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Trails group wins commission sign-off for two boardwalks on Two Rod Road trail
Summary
The commission approved Positive 2A / Negative 3 determinations allowing construction of two boardwalks (5 ft wide) in the buffer zone on Two Rod Road, with staff noting work will be from upland areas and likely improve a disturbed, wet section of trail.
The Carlisle Conservation Commission voted to issue Positive 2A and Negative 3 determinations for Two Rod Road trail improvements, allowing construction of a 150-foot and a 40-foot boardwalk across seasonally wet portions of the trail.
Alan Ankress of the Trails Committee described the project and said the committee plans to use construction methods the town has used elsewhere but will widen the boardwalks to five feet at the request of local equestrians. "We're going to make these ones 5 ft wide rather than the usual four," he said, and described options for lighter support material to keep heavy precast concrete bumpers off narrow trails.
Staff (Megan) confirmed the work is in the buffer zone but not in the wetland resource area and noted the site is already a disturbed 350-year-old road corridor where a boardwalk likely will improve conditions by containing foot and horse traffic. Commissioners voted to approve the determinations with standard special conditions about staging, materials and avoidance of resource-area impacts.
Why it matters: the boardwalks will improve an often-impassable section of multi-use trail and were tailored to local equestrian needs; the commission balanced public-access improvement with wetland protection.
What’s next: the Trails Committee may proceed under the conditions; staff will confirm final materials and staging plans.
