Hinesburg Trails Committee

Meeting Minutes

July 21, 2010

In attendance: Cathy Ryan, Colin McNaull, Jane Sheldon, Michelle Fisher 

- On July 16th, Pete Van Vranken emailed Adrea Morgante to point out that the “Hidden Meadow” in the “Gillespie Copp-Welch & Hinesburg Riparian Forest Trails” is growing over, with poison wild parsnip, and asked about if it would be mowed. The email was forwarded to Colin and then to the Trails Committee. Colin announced that Rocky Martin told him the town would be taking a brush hog to it (via Gilman Rd. middle entrance).

- A proposed walking connection between NRG and the Mobil station was discussed, prompted by some emails from Stewart discussing the issue. NRG has a floating 

easement from NRG to create a trail. It was discussed that there is somewhat of a trail, but you have to go up onto 116 for part of it because of the stream. Stewart had written in an email that Martha Keenan used to be on our committee (and works at NRG) but now isn’t. Stewart wrote to NRG’s community person Ann Weinstock Jones on July 12, stating that the Trails Committee is still enthusiastic about this possibilty, and asking where we stand. As of this meeting, no response, or none that we (in attendance) know of.

- The sidewalk missing link on 116 connecting Lyman Meadows/Park with the sidewalk in front of Hart & Mead was discussed. Rocky Martin has said (via email) that it can not be combined with the current 116 (in the vicinity of Silver Street) sidewalk project. Also, applying for state funding for the sidewalk would add more expense and time (in engineering requirements) than it would be worth, in his opinion. It has been put in to the town budget the past few years but has been removed. Rocky said that the Village Steering Committee has also inquired about this sidewalk possibility, and he suggested the Trails Committee and the Village Steering Committee work together to bring our concerns to the Selectboard this fall during budget meetings. Cathy also plans to talk to Lyman Meadows residents so that they can make their voices heard as well. It might not be possible to get it in the upcoming budget, but Cathy’s hope is that it gets in in the next couple years.

- Cathy will be making a presentation to the Hinesburg Fire Department on July 22nd about the Russell Trails (including the new Thistle Hill and Sullivan trails). Detailed maps will be provided including access points.

- Eagle Trail blazing - as of July 21, Colin and other Trails Committee members have blazed about half of the Eagle Trail. They are planning on blazing the rest in the coming weeks. There was also some discussion of the difficulty of reaching the Economou Rd. parking area in a regular car due to ruts, etc. It is perhaps too narrow for a regular road grader. No solutions were presented.

- Jason has the Aug 4th (deadline date) article for the Hinesburg Record. Lenore will do the article due Sept. 1st.

- Cathy suggested having a “show and tell” of our favorite trails - it seems that many Trails Committee members tend to stick to their favorite trails and don’t know a lot about some of the others, so we could each take turns hosting outings to our favorite trails. The public could be invited as well.

- Greg and 7 others completed work on the West Buckhill-Lavigne Hill ttrail. on Saturday June 19