At Blue Hills, rangers get back in the saddle

Many visitors to a park believe there's something about a ranger on horseback that automatically makes that park feel more welcoming and safe.

Apparently, local lawmakers agree.

After several years of trying, they persuaded the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, or DCR, to restart the patrols in the Blue Hills Reservation this summer after earmarking $100,000 in DCR's budget to pay for three horses, two horse trailers, training for rangers, and the stabling of the horses at a Westwood stable. The former stables, at a barn in the Blue Hills, are not usable, according to DCR spokeswoman Wendy Fox.

Rangers won't patrol just the Blue Hills, but as needed at other nearby DCR parks or events such as the recent Sand Sculpting Contest at Revere Beach or the Independence Day celebration on the Charles River Esplanade.

Budget cuts forced the disbandment of the popular mounted patrol four years ago, and the horses were transferred to other mounted units or sold to private owners.

The new horses, now stabled at Harlequin Stables in Westwood, are 3- to 5-year-old geldings who are so-called "draft crosses" - half draft horse, half something else. "Geldings tend to be less temperamental, more patient and even-tempered," said Fox. "We do have to give them extra training in how to not be afraid of small children, fireworks, and campfires, but we're doing it and they are educable," Fox said.

"They can handle long hours on pavement," said Chris Williams, a former riding ranger who is coordinating the new program for the DCR. "They're very calm horses who can handle anything."

State Senator Brian A. Joyce, a Democrat from Milton, said the return of the mounted patrols is due to the efforts of the entire legislative delegation that represents at least part of the reservation, including state Senator Michael Morrissey of Quincy and state Representatives Bruce Ayers of Quincy, Joseph Driscoll of Braintree, Walter Timilty of Milton, and William Galvin of Canton.

"Mounted park rangers are extremely valuable in terms of engaging the visiting public and responding quickly to potential danger," said Joyce. "The mounted ranger has enhanced vision because of the added height of the horse and greater flexibility to navigate difficult terrain."

Joyce said the patrols help safeguard the public and act as a deterrent against crime while rangers also function as park stewards, educating the public about recreational opportunities and protecting natural resources. The unit has also provided critical assistance during public safety emergencies in conjunction with the local police departments, he said. In addition to public outreach, patrolling trails, and crime prevention, the unit is also responsible for finding lost children.

Area legislators have been fighting to get the mounted unit back since 2005, earmarking money each year in the state budget and ordering the agency to resume deploying rangers on horseback. Lawmakers say their wishes were ignored until Richard K. Sullivan Jr., a former Westfield mayor, was named to run the agency last year.

"We are delighted to be able to bring the mounted ranger unit back to the Blue Hills," said Sullivan. "The horses are a huge hit with the public, and are also an excellent way to patrol the far reaches of a park. Thanks to the Legislature, we will be able to use the horses in DCR properties across the Commonwealth. We hope park users enjoy seeing them at work."

When the department disbanded the Blue Hills mounted unit in 2005, three of the six horses - Sir Dillidon, King Arthur, and King Pellinore - were turned over to the Boston Police Department, the other three to private owners.

Williams, the program coordinator, rode for the former Department of Environmental Management in the late 1980s to mid-1990s and expects to do some riding in the future.

Williams said one ranger is already certified to ride. Susan Survillo, who was in charge of the program when it was run under the former Metropolitan District Commission, is already on patrol. "She'll help out in the Blue Hills and move around to other nearby state parks when the need arises," said Williams.

Fox said the DCR is also training two more rangers, which will eventually give the agency three riders who can be used on an as-needed basis. The State Police have periodically deployed troopers with horses from their 24-animal mounted unit to patrol the Blue Hills in the summer. The DCR mounted unit will patrol throughout the year.

Joyce said the addition of the mounted patrol is another step forward for the Blue Hills Reservation, which has seen recent upgrades in other areas and is expected to see more soon, such as the refurbishing of the playing fields within the reservation.

Rich Fahey can be reached at faheywrite@yahoo.com.