REPORT OF THE TRAILS COMMITTEE
2011
The year 2011 was a very challenging year for the Town of Sturbridge and the Trails Committee, with the multiple natural events hindering progress and consuming volunteer resources. In spite of these events, the Trails Committee still made significant progress in a number of areas.
The committee would like to recognize those Trails Committee Members and supporters who provided hundreds of volunteer labor hours in support of tornado recovery efforts across the town. The commitment the members and supporters made to recovery efforts was truly inspiring and was representative of the volunteer attitude the committee embraces. As a result of this commitment to recovery efforts, the reopening of trails damaged by the tornado was subsequently delayed. As the recovery effort subsided, the members and supporters quickly shifted the volunteer effort to reopening the main trails.
Organization
The Trails Committee is made up of five voting members and five nonvoting associate members.
Committee members: Associate members:
Randy Redetzke, Chairman Louie Berthiaume
Brandon Goodwin, Vice Chairman Tom Chamberland
Richard Paradise Fritz Reeve
Doug Quigley David Vadenais
Pat McGarrah Meg Germain
In addition to the Trails Committee, the Recreational Trails Master Plan Steering Committee (RTMPSC) operates as a subcommittee to the Trails Committee for the development of a master plan related to trails. The mission of the RTMPSC is to present to the Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission a comprehensive recreational trail master plan that addresses the towns major open space parcels, economic interests, water routes and inter-town linkage. The plan is also intended to include priorities and phasing.
The RTMPSC is made up of nine members consisting of representation from several town committees and residents.
Members:
Tom Chamberland - (Chairman)
Randy Redetzke - Trails Committee
Brandon Goodwin - Trails Committee
Calvin Montigny – Business Community
Mike Moran – Community Preservation Committee
Jeff Bonja - Conservation Commission
Steve Dalberth - Economic Development Committee
Richard Paradise – Resident
Open – Resident
In this past year The RTMPSC developed a request for proposal, went out to bid, reviewed 6 proposals and recommended the combined proposal by Kay Linn, Trails Dynamics and Trail Solutions be retained by the Town to develop the trails master plan. In late summer, Scott Linnenburger of Kay Linn made initial conceptual proposals for a trail master plan and in November two public discussions were held relating to these proposals as well as an online survey was released in mid December. In February of 2012 the RTMPSC will start reviewing all the input from these meeting and the survey and plans to present a draft trails master plan in early April 2012.
Regional Trails
The Trails Committee represents Sturbridge at the inter-town Regional Trails Committee meetings. The Regional Trails Committee held 5 meetings this past year coordinating trail activities between the member towns and organizations. The Regional Trails Committee is a coalition of members representing Sturbridge, Southbridge, Brimfield, Holland, US Army Corps of Engineers and the Grand Trunk Trail Blazers.
The Regional Trails Committee works to coordinate activities and share ideas in regard to trails and their use. This year it was determined that a joint grant request encompassing multiple entities may be more favorably reviewed by the state. The grant was subsequently approved by the state.
Funding
The development of trails within the town, receive funding from several sources depending upon availability and applicability to the land upon which the trails reside. The primary funding sources are federal, state and private grants, Community Preservation Act, Betterment fund, donations and volunteers.
The committee received a joint state grant with the Town of Brimfield and the USACE. The grant request will be used to extend the Trolley Line Trail from the current terminus at the Quinebaug River to the East Brimfield Dam. The Sturbridge portion of the project is valued at $32,119.00 which includes $18,830.00 from Massachusetts DCR, $12,289.00 USACE match and $1000.00 from the town of Sturbridge.
Two other grants were applied for that will be determined in 2012. An education grant ($8910.00), which we have received favorable indication that it will be awarded, would fund the running of a state wide mountain bike trail construction training seminar on the Leadmine Mountain Property and an equipment grant ($21,508.00) to fund a off road utility vehicle and trailer.
Volunteers contributed $19,970.00 in labor and equipment over the year on trails related work.
Accomplishments
Grand Trunk Trail Ed Calcutt Bridge to River Rd – This project is funded by a federal transportation grant and has been underway for several years. The project is currently at the 25% design point.
Heins Farm – Two projects were accomplished on the Stafford Turnpike Trail. An existing culvert was removed and replaced with a new bridge and a bog bridge was constructed over an area subject to runoff from the large meadow. The town funded materials and all construction labor was accomplished with volunteers.
