NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)-- In an effort to provide winter access for pedestrians and cyclists, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is planning to plow the Norwottuck Rail Trail from Northampton to UMass Amherst. DCR said that the trail was designed to be used in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but recent low snowfall winters have increased the trail's use by persons walking and cycling in the winter season. DCR owns and manages a 10-mile section of the trail connecting Northampton, Hadley, and Amherst. Railroad trestle damaged in Monson brush fire DCR will use equipment designed specifically for rail trail clearing between Woodmont Street in Northampton and Swift Way in Amherst. While they may also sand in some places, rock salt will not be used. Get more information on the DCR-managed section of the Norwottuck Rail Trail, including a trail map and self-guided opportunities, by using this link. Local News Headlines DCR to plow Norwottuck Rail Trail as part of pilot program Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno announces cancer diagnosis I-Team: Springfield Schools reconsider live camera access to police Mass. National Guardsman allegedly had hundreds of child pornography files WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.