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Westbrook commission to flag new access trail at Horse Hill Gorge
Summary
Chairman Randy Bell proposed flagging an access trail at Horse Hill Gorge that avoids inland wetlands and nearby private parcels; the commission set a field meeting for July 31 at 10:00 a.m. (rain date Aug. 7) and will verify boundaries with a surveyor before finalizing the route.
Chairman Randy Bell outlined plans July 21 to flag a new access trail across Horse Hill Gorge to improve public access while avoiding sensitive natural features and neighboring private property. He reviewed maps showing the gorge, vernal pools, bedrock and property lines and said the flagged route would cut into the woods to stay clear of inland wetlands and the yards of adjacent owners. R. Bell has ordered four signs to mark private property limits and trailheads.
Environmental Planner Heidi Wallace recommended a surveyor verify the proposed trail location to ensure it does not encroach on private land; the commission agreed. Members also discussed using a mapping app for public navigation, with Molly Bernstein citing Avenza as an example. The commission scheduled a field meeting to lay the access trail on Friday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m., with a rain date of Friday, Aug. 7 at 10:00 a.m., after which they will determine locations for additional trails.
The plan remains preliminary: the commission did not vote on a final route at the July 21 session and will proceed after field flagging and any needed survey verification. The field meeting and any subsequent trail‑laying will determine exact boundaries and signage placement.
