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Commission advances Ridge Hill and Town Forest maps and proposes signage for unofficial mountain-bike trails
Summary
Staff presented updated Ridge Hill and Town Forest maps and recommended color and name conventions (Horsford Road to brown, Farley Pond Trail and Nehoedon Trail as destination names) plus small aluminum discs or map key to mark unofficial mountain-bike trails not maintained by the town; commissioners generally supported the approach and asked for clear map notes to warn users.
Conservation staff presented updated poster-size Ridge Hill maps and a proposed map and sign plan for the Town Forest. Key recommendations included recoloring Horsford Road to brown for legibility, naming a small set of destination trails (Farley Pond Trail and Nehoedon Trail), keeping color-based labels for most side trails, and installing new trailhead signage and kiosks consistent with the Ridge Hill convention.
Staff also proposed using small aluminum discs at intersections to identify "unofficial" mountain-biking trails that are not part of the mapped, maintained network. Commissioners discussed whether disc language or a silhouette bicycle symbol plus a key note (for example: "Unofficial mountain-bike trails; not maintained by town") would be clearer for visitors. Several commissioners suggested adding a map legend or a second informational panel to explain unofficial routes and caution that these trails are not maintained and may be hazardous.
The commission discussed timing and costs for printed kiosks versus temporary corrugated-plastic or laminated maps and agreed to pursue coordinated signage with Parks & Recreation, aiming to install priority signs this summer while finalizing the full maps for print in the fall.
