Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Conway Branch Trail Advisory topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Albany commission discusses Conway Branch trail representation and volunteer-built connector
Summary
The commission considered appointing an Albany representative to the Conway Branch recreational trail advisory committee, heard that a Madison volunteer offered a mini excavator for initial bench cuts, and learned that Malcolm and Elizabeth Thomas gave written permission for a short connector on town-forest land.
The Albany Conservation Commission on Aug. 5 discussed a request from the Select Board to appoint an Albany representative to the Conway Branch recreational trail advisory committee and plans for local trail connections using volunteer labor.
The Chair said the Select Board asked the commission to appoint someone to the advisory committee; the commission discussed the 21-mile Conway Branch rail-trail and a possible spur connecting Madison to Redstone via an old New Hampshire DOT bypass corridor. A committee member described routing options—near Pocket Pond, between Pudding Pond and the North–South Road, and through areas used seasonally by snowmobiles—and said the trail’s regional reach makes Albany’s participation useful for the next 6–12 months of planning.
When no other volunteers stepped forward, one commission member offered to serve as the Albany representative on the advisory committee. Another member reported a local volunteer has offered use of a mini excavator to begin bench cuts and initial trail work; the member said the volunteer is not charging for fuel or labor and provided documentation (Fish & Game and a state notice) indicating that, because the work is unpaid, the landowner is not liable and the volunteer may not be required to carry insurance. Members agreed to file those documents, walk the proposed route the following morning, and to keep the Select Board informed.
The commission also heard that landowners Malcolm and Elizabeth Thomas provided written permission to connect two parcels at the southern border of the Albany Town Forest, enabling a short connector that could create a loop to a scenic high point. The conservation management plan item was deferred until members can review markups submitted by Cindy Sellers of Yousefellow.
The commission did not take a final vote on appointments or trail routing at this meeting; it noted site walks and further documentation would precede formal actions.
