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