Come visit the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center !
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Catamount Zip Tour & Aerial Adventure Park
is chairperson of the Joint Committee on Tourism , Arts , and Cultural Development .
“ It was great to see Governor Healy put it into place and make it happen ,” says Mark , who is looking forward to partnering with Jahnige to help move investments into projects in the Berkshires . “ It ’ s going to be one of those things where the investments start to pay for themselves .”
Former State Representative Smitty Pignatelli ( 3rd Berkshire District ) sees tremendous potential in Jahnige ’ s new role . “ The Berkshires are a triple threat , combining natural beauty , rich culture , and incredible history ,” says Pignatelli . “ An office dedicated to outdoor recreation can be a game-changer for our economic development .”
Areas of Impact
Central to Jahnige ’ s vision is highlighting the economic significance of outdoor recreation , including its impact on tourism . With recent data demonstrating the tremendous value of outdoor recreation in Massachusetts , Jahnige believes that by promoting the state as a premier destination for outdoor activities , it can further boost its economic health .
His next steps include marketing Massachusetts as a premier outdoor destination , partnering with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism , and exploring federal and private grant opportunities to expand the office ’ s reach .
Jahnige ’ s approach is collaborative and inclusive . His initial priority has been listening to and meeting with stakeholders from the private sector , public agencies , and nonprofits to understand their perspectives and needs . He ’ s particularly focused on working with María Belén Power , undersecretary for environmental justice and equity , to ensure that outdoor recreation opportunities are accessible to all communities in the state .
“ Getting as close to nature as possible is huge for people ,” says newly elected State Representative Leigh Davis , who replaced Pignatelli . “ Our environment is really the linchpin to everything : health , well-being , welfare , resources , everything . That became increasingly clear during the pandemic when outdoor recreation was popular as a socially distant activity .” Davis points to that period as causing a shift in investments , recalling her time on the board of 1Berkshire when it added outdoor recreation to its economic clusters for the region . The countywide organization focuses on economic development and on promoting the region .
Although his office has statewide jurisdiction , Jahnige is in the Berkshires on a monthly , if not weekly , basis for work or play , including mountain biking , cross-country skiing , and hiking . Asked to list some of his favorite places in the Berkshires , Jahnige says he has a soft spot for Mount Greylock , whether for mountain biking , hiking , or climbing the mountain itself . A few years ago , his whole family climbed Ragged Mountain on Father ’ s Day , on the shoulder of Greylock from the Glen . He ’ s also partial to Southern Berkshire spots like Bash Bish Falls and , for backpacking , he recommends Mount Everett and Mount Race via the Race Brook Trail .
Jahnige points to projects like Greylock Glen , which he worked on while at DCR , as exemplary models of outdoor recreation ’ s
Come visit the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center !
Explore four seasons of outdoor recreation and indoor education in a beautiful Berkshire setting .
Hike it . Bike it . See it . Ski it .
135 Gould Road , Adams . www . greylockglenresort . com
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In the United States
Catamount Zip Tour & Aerial Adventure Park
South Egremont , MA 01258 413-528-1262
Book Your Trip at : www . CatamountSki . com
Holiday Spring 2025 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // // 57