Gilmanton Trails Subcommittee sets Trail Day, new signage and mapping updates

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee on May 5 set work plans for a May 7 Trail Day and assigned members to replace signs, re-blaze paths and produce GPS mapping files for town trail maps.

At the meeting, the group designated Beaver Woods and Urner as Trail Day sites. Rich Maher and his crew will set replacement signs in concrete at Beaver Woods, while Lori Baldwin and Chris Schlegel will handle blazing there. At Urner, Guy Williams and Thomie Dombrowski were assigned to remove a downed tree and re-blaze the trail; Kristie Owens warned that existing blazing can be confusing and the group agreed on more visible markings.

Members reviewed Cogswell-area needs, reporting a light 2025–2026 winter for blowdowns but noting re-blazing and additional signs are required. Lori Baldwin said she will buy signs and arrange lamination for large signs; Rich Maher has posts available. The committee noted the town website map has been updated with a new QR code and that Thomie Dombrowski will produce GPX files for Beaver Woods using onX so map-maker Ken Sheehan can incorporate the trail into web maps.

On trail-specific logistics, the committee discussed Kelley/Kulash at Rollins Pond and Brown Pond erosion: a tipping tree had been pulling soil and allowing water to escape; the tree was removed by Tom Sullivan. The group set a target to have the Rollins Pond trail blazed by Memorial Day (May 25). To improve parking and access, Rob Baldwin and Lori Baldwin will recon the site and consider moving roadside rocks or back-dragging with a tractor. Lori and Chris planned a blaze session for May 14 with a rain date of May 15.

Old business items included a mapping update from Ken Sheehan, who is awaiting GPX files to begin work on Beaver Woods and then Jones Farm; the group also confirmed participation in the Energy Commission plant pickup on May 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In new business, organizers reported 54 volunteers have signed up. Frank Allen created an expense-tracking spreadsheet and will assist with treasurer/budget duties; the committee indicated they were comfortable with the current accounting approach. The group also noted acquisition of a used chainsaw and a label maker; Kristie Owens proposed establishing an equipment inventory, and Lori Baldwin said she has begun a spreadsheet listing tools and storage locations. Members suggested purchasing Sawzall blades and sharpening stones to support trail work.

Procedural note: Chris Schlegel moved to accept the April minutes and Thomie Dombrowski seconded; the minutes record the motion and second but do not state the outcome.

The Trails Subcommittee scheduled and assigned volunteers and follow-up tasks for signage, blazing and mapping integration; no formal votes on ordinances or budgets were recorded in the transcript. The committee flagged additional lamination and signage work and set near-term dates for fieldwork.