FNRT Board Members present: Alex Bernhard, Myra Mayman, Joyce Morton, Ellsworth Morton, Steve Rayno, Peter Southworth, Nita Tomaszewski, Bob Ward
Guests present: Chris Norris, Andover; Ricker Miller, East Andover; Representative Lorrie Carey, Boscawen; Elaine Clow, Boscawen; Lyman Cousens, Boscawen; Polly Dawson, Boscawen; Steven Green, Boscawen; Norman LaPierre, Boscawen; Cedric Dustin Jr., Bow; Hal Posselt, Canterbury; Dick Lemieux, Concord; Stephen and Joy Porter, Concord; Craig Tufts, Concord; Penny Wing, Concord; Representative Leigh Webb, Franklin; Ben Wilson, Hopkinton; Frank Gould, Lebanon; David Murray, Penacook
Lebanon: Mascoma River Greenway Coalition (MRGC) update and plans: Frank Gould, Co-Chair.
Frank discussed work on the final four miles of trail over the Connecticut River into Lebanon. Frank reports the MRGC is about two years into the campaign to raise the necessary funds ($2.2 million) to build the trail. The trail will be ready to use by the end of the summer. It will be paved and runs along the Mascoma River for use as a transportation corridor joining the city. Four bridges will be built along this section of trail.
Boscawen to Concord: Recreational Trails Program Trail Building
2014 Boscawen to Concord construction application. Nita reported she’s looking for a last few letters of support with the plan to submit the RTP application by the end of February.
Boscawen questions: “Finish Line Celebration.” Suggested that we coincide with Boscawen Old Home Day at Jamie Welch Park, on Saturday, August 23.
Bob reviewed the start of the FNRT trail building in Andover and noted after about 30 miles of construction, we’re closing in on the final section and we’d like to celebrate at the site. Bob introduced the idea of a celebration with possible details. We were invited to a Boscawen Old Home Day meeting (third Monday of the month) to continue the conversation.
Hanna Dustin Park Access and Development
Gerrish Depot building restoration: Who is interested, who could spearhead? How to coordinate with Boscawen town government and Boscawen Historical Society? FNRT has designated the Gerrish site as a trail head and would like to support a restoration initiative in Boscawen. Alex noted the DOT is interested in transferring the lease, and the county is also interested in giving up its claim.
Ben Wilson (Bureau of Historic Sites) spoke about his interest in historical state sites. Lee Webb spoke for the Franklin Historical Society and mentioned there is interest in restoration. Dave Murray spoke to the uncertain involvement of the Boscawen Snowmobile Club.
Merrimack River Greenway Trail (MRGT) update and plans: Craig Tufts and MRGT Board member. How can we link trails and coordinate with MRGT? Dick Lemieux spoke to the proposed Concord trails. There was a discussion about Pan Am’s ownership of the railway right of way.
How can we coordinate with Upper Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee? Nita mentioned that her group is monitoring the health of the river and has hosted free presentations about impacting/preserving the river.