Lincoln Conservation Commission – Trail Use Public Forum
MINUTES
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Multi-Purpose Room – Hartwell School
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Henderson, Peter von Mertens, Ari Kurtz, David Katsuki
STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Seaborg.
The Lincoln Conservation Commission held a public forum to discuss trail use on conservation land on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 7:30 p.m., in the multi-purpose room at the Hartwell Building of the School Complex in Lincoln.
Peter von Mertens gave a brief introduction and described the intentions for the meeting. The Commission was interested in gaining feedback regarding general trail use and maintenance, patterns of increased or decreased use, conflicts between user groups and implementation of action items outlined in the Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Angela Seaborg presented an overview of the Open Space and Recreation Planning Process and outlined action items relating to the trails including overwhelming interest in building more roadside paths and trails, allowing bicycle use on existing trails, increasing trail connectivity among neighborhoods, building community around conservation land, etc.
Tom Gumbart discussed the historical use of Lincoln’s trail system. In general the trails are very healthy and accommodate a variety of user groups. Conservation staff and the Land Trust work hard to maintain the trails and address problem areas when they arise. The conservation Commission in conjunction with the Land Trust, maintain somewhat flexible regulations and address conflicts regarding trail use through public meetings and forums as they arise.
Because of the Lincoln Guide Service, Lincoln became a hot spot for mountain biking during the early 90’s. Between 1993 and 1995 the Conservation Commission and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust voted to limit bicycle use from 60 miles of trails to approximately 6. Since that time the Lincoln Guide Service has closed and bicycle use on the trails has dramatically decreased. The Commission is interested in opening up a limited number of trails on a trial basis to connect critical links through Town for kids and adults.
Other items that were raised at the meeting include:
• More Roadside Paths. Connectivity to conservation lands: Old Sudbury Road, Baker Bridge Road, Tower Road, Trapelo Road.
• Trails are existing infrastructure – explore possibilities for expanding or changing use.
• People are seeing an increase in horseback riding – produce a letter and signs that describe rider etiquette during mud season.
• Post signs that show yielding symbol.
• Post regulations and trail etiquette in conspicuous locations.
• Generally, better communication about rules, regs, issues among community – use the Lincoln Journal to disseminate information.
• Determine impact on land vs. etiquette among users.
• Open suitable trails to bicycles.
• Increase transportation network between school and mall. Create bike access points to roadside paths, add paths where roadside paths don’t currently connect, work with Drumlin Farm to identify trails where dogs can be.
• Meeting among Con Com and LLCT to conduct detailed analysis of trails.
• Get funding at Town Meeting for increased trail maintenance.
• Identify handicapped accessible trails.
• Designate bike lanes in roads.
• Explore design standards for roadside paths that would encourage use by road cyclists.
• Consider allowing multiple uses of conservation land but limit disturbance by timed or seasonal use.
• Control exotic-invasive species along roadside paths and trails.
• Develop a standard sign system. Public/private lands, clear markers, etc.
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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