Condensed from draft minutes of FNRT-MC Board meeting held via Zoom on December 16, 2020.
Board Attendees: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, George Heaton, Craig Heim, Lindy Heim, Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Ricker Miller, Chris Norris, Steve Rasche, Jack Shields, Peter Southworth
Loyal Trail Supporters: Barbara Couturier, Don Moyer, Patrice Rasche
Extending Ourselves
Following the Star of Zoom, we held our normally-omitted December meeting, bringing good tidings of Trail extension and other activities.
Business Matters
Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report showed a gratifying, continued inflow of funds – largely donated for the Boscawen Trail Extension. These funds come from various sources – individuals, foundations, corporate supporters, and others – whose diversity expresses wide and much-appreciated community support for FNRT-MC’s activities.
Similarly, we are happy to report Annual Appeal donations of over $17,000, which exceeds our goal by about 20%. With all outstanding payables from last year’s Trail maintenance and improvement settled, we are in an excellent position to undertake more Trail projects in the spring.
The Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.
Project Reports: All bridge/ditch projects contracted for at the beginning of the season have now been successfully completed, under Chris Norris’ direction.
Chris and Barbara Couturier pointed to some new or recurring issues, e.g. erosion at the Bridge Street bridge in Andover. In addition, the planking on various bridges needs, or will need, attention. Chris agreed to bring these issues to the attention of the New Hampshire Trails Bureau and to pursue remedies.
The Lawrence Street Tunnel lighting project continues.
We also note the volunteer leaf-blowing efforts of Steve Rayno, which keep the Trail clean. Volunteers are our life-blood!
Boscawen Trail Extension
Jack Shields, who has been spearheading the FNRT-MC initiative to extend the Trail 0.6 miles in Boscawen to the Hannah Duston site, gave a report on progress to date. As was the case last month, three distinct elements are unfolding: financial, contractual/legal, and physical plans.
FNRT-MC now has more than $90,000 on hand for the Trail Extension project. However, other current and expected pledges go well beyond this, to reach a currently anticipated total of about $150,000. Although these pledges reach the initial estimate ($110,000 for ROW acquisition and $40,000 for construction), it may be that changes in scope, design, and construction requirements as the project unfolds may require additional funds. The fundraising effort therefore goes on. Please visit the Go Fund Me site at GF.me/u/y3wb3w.
The legal and contractual arrangements for the Trail Extension involve a large variety of interested parties, including Pan Am Railways, the current owner of the right-of-way; the FNRT-MC; the Town of Boscawen; and the State of New Hampshire. Various ownership possibilities are under consideration, as the parties move forward in the drafting of a Purchase and Sale Agreement and other documents.
The physical configuration of the property to be acquired varies in character, with widths that at times far exceed what is necessary for a recreational trail. The Town of Boscawen has a strong interest in developing some of this land for the benefit of its residents and Trail users, and is considering such plans. In addition, members of the FNRT-MC are actively involved in planning the construction project to extend the Trail, as well as improvements to two bridges at the Hannah Duston site.
Other Matters
Route 11 and Plains Road, Andover: Don Moyer reported on alternatives proposed by FNRT-MC to the State for safety upgrades of this intersection of the Trail with Route 11 and Plains Road in Andover. As new construction or rerouting do not now appear to be options, appropriate signage will be recommended to NHDOT.
E-bike Trail Use: Barbara Couturier reported on the current status – both in New Hampshire and other states – of e-bike use on trails, both federally-funded and otherwise. While it is clear that e-bikes are welcome on the Trail – and the FNRT-MC has posted signs to designated charging stations — it also appears that the various power categories and speeds of e-bikes may present issues. Thought is continuing to develop appropriate measures, such as signage.
Trail Preserved in Enfield: Alex Bernhard reported on projects planned by the Town of Enfield (Grafton County) on the Mascoma Lake side of the Trail. As the Trail at this point is an elevated berm, various design issues arose. Happily, all parties resolved to preserve the Trail as is, with its original design.
Next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 20, at 5 PM via Zoom.