Midcoast Trails Stewardship outlines trail-planning proposal for South Thomaston parcel

Jasper Darrence Stevens, a representative of Midcoast Trails Stewardship, told the South Thomaston Conservation Commission that the group can provide planning, fundraising help and hands-on trail-building support for the town-owned parcel and recommended starting with public engagement and a concept map.

"The biggest one, even before we even consider any sort of contracts, is to set up public forums or at least public comment series where people of the town can say... how they use the land," Stevens said, urging seasonal site visits and a short planning phase before permanent construction.

Why it matters: Commissioners and residents said the site has a mix of uses—hunting, snowmobile access and informal walking paths—and that a carefully phased plan would help direct limited funds and volunteer labor to priority connections, notably linking two existing road sections to create an initial loop.

Details from the presentation: Stevens described Midcoast's approach: multiple site visits across seasons, concept mapping using LiDAR/topographic data, and identifying zones for multiuse trails versus footpath-only areas. He cited the Main Trails funding program as a likely source (he said it typically requires a 10% match) and named the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund as another potential source (a higher match requirement was noted). On fundraising and matching, Stevens said smaller local donations and documented in-kind labor or donated materials often form the match component for larger grants.

Cost and timeline: Participants discussed a planning estimate mentioned in the meeting of about $4,500 for initial planning work and topographical assessment; Stevens said a formal planning contract often produces a plan in roughly 4–6 weeks, with the option for a shorter, limited plan if timing is urgent.

Access and infrastructure: Attendees noted that the original access road and several rutted sections are town-owned and that a culvert linking wet areas needs repair to maintain drainage and safe access. Commissioners said those repairs and donated crushed stone on-site could be documented as matching value for grants if the town proceeds.

Public outreach and next steps: The commission and Stevens agreed to pursue public engagement to build support and refine design. The group penciled in an outreach "backyard talk" for Aug. 22 (10–11 a.m., tentative) and planned to present an updated proposal to the Select Board at a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. Stevens offered to provide an updated proposal and promotional materials for the Select Board packet and public outreach.

What was not decided: No formal contract or funding commitment was made at the meeting; members agreed to seek Select Board approval and to return with revised documents and cost estimates.