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Commissioners approve Somerset Woods Trustees’ Gilman Stream purchase despite ATV-access concerns
Summary
The commission voted 4-1 to award $15,000 toward Somerset Woods Trustees’ acquisition of Gilman Stream Forest in New Portland; Commissioner Skillings opposed the award over SWT’s refusal to commit to ATV trail access.
The Somerset County Commission approved a $15,000 matching grant (Res. 26-87) to Somerset Woods Trustees for the purchase of Gilman Stream Forest in New Portland. The motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Don Skillings recording the lone vote against the award because SWT would not commit to allowing motorized (ATV) trail use on the property.
"Commissioner Skillings said he struggles with this request because SWT does not commit to allowing motorized (ATV) use of the trails on the property," the record states. Jennifer Brockway of Somerset Woods Trustees told the commission that property taxes would be paid on the parcel. Supporters argued the acquisition advances conservation and public-access goals; opponents focused on recreational access and policy precedent for using county funds when trail-use policies exclude certain user groups. The resolution carried 4-1; staff will complete grant paperwork and record any deed or use restrictions in acquisition documents.