Trolley Line – After clearing extensive tornado downed trees blocking the trail, drainage was improved and a fine gravel surface was applied in completion of a grant received from “The Last Green Valley” and in partnership with the USACE.
Leadmine Mt – A new bridge (#7) and associated trail segment was installed on the South end of the Arbutus Park Trail. This is a large bridge that spans Hamant Brook creating a full loop trail. Significant donations of equipment and materials by Northern Tree along with town supplied materials made this project a great success. Construction was done with all volunteer labor.
Leadmine Mt – A large diameter washed out culvert was removed from the center of Hamant Brook.
Heins Farm / Lead Mine Mt - Received Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission approval for trail marking and informational signage. Trail marker signs will allow for lost / injured hiker emergency locator numbering system and trail identification.
In August, as part of a RTMPSC public forum, the committee presented a status update to the general public. The presentation included information on current trails, future planning, funding and volunteers.
Challenges
The use of Off Road Vehicles (ORV) on town properties and trails continues to be an issue. ORV use tends to be very destructive to the trail surface and poses a danger to trail users.
As the number of hikers increase, so do the number of dogs on the trail making for a rise in conflicts. Compliance with existing town rules concerning controlling of pets is starting to become an issue and will need more aggressive enforcement in the future.
Current Projects
The following lists current projects the Trails Committee is working on.
Signage
Additional signs are under development for trail identification, safety, information, and public awareness.
Arbutus Park Trail
Work is currently on going in the area formerly known as Camp Robinson Crusoe on the Leadmine Mountain Wildlife Management Area with the construction of the Arbutus Park Trail.
Old Growth Trail
Additional improvements are planned including repair of the existing bridge (#8), and the removal of metal debris.
Leadmine Mountain West Ridge Trail Crossing C & D
This trail originates at the Heins Farm Trailhead Parking area and continues south. Crossing “C” is the next wetlands crossing and will involve construction of a bridge. Crossing “D” is a small culvert and grade improvements.
Grand Trunk Trail Ed Calcutt Bridge to River / Farquhar Rd
This ¾ mile section of the Grand Trunk Trail is being constructed principally utilizing a Federal Highway Transportation Fund grant. The total project is valued at$590,460.00, broken down as federal $490,283.00, state $85,977.00, and the Town of Sturbridge matching $10,600.00. The state will manage the project under Mass DOT. The project is currently being designed by CME & Associates and is at the 25% design review point.
Trolley Line Trail Continuation to East Brimfield Dam
Route for new trail has been determined from the current termination at the Quinebaug River, westerly paralleling the river, continuing to the East Brimfield Dam. Project funding of $32,119.00 is in place via joint grant application with the Town of Brimfield and the USACE.
Grand Trunk Trail River Lands Phase I
All work on the River Lands is on hold at the direction of the Board of Selectmen pending determination of any remediation issues. Initial planning is in place for a new parking area, stream crossing culvert replacement and first phase of trail improvements.
Leadmine Mountain CRC Area Trail Head Parking Area
The Trails Committee is working in collaboration with the Conservation Committee to accelerate construction of a new trail head parking lot off Old Sturbridge Village Road. Preliminary design is complete and currently under review by the Department of Public Works. A CPA funding request is anticipated for FY2013.
The following lists Sturbridge trails currently either open, under construction or planned.
Heins Farm Conservation Area
Pond Loop Trail, (.66 Miles), Status: Open
This Trail is a universal access, federal ABA /ADA compliant trail, built suitable for wheel chair access. The trail surface is fine crushed gravel with gentle terrain changes and includes a small bridge and bench with a view of a small pond. The trail makes a loop starting at the Heins Farm Trail Head parking lot.
Cabin Loop Trail, (.5 Miles), Status: Open
The cabin loop trail is a universal access loop trail with a native material surface. This trail is reached off of the Stafford Loop Trail.
Stafford Turnpike Trail, (1.2 Miles), Status: Open
The Stafford Turnpike Trail is a universal access loop trail with a native material surface. The trail originates across Leadmine Rd from the Heins Farm Trail Head Parking Lot. The trail includes an open meadow that is being managed for regeneration of wildlife habitat. The trail follows the edge of a large hay meadow and offers a vista view and bench. The original stage coach route known as the Stafford Turnpike makes up a significant part of the trail.
