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Open Space Committee seeks grants, plans Marshview‑McLaren trail reroute
Summary
Merrimac’s Open Space Committee discussed redirecting the Marshview‑McLaren Trail through the Perkins Conservation Area, asked Greenbelt to review wetland crossings, and prioritized pursuing several grants (Mass Trails, Essex Natural Heritage when active, and American Trails) while noting only $424 remains in the committee account.
The Merrimac Open Space Committee on April 24 discussed rerouting the Marshview‑McLaren Trail and seeking external funding for trail work.
Committee member Lucy Abisalih said she will notify Greenbelt — which holds the conservation restriction on the Perkins Conservation Area — about the committee’s intent to redirect the trail and will check whether planned wetland crossings need a formal review. The committee also noted Greenbelt’s scheduled stewardship assessment walk for the Hoyt property on May 2 as a chance to inspect potential routing and impacts.
Mary Glennon outlined grant options for trail improvement and creation: Mass Trails grants (reported in the minutes as up to $100,000 with a 20% match requirement and eligible costs including design and engineering), Essex Natural Heritage grants (noted as currently on hold), and American Trails grants (noted at $2,000–$10,000). Glennon said she will follow up with the listed programs; the minutes record no award or application yet.
Sean Wright reported he would remove recent downed trees on the committee’s trails as he is able. The minutes note that Sean will also ask whether Jamaco (named in the minutes as an organization that uses race entry fees for local causes) might help provide matching funds. Lucy Abisalih said she will update NE Trail Works on the committee’s efforts.
The committee flagged a constrained local budget: the Open Space Committee line item holds $424, which members said would limit the committee’s ability to provide large matches for grants and may increase reliance on volunteer labor or external partners for immediate maintenance.
Next steps recorded in the minutes: Lucy Abisalih will contact Greenbelt about the reroute and wetland review, Mary Glennon will pursue follow‑up on grants, and the committee will consider outreach opportunities such as staffing a booth at Old Home Days to engage residents about trail plans. The committee set its next meeting for May 27, 2025.
