blue & green trails: getting in and out! · green--along the river • wetlands protection act...
TRANSCRIPT
Blue & Green Trails:
Getting in and out!
Mass. Trails ConferenceNovember 2, 2019
Alison Field-Juma, OARS Executive Director
Blue—In the river
• Chapter 91 Simplified Waterways License Application
• Wetlands Protection Act NOI
• Pulled out and stored each winter by DPW, and cleaned
TASK 1: Install a kayak/canoe dock for
handicapped-friendly access
Green--Along the river
• Wetlands Protection Act• Lots of scavenged materials—
boardwalk wood, reused kiosk, reused paving
• LOTS of volunteer time, local business pitched in, weather-dependent
• Super enthusiastic leadership• Took time and flexibility
TASK 2: Build 2,875’ of trail along the Powdermill
Impoundment
TASK 3: Build two 18’x24’ gravel-surface public
parking lots
TASK 4: Design and install an educational panel near
each of the two trail heads
TASK 5: Build one trailhead kiosk for each parking
area.
Blue-Green
• Change from original design• Took longer!• Water level controlled by dam
owner (hydro)
TASK 6: Formalize public access to the informal trail along
the edge of the river in Maynard.
TASK 7: Ensure public access across private land in Acton
But—new site opening up for redevelopment along river with boat access.
Reporting and tracking expenses and match . . .
The hard stuff
TASK 8: Add “canoe access” signs to 16 existing sites along
the Assabet River
Project duration: 2+ years
No sweat!
Thank you to:
DCR Recreational Trails Program
Intrepid volunteers
Acton Natural Resources Dept.
Maynard Conservation Commission