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Bedford Council accepts $24,800 state trails grant for Pulpit Rock viewing platform
Summary
The Bedford Town Council unanimously accepted a $24,800 New Hampshire Recreational Trails Program grant to fund a new viewing platform at Pulpit Rock, with the town covering remaining costs through conservation funds or donated labor.
Council Chair Laurie Ratke opened a public hearing Dec. 17 and heard from Kathleen Ports, the town’s conservation planner, who asked the council to accept a New Hampshire Recreational Trails Program grant of $24,800 to build a viewing platform at the base of Pulpit Rock in the Pulpit Rock Conservation Area.
"The project would fund the construction of a viewing platform at the base of the pulpit within the Pulpit Rock Conservation area," Ports said, saying the platform’s purpose is to protect natural resources while improving access and safety for visitors. Ports estimated the project cost at about $31,100, with the remainder covered by the Conservation Commission through its fund, volunteer labor or donated materials.
Councilors asked technical questions about wetlands and trail routing. Ports said the platform is sited on rock above any wetland and that the state permit process had been completed. She also said an existing informal boardwalk would be removed and replaced with a better‑aligned boardwalk to funnel visitors into a single viewing area.
Councilor Carter moved that the council accept the Recreational Trails Program grant in the amount of $24,800 and authorize the town manager to complete required grant agreements. Councilor Bemis seconded the motion. The council voted in favor, 7–0.
The authorization allows the town manager to sign the grant agreements and obligates the town to complete construction and associated permitting. The project is intended to reduce resource damage by concentrating foot traffic and to improve visitor safety and access. The council did not set an exact construction schedule at the hearing.
