Trail contractors resume work; commission weighs signage, trash and dog-waste stations

Contractors have resumed spring work on the nature trail by Crystal Lake, the Gardner Conservation Commission heard. Staff reported hydroseeding was complete in parts, wood and chain-link fence posts were installed along the lake, and final paving was expected within days, subject to correcting localized erosion-control issues.

Commissioners and residents raised public-use management items: placement and number of informational and "drinking-water" signs, trash-barrel locations, and dog-waste stations. Resident Mary Marsh told the commission dog-waste bags are left along the trail and asked for more convenient disposal points. "People don't pick up their dog nests," she said, and residents requested additional trash and dog-bag stations near the pool and cemetery-side trailheads.

Staff said weekly monitoring would continue to ensure vegetation establishment and to address loose erosion controls before paving. Commissioners also asked staff to check barriers that prevent vehicles and dirt bikes from accessing the trail, to coordinate trash pickup schedules so barrels do not overflow, and to consult DPW on additional posts or medians if needed.

The commission said it would follow up on requests for signage, dog-waste stations, and trash management and urged residents to report problem areas to staff so problems can be addressed before project closeout.