Bedford Trails Committee

Minutes – Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 7:30pm in the DPW 2nd floor conference room Participants – Michael, Dan, Paul, Hal, Mark, Clem, Ralph, Bruce, Kristin, Adrienne, Joe Mazzeo (Bedford resident), and Alex Dohan (Lexington Conservation Commission member)

Meeting Minutes – October 10, 2017 (no November meeting); approved unanimously.

New Business – Lexington’s Wright Farm update/potential connection to Reeves Road; Alex Dohan from the Lexington Conservation Commission updated the Committee on the plan for the Wright Farm. Lexington purchased the land with CPA funds. The farm house will be refurbished for affordable housing as a single family home and will maintain its historic façade. The barn will become an environmental education center. There is also a plan to put trails on the land, however there is no official plan and there are no formal trails yet since a dividing line will be established between the house and the barn. Their thought is to have a trail that connects to the Landlocked Forest in Burlington and across the street to the existing trails in Bedford leading south to the Old Reservoir. The ACROSS Lexington group wants to eventually have trails that connect to each of the neighboring towns. They have a group called Citizens for Lexington Conservation that does a series of walks in spring, summer, and fall, and will plan on having walks at the Wright Farm. Also briefly discussed existing trail links between Robinson Drive and Reeves Road that go to the Landlocked Forest. Ms. Dohan concluded by saying that she will keep our Committee abreast of any updates.

Bog Bridges, Trail Blazing, Mapping & Maintenance Bog Bridge status update – confirm number of completed bridges; VA garage storage issue; Paul confirmed that there are ten bog bridges completed, with some additional materials in storage. VA garage storage issue can be resolved by hanging the canoe. Peppergrass Brook bog bridges – status of new bridges; Michael noted there are 3 new 8‐ft bog bridges needed. Also discussed coordinating removal of old bridge material at the same time the new ones are installed. Plan to meet on Saturday, December 9th. Mark noted ramps are needed on some of the bridges. Proposed Trails in Wetland: Irene Rd trail to York CA – bog bridge and trail status update; Paul noted that the surveyor has done the plan for the trail and has the mylar ready. Trail from Old Causeway Rd to Peppergrass Brook CA – easement status; Kristin reported that the property line between #7A and 9 Old Causeway Road has been staked out by a surveyor. The new trail is being laid out to stay on #9 Old Causeway Road only and a final plan will be created as an exhibit to accompany the easement. Washington St bridge trail – status update for bridge/trail; Mark noted the trail has been laid out and could be completed in advance of the bridge installation. Kristin will review the permit. Old Middlesex Rd trail – status update for trail easement; Kristin had a site walk with Elizabeth and confirmed the layout of the new section of the trail crossing the stone wall and connecting to North Road. DPW will put together the final draft of the easement and the exhibit using CAD. Map boxes/Trail posts – status update; Mark routed two signs for NGRR/Governor Winthrop crossing. They will be attached to the existing entrance posts. They will be in‐line with the posts and are 3.5‐inch‐wide cedar from Elizabeth. Mark has some wood left over. Huckins Farm – status update; Clem noted that Hal’s chain saw broke with the latest round of clearing blowdowns. There were 9 trees in total. (Safer pedestrian access to Minnie Reid CA) (158‐162 South Rd proposed trail to Minuteman Bikeway) Other maintenance – method to report trail work – People Forms draft; Kristin noted DPW is working on addressing Michael’s comments, and this will be discussed again in January. Minnie Reid kiosk needs repair – Paul noted the kiosk has been pushed over and needs angled supports added to correct the leaning and straighten it up. Mark noted he could use steel sign posts to lag bolt to the kiosk. Paul noted there is also a demolished picnic table at Minnie Reid. Springs Brook CA trail conditions – Michael noted that Springs Brook trail is impassable and quite overgrown. The plan for a boardwalk at this location is still a few years away from requesting funding. In the interim, multiple bog bridges are needed that would have to be secured to the ground to prevent lateral movement. These could be a replacement of the old bridges. Lantern Lane Bridge – The Lantern Lane Bridge and Springs Brook Boardwalk got combined into one project noted on the look ahead for future CPC funding in FY20.

Other Business Bay Circuit Trail re‐blazing update – Mark noted he met with Marlies Henderson from Billerica and noted that trail around the pond on the Route 3 side near Orchard Road was impassable. They walked with Jonathan Crockett from MCC and chose an existing trail that is higher to be the BCT route, and Mark will install the proper blazes for the re‐route.

Trail Walks & Public Education Google User Group for Trail Walks; Clem noted that Ralph organized a cable session on Bedford TV about trails with Paul, Ralph, Clem, and Julie. It is airing now. December 2nd – recap; Ralph’s walk at Clark/Little Meadow had a turnout of 30 people. January 6th – needs a leader; Mark will lead. February 3rd – needs a leader; Bruce may be available, check in January.

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 9th at 7:30pm in the DPW 2nd floor conference room

Meeting minutes recorded by Kristin Dowdy and approved on February 28, 2018.