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Selectboard reviews volunteer release form for trail work; Orchard Trail clearing raises liability concerns
Summary
Jonathan Bicknell circulated a chainsaw-use release form for trail volunteers; Peter Hayden objected that the waiver places liability on volunteers and noted Orchard Trail needs tree clearing complicated by a hostile landowner; the board asked Hayden and Bicknell to draft a revised form and Mullen to consult road crews about clearing.
Jonathan Bicknell presented a release form for volunteers who would use chainsaws while maintaining town trails. Selectboard member Peter Hayden raised two concerns: the proposed release shifts liability onto volunteers, and Orchard Trail requires additional clearing where a hostile landowner has impeded access. Hayden urged the town to consider having road crews perform clearing work on Orchard Trail rather than relying solely on volunteers.
Chair Gary Mullen said he would discuss Orchard Trail clearing with Rodney Hoyt and that Hayden and Bicknell would collaborate on another draft of the release form. The exchange recorded directions for revising the waiver and consulting road crews; no formal vote was recorded on adoption of any release form during the meeting.
