Led by Bob Spoerl, Trailwrights
Denise Legault, Pete McVay, Dan Kimball, Michelle Veasey, Conservation
Commission
Dennis Krause, Sawyer Land Steward
Ellen Witherell, Garden Club
The purpose of the walk was to assess the land and trails to prepare a plan for
<Add some background on the Sawyer Land here...>
<Add some information on Bob and Trailwrights here...>
Bob's PowerPoint on considerations for trails is here. Note: it really requires narrative for full impact.
Many posted notices were suggested:
Trails and markers can be noted by having people unfamiliar with the system walk ahead, and note where they step off the trail. These would be spots for markers directing walkers to the trail. Also, where trail directions are not obvious (as in branching or twisted trails), signs and markers should be posted.There should be a way to make these signs more positive and sounding less as restrictions. Also, Bob noted that all these signs are "Bulletin Boards on a stick". Perhaps have a single poster describing good land use for all citizens.
Trail maps and notices can be laminated and secured to boards which are secured to trees. Bob recommended auto contact cement, available at auto supply stores. It is extremely tough and almost impossible to remote (making notices less attractive as souvenirs).
Blazes should be clearly visible from any one point, going in both directions.
Define a policy for memorials ahead of time. The Commission reserve the right to approve any memorials (a huge gaudy birdhouse in the woods might not be appropriate). Secondly, it should be understood by anyone donating a memorial (bench or such) that they should maintain it and provide reasonable care. The town and Commission do not have the budget or resources to clean, maintain, repair, or replace memorials.
Designs for bridges and walks can be found on the U.S. Forest Service web site. (I couldn't locate it.)
One handy tool is a "root wrench" available in many sizes from Forestry supply companies.
If accessibility is a consideration, the surface must be able to sustain a wheelchair spinning on it without sinking in.
Establish piles and cairns of "maintenance rocks" at strategic locations along the trail. Crews can then use these piles to repair and maintain damaged trails. A good sources of cairns are the soils and rocks from uprooted windfalls.
· WHIP money available through Fish & Game when improving wildlife habitat
· Suggested signs to address partying, etc at night “No parking after sunset. Police take notice.” Ordinance required.
· Explained water bars, which should be placed along trail or at top of drainage problem area.
o Dig out soil on low side in shape of curve of shovel, deep enough to leave top side of 8 – 10” log flush with trail. Expose 2-3” along low side to divert water. Fill in high side of trunk with excavated dirt.
· Mowing should only be done in fields in fall. Guidance on Fish & Game website.
· Trail junction should be better identified. Either name trails and use arrows to direct hiker or place laminated map, with “You Are Here” Bob suggested that contact adhesive – epoxy glue – permanently attaches sign to backing.
· Suggested bench and better marking at N42o 49’ 22.3” W011o 08’ 15.9”
· First brook crossing with pallet style bridge – move footbridge off to side to keep road open for forestry. Cable one end of bridge to tree, leaving other end free to allow movement in case of flooding. Should also make bridge wider.
· When fire rings are found should rocks back in stone walls or disperse, rake out all remnants to discourage further fires.
· Bob also said that we are not required to post signs, by statute, to identify areas as not open to ATV’s etc.
· Several “braided” trails – multiple paths around wet areas. Should open brush to encourage hikers to use trails that we want them to use.
· Suggested taking people on trail that haven’t walked it before and have them lead. Watch where they go and how they interpret signage.
· Suggested looking into getting a “Root Wrench” from somewhere like Forestry Supply to remove small stumps in trail (Sawmill Swamp)
· Should send letter to homeowner on Sawyer Ave that removed Dennis ‘ trail blazes.
· The stream near the intersection of the red & blue trails needs one corner shored up with larger stone on corner.
· Put water bar on trail down to stream ~ ½ way down and clear berm on low side to drain.
· Think about request for memorial spots ahead of time.
· Post “carry In-Carry Out” sign
Trail entrance: starting at the parking lot.
Controlling water through culverts
Footbridge across road-trail
Trail with leaf dams and other obstructions.
Avoiding paths and bridges because of trail damage
Major Bridge repair and tree dams
Stumps, Roots, and Other Trail Hazards
Assess Where to put Trails and Signs
Marking Blazes
...and clearing out an illegal fire in the field.
