Town staff told the Select Board on July 29 that the Maine Conservation Corps will construct and finish trails at Bonnebic (Bonnibic) Mountain starting Aug. 18, with planned work blocks and a late-October opening event.

Staff outlined a schedule of four work periods: Aug. 18'26, Sept. 1'9, Sept. 15'23 and Sept. 29'Oct. 7 (staff described the Corps' typical 7-days-on schedule with breaks between blocks). During multi-day work stretches about six crew members will camp on the mountain; the town will provide porta-potties and water access and the Maine Conservation Corps will use the town's trail brushing as a starting point and finish boardwalks, crossings and granite stairs where needed.

Staff said previous contractor work on trails had produced durable granite stairs and log walks that eliminated muddy stretches, and that the Corps' scope will finish crossings and other trail infrastructure. The town has finalized a kiosk sign for the parking lot (packet page 42) and staff said the kiosk sign will be installed in the lot ahead of the opening.

Why it matters: The work will improve trail safety, reduce muddy sections, and provide a community amenity; the town plans a public ribbon-cutting on Oct. 25 and expects improved access and fewer maintenance issues after the Corps' work.

Next steps: Staff will coordinate logistics with the Corps, set up camping and sanitary facilities during construction blocks and schedule the Oct. 25 opening event and ribbon-cutting.