Volunteers outline 21-mile Conway Branch rail-trail plan; Tamworth urged to appoint advisory rep

Volunteers with Friends of the Ossipee Rail Trail (FORT) presented an overview of a multi-town effort to convert the former Conway Branch rail corridor into a regional recreational trail. Speakers from FORT described the corridor — now 21 miles from Route 28 through Ossipee, Tamworth, Madison and into Conway — and said the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) now holds the corridor following state action to transfer it from the Department of Transportation.

Presenters said the group’s initial focus is the 7.5‑mile segment from Route 28 to Route 16 in Ossipee as a feasible first phase, with subsequent phases including a roughly 1.5‑mile stretch through Tamworth. Organizers described expected benefits: increased year‑round recreational access, potential ADA‑accessible segments, connectivity to other trails, and local economic stimulation from visitors. FORT representatives said Ossipee had contributed seed funds and that a consultant selection and advisory-committee meetings are underway; they asked Tamworth to name an official representative to the Conway Branch Trail Advisory Committee and invited the Select Board and public to attend an advisory meeting scheduled for July 10 at the Freight House in Center Ossipee.

Select Board members and presenters discussed surface types (stone crush vs. parallel path), crossing safety at Route 16, snowmobile and seasonal uses, and the time needed to develop rail‑trails (North Conway’s effort took years for small segments). FORT asked only for official awareness, representation at advisory meetings and community support, not immediate town funding. The Tamworth Select Board acknowledged the request and discussed identifying a representative to participate on the advisory committee.

Organizers also offered printed trail guides for area hiking trails and invited feedback for future editions.