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Selectboard discusses trail maintenance, meetings with Ascutney groups and possible parking fees
Summary
The Selectboard said it will meet with Ascutney Outdoors and Ascutney Trails Association to revisit trail-maintenance agreements and discussed potential options to monetize the Town Forest (including parking lot fees) to raise non-tax revenue for trail upkeep.
Selectboard members continued discussion of a Conservation Commission request to increase its budget to help Ascutney Trails Association with trail maintenance in the Town Forest.
The board said it wants to meet with Ascutney Outdoors (AO) and the Ascutney Trails Association (ATA) to revisit agreements and to discuss long-term trail maintenance needs, associated costs and funding opportunities.
As part of generating non-tax revenue for trail maintenance, the Selectboard discussed charging a fee for use of the Town Forest parking lot at the Ascutney Outdoors Center, either via a fixed daily rate or by adding a per-participant fee in the event approval process. Board members said the concept will be refined at future meetings but emphasized the town needs additional revenue sources to cover maintenance costs.
No decisions were made; staff and the board will continue the conversation and meet with AO and ATA before any formal funding changes are proposed.