Leadmine Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Arbutus Park Trail, (1.8 Miles), Status: Under Construction / open
The Arbutus Park Trail when complete will be a federal ABA/ADA compliant trail to the extent possible. The trail makes a loop encompassing two ponds and bordering a third. The trail includes three bridge crossings of Hamant Brook.
Old Growth Trail, (.14 Miles), Status: Open
This is a short trail with a small loop that provides a view of the North pond. The trail highlights what best exemplifies what an old growth forest looks like, with large white pine trees and open forest floor with sections of ferns.
Red Trail, (1.03 Miles), Status: Convenience trail, future status undetermined
This is a loop trail originating out of the Heins Farm Trail Head parking lot. Trail is passable but hiker may encounter wet crossings. Trail is minimally marked.
Blue Trail, (1.68 Miles), Status: Convenience trail, future status undetermined
This is a loop trail originating out of the Heins Farm Trail Head parking lot. Trail may not be passable because of tornado damage. Trail is minimally marked.
White Trail, (1.39 Miles), Status: Convenience trail, future status undetermined
This is a loop trail originating out of the Heins Farm Trail Head parking lot. Trail is not fully passable because of tornado damage. Trail is minimally marked.
West Ridge Trail, (Estimated 1.0 Miles), Status: Under Construction
This trail is accessed from the Heins Farm Trail Head Parking lot and generally travels South along the Western ridges of the Leadmine Mountain Conservation area. The trail is intended to connect the Heins Trail Head Parking Area, the future Camp Robinson Crusoe Trail, and the future South Trail Head Parking Area off Leadmine Rd. The trail is not marked. Two bridges have been installed and additional work is in the design / permitting stage.
Note: Several additional trails are planned for this property but the final route has not been determined. Numerous cart paths exist, some will be utilized and others abandoned as most appropriate for construction of sustainable trails that most highlight the areas of interest.
Grand Trunk Trail
The Grand Trunk Trail is part of the 66 mile Titanic Rail Trail. Six miles run through Sturbridge. The original rail bed roughly parallels the Quinebaug River.
Westville Lake Community Trail, (1.8 Miles), Status: Open
The trail makes a loop around the Westville Dam pool. The trail includes sections of the Grand Trunk Trail and offers views of the dam and the pool. The trail offers interpretive signs and eight benches.
Grand Trunk Trail Westville Section, (1.2 Miles), Status: Open
The trail originates at the US Army Corps of Engineers Westville Recreation Area parking lot and continues West (up river) to the Ed Calcutt Bridge. This is a Universal Access, ADA/ABA compliant trail. The trail offers scenic views overlooking the Quinebaug River.
Grand Trunk Trail Ed Calcutt Bridge to River/Farquhar Rd, (.8 Miles), Status: Under Construction (access prohibited at this time)
Grand Trunk Trail River Lands, (1.3 Miles), Status: on hold
The trail originates at Stallion Hill Road opposite the Old Sturbridge Village parking lot continuing to Holland Road. The trail follows sections of the original rail bed roughly paralleling the Quinebaug River.
Grand Trunk Trail Trolley Line, (.6 Miles), Status: Open (Under Construction)
Originally constructed in 1992, and rebuilt in 2011 under a TLGV grant, the trail originates at the Trail Head Parking Lot off Holland Road. The trail travels west to the current terminus at the original Trolley Line bridge abutment. Work on this trail in the summer of 2012 will extend it to the East Brimfield Dam USACE parking area.
Opacum Woods
The Opacum Woods is accessed from Old Brooke Circle. These trails are administered by the Opacum Land Trust. These trails suffered severe damage from recent natural events and may not be passable. For additional information contact Opacum Land Trust.
Green Trail, (.25 Miles),
Provides access to Perry’s Point Wetlands View
Blue Trail, (1.02 Miles)
Yellow Trail, (1.22 Miles)
Red Trail, (.31 Miles)
Wells State Park
Respectfully Submitted,
STURBRIDGE TRAILS COMMITTEE
Randy Redetzke – Chairman
Brandon Goodwin – Vice Chairman
Pat McGarrah - Member
Doug Quigley - Member
Richard Paradise - Member
Louis Berthiaume – Associate member
Tom Chamberland – Associate member
Fritz Reeve – Associate member
Dave Vadenais – Associate member
Meg Germain - Associate member
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