Exploring the Blackstone River Valley: Recreational Hike Series
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invites the public to participate in the “Exploring the Blackstone River Valley” recreational hike series. These free programs are open to individuals ages 12 and up. Registration is not required, but participants are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring water. Bathrooms may not be available at certain locations.
For updated programming information, call (508) 278-7604 or visit the DCR website. ADA accommodations are available by contacting (617) 645-0358 or emailing [email protected].
Upcoming Hikes:
• Sunday, January 19: Grand Trunk Trail Loop, 1–4 p.m.
Douglas State Forest
Meet at Carter’s Field parking area (GPS: 42.035401148527946, -71.76363848800136).
~4-5 miles over a compacted gravel surface with mild inclines.
• Sunday, January 26: Long Trail Loop, 2–4 p.m.
Hopkinton State Park
Meet at the Hopkinton State Park upper beach lot parking area (GPS: 42.25837981520797, -71.51964280191285).
~3-5 miles over rugged forest and loose gravel surfaces with moderate inclines.
• Sunday, February 2: Goat Hill Loop, 2–4 p.m.
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
Meet at the River Bend Farm Visitor Center parking area (287 Oak Street, Uxbridge).
~2 miles over rugged forest and rocky surfaces with steep inclines.
• Sunday, February 9: Mammoth Rock Loop, 2–4 p.m.
Upton State Forest
Meet at the CCC Camp parking area (205 Westboro Road, Upton).
~2.5 miles over a rugged forest surface with steep inclines.
• Sunday, February 16: Morse Pond Loop, 2–4 p.m.
Douglas State Forest
Meet at Carter’s Field parking area (GPS: 42.035401148527946, -71.76363848800136).
~3.5 miles over a compacted gravel surface with mild inclines.
• Sunday, February 23: Forest Road Loop, 2–4 p.m.
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation
Meet at the Purgatory Chasm Visitor Center parking area (198 Purgatory Road, Sutton).
~3.5 miles over a rocky surface with steep inclines.
For more information, contact the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park at (508) 278-7604.
TSA publishes final rule on REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published a final rule providing a framework for federal agency phased enforcement of REAL ID requirements. Federal agencies, including TSA, will begin REAL ID enforcement on the deadline—May 7, 2025. Starting on May 7, only state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements established by the REAL ID Act will be allowed for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft. The final rule provides necessary flexibility for federal agencies to begin enforcement in a manner that takes into account security, operational risk and public impact.
Federal agencies that use a phased enforcement approach must also coordinate their enforcement plans with TSA and make them publicly available on agency websites. TSA will provide additional information about its use of phased enforcement authority on TSA.gov.
“Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification, directly in response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant. We are committed to engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, which this rule supports.”
All states are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. TSA continues to urge travelers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another form of acceptable ID before May 7, 2025 to avoid delays at airport security checkpoints.
The REAL ID Act, enacted pursuant to a 9/11 Commission recommendation, established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers’ licenses and identification cards that federal agencies may accept for purposes of boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, accessing certain federal facilities and entering nuclear power plants. Enforcement of the REAL ID Act and regulations enhances the security of these documents and the ability of federal agencies to accurately verify an individual’s identity.
For more information on REAL ID, please visit TSA.gov/real-id.