Greener pastures

Legislators fight for ‘character of the park system’

BOSTON. A letter signed by more than 50 legislators was sent to Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday voicing opposition to a proposal to shift road maintenance of the state’s parkways from the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) to the highway department.

The idea has been met with some tough criticism since officials said last year the transfer was being explored. In the letter, the legislators argue such a move would create new guidelines for how vehicles are brought through roadways in parks, which might disrupt “the character of the park system.”

“With a transfer of responsibilities from DCR to MassHighway, we will almost certainly see a shift in how our parkways are treated,” the letter read.