FNRT board members present: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, Craig Heim, Myra Mayman, Joyce Morton, Ellsworth Morton, Peter Southworth, Bob Ward, and guest Larry Chase.

Old Business

Maintenance. We reviewed our last maintenance meeting with Chris Gamache and snowmobile club members. Bob noted that Chris Gamache estimated a cost of $600 to $2,000 on a New Hampshire trail (per mile) annual maintenance, which is much higher than we have experienced in our 10 years of trail maintenance.

We discussed our annual maintenance budget, liability issues, railroad guard rails, and insurance to cover the FNRT board. Alex suggested Peter ask the Andover Board of Selectmen if the Town could mow the Andover portion of the Trail. Bob wondered about the five towns along the Rail Trail also contributing to trail maintenance, as well as Merrimack County. He will contact the County Commissioners.

Technology report. Steve reported he is considering a small Web site upgrade.

Map with hotels and restaurants. Steve Rayno is working on this.

Kiosks at two Welcome Centers. Ellsworth is making progress for the two locations: East Andover Fire Station and the Jamie Welch Park in Boscawen.

Rotating meeting locations. Alex suggested we meet in Franklin for our May meeting and continue with a regular meeting rotation in Andover, Boscawen, Franklin, and Danbury. We will send out a targeted e-mail notification to the members of the host town.

Report on Boscawen signage. Jack Shields is working on the blue DOT signs around the Hannah Dustin rest area at the rotary. People would be directed to Commercial Street, where they could park and then ride on River Road to the River Road trail head. When the design is completed, Alex will bring us a budget to approve. Bob will arrange for the June meeting to take place in Boscawen.

New Business

Bob reviewed a Franklin growth initiative meeting focused on attracting an elderly population that highlighted the Northern Rail Trail. Bob also identified a proposed link from the Rail Trail to the ‘Winnie’ Trail.

Representing the Andover Historical Society (AHS), Larry Chase asked if FNRT would co-sponsor the opening of an exhibition of Charley Freiberg’s photographs of the Trail on National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6. We will invite FNRT members. The idea received lots of support, as we share the Potter Place trail head.

Larry also notified us that the AHS is planning to raze the Lull house next to the Potter Place store to provide restrooms for the public. The AHS is hoping we can help out with maintenance.

Joyce reported that there was a healthy and helpful response to a postcard mailing asking for people’s e-mails.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6.

May 20 meeting will be held at the Franklin Regional Hospital.