Members present: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, Lindy Heim, Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Joyce Morton, Ellsworth Morton, Steve Rayno, Peter Southworth, Nita Tomaszewski, Bob Ward, and guests Kent Hackmann, Ed Hiller, and Larry Chase
Correspondence: A Danbury resident reported some minor abuses due to ATVs or motorized vehicles.
Special guests on signage: Larry Chase and Ed Hiller. Larry observed that there are few signs on the Rail Trail to recognize who is responsible for building and maintaining the trail. He took it upon himself to print up some 3″ x 5″ and 4″ x 6″ laminated cards with the FNRT logo, Web site, and info. Charles noted that including road crossings on signs we post is helpful to trail users. There was support for Larry’s suggestion, and he will circulate the sign information via e-mail before printing the signs.
Ed Hiller brought up the issue of printing historical information, perhaps on metal 18″ x 20″ signs. Ed suggested each town along the Rail Trail could decide what signs and text to print and mount. Ed identified three types of signs for us to consider: interpretive/historical signs, names of ponds, bridges, etc., and road signs with directions to the Rail Trail.
Bob observed there is a need to oversee and organize a uniform approach to Trail signage. Ralph Ressler is looking into procuring blue highway signs.
Ed gave an update on 14 missing mile marker signs that have been recovered and will be put in Grafton County, starting from Lebanon. Since Ed will be fully occupied with mile marker restoration, Larry will take forward the project on signage.
Old Business
Maintenance: We discussed possible violations on the trail in Andover. We are scheduled for early July mowing of all 32 miles. It was noted we need a Proper Use sign on Depot Street.
Technology report: Steve Darling provided updates on our Web page links.
Achievement Award: Charles presented Bob the plaque noting the FNRT’s trail building achievements given by the Coalition for Recreational Trails in Washington DC. We received support from Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster, as well as from Senator Kelly Ayotte, with whom Charles met. We were the only group to receive the support of its entire legislative delegation. Trails Bureau’s Chris Gamache wrote a laudatory letter in support of our award.
Bob also shared a 2011 Award of Excellence from the Lakes Region Planning Commission and the 2014 Outstanding Achievement award from the Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health.
Pop up tent: Purchased at Piche’s Ski and Sport.
Finish Line Celebration: Bob discussed the extensive invitation list, ceremony, and schedule, including a bicycle Rail Trail race from Danbury (35 miles). Bob proposed a budget of $2341.50 that was seconded and approved. The bike race (if we decide it is feasible) could offset the expenses by approximately $1,000.
National Trails Day, June 7: Ride coordinated with Wilmot Library. Lindy will continue with this event next year – a great success.
New Business
Upcoming meetings and events: Danbury Store Appreciation Day on Saturday, June 28. Andover table on Fourth of July. Andover Historical Society’s Old Time Fair in Potter Place on Sunday, August 3. Boscawen Old Home Day on September 27. Special Olympics event and Finish Line Celebration on Saturday, October 4, with a rain date of Sunday, October 5.
Alex emphasized the importance of recording names and emails.
Increasing oversight of Trail in Franklin. Steve submitted a $400 bill for maintenance and clean up of the Franklin turntable.
Suggestion that we sell healthy snacks at September 27 Special Olympics event.