Norwood Trails Advisory Committee members described a schedule and logistics this week for installing bridge cribbing and other stream crossings on the Tri-Tayo Trail, and asked volunteers and town departments to prepare materials and access plans.

Committee leaders said the work is weather- and water-level-dependent and that teams would aim to start site work as soon as river stages drop. The group listed possible work windows of Oct. 24–26, 2025, for initial heavy site work and said volunteers will do pre-cutting, drilling and other prep work ahead of any on‑water construction.

The committee contrasted two approaches for moving heavy timbers into place: carrying crib pieces over land or floating them by canoe. Organizers said a six‑foot 4x6 weighs about 30 pounds and that multiple pieces can be floated in a canoe; they also said some sites could be driven to with small utility vehicles if access is permitted. The group discussed staging sleepers (long timbers) on banks ahead of high-water work so crews can pin and plumb crib frames quickly when river stages fall.

Committee members reported recent maintenance metrics to underline volunteer capacity: 64.5 people-hours recorded for September and a monthly average of 94.25 people‑hours during the busy season. Members said that most trails were mowed and stick‑picked for the season and that several choke points and culvert crossings had been widened ahead of winter.

Permitting and property access remain constraints. Speakers said some planned bridge sites sit on or adjacent to private or institutional land and that one crossing will require a one‑time access agreement from a private landowner (referred to in the meeting as the "analog building" owner). Committee members said trustees who own some parcels and other landholders have been notified and that approvals or brief easements will be sought before bringing lumber and equipment to those sites.

Materials and equipment plans are moving forward. The committee reported preparing a purchase order covering known materials for the first six approved bridges and said they were seeking three quotes as part of procurement. Organizers said the PO would be sent to Home Depot once confirmations are complete, and they asked volunteers to line up a place with AC power and a sliding compound saw to cut 4x6s and an electric hammer drill to bore holes for rebar.

Discussion distinguished tasks for small crews (precutting and drilling at a central location) and field crews who will carry or float cribbing into position. The group also discussed limiting the number of people actively building cribbing to avoid overcrowding and safety issues; experienced volunteers advised using roughly 6–10 people on construction days, with additional people to carry materials when appropriate.

Looking ahead, committee members urged volunteers to sign up for prep shifts (cutting and drilling) and for site days that will be announced once the PO is finalized and river stages decline to acceptable levels. Work will be postponed or rescheduled if rain or high water returns, the committee said.