1st through one week after Town Meeting on June 17, 2024.

The following questions examine interests and opinions regarding the future preservation of open and recreation space in Cheshire. Open space is defined as land that has not been developed for residential, commercial, or industrial uses and includes publicly and privately owned land. Areas with particular interest in conservation and recreation include:

1. Land that contributes to the public water supply;
2. Forests, fields, and agricultural lands;
3. Wetlands;
4. Rivers, streams, and lakes;
5. Parks and other recreation lands;
6. Wildlife or animal habitats; and 
7. Land that preserves scenic views or town character. 

Please answer all of the following questions.  Thank you!

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Hoosac Reservoir/Cheshire Lake

Hoosac Reservoir/Cheshire Lake

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1. What do you think is the most important resource to be conserved in Cheshire? (Most important doesn't necessarily mean favorite)

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2. Choose up to five (5) activities that you enjoy doing in Cheshire.

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3. What are your three favorite places to visit in Cheshire?

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Rail Trail in the Fall.  Photo credit: Judith Gibson Okunieff

Rail Trail in the Fall.  Photo credit: Judith Gibson Okunieff

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4. What do you think would make your three favorite places even more enjoyable?  Please try to be specific.

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5. Does Cheshire need more recreational opportunities for: (check all that apply)

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Cheshire Summer Festival 2023

Cheshire Summer Festival 2023

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6. In a typical year, how often do you visit the following locations in Cheshire? Please tell us which is your favorite.

  Very Frequently (13+ times/year) Frequently (6-12 times/year) Occassionally (1-5 times/year) Never Haven't heard of it
Ashuwillticook Trail
Hoosac Reservoir/Cheshire Lake Upper Basin/Public Boat launch
Hoosac Reservoir/Cheshire Lake Lower Basin
Stafford’s Hill Monument
Cheshire Community House/Town Offices/Grounds
Mount Greylock State Reservation
Farnam’s Causeway
Appalachian Trail
Cheshire Cobbles
Chalet Wildlife Management Area
Stafford’s Hill Wildlife Management Area
Cheshire Rod and Gun Club 
Local Farm
Other

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Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Sign at Hoosac Reservoir/Cheshire Lake. Photo Credit:  Judith Gibson Okunieff

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Sign at Hoosac Reservoir/Cheshire Lake. Photo Credit:  Judith Gibson Okunieff

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7. Which of the following are activities you would be willing to participate in to improve Open Space/Recreation in Cheshire?

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8. Which of the following conservation practices would you be willing to implement on your own property?

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9. If you would like to leave your contact information to volunteer, participate with town activities, provide an easement, etc. please leave it here.

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10. Would you use adult/senior exercise equipment (similar to Housatonic Commons or Lee's Outdoor fitness court) if it was installed at the Cheshire Community House (Cheshire Elementary)?

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11. What outdoor element is missing for young children in Cheshire?  If you have kids or grandkids, what improvements would your or your children like to see in the town?

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12. Rate the following categories for town use of open space and recreation funds from high to low priority?

  High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority I don't support this activity.
Preserve Open Space.
Continued Funding of Hoosac Lake District.
Preserve farmland.
Preserve wildlife corridors and habitats.
Protect drinking water.
Bike Paths (on or off road)
Bird/wildlife viewing.
Court Sports (Basketball, pickleball, etc.)
Field Sports (Soccer, baseball, etc.)
Fishing/Ice fishing.
Gardening.
Hiking/walking trails.
Playgrounds/swings/slides.
Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing.
Snowmobiling/ATV.
Additional Kayak Launches at Farnam's Crossing 

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13. Use this space to tell us about something we missed or other concerns regarding open space in Cheshire?

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14. How do you access Hoosac Reservoir/Cheshire Lake? (Please select all that apply)

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15. What activities do  you enjoy on the lake?  (please check all that apply)

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