Conservation Commission asks Tinmouth Select Board to approve small culvert to reopen Merrill Spring–Mountain View trail

Ed Hagenor, speaking for the Conservation Commission, asked the Select Board to approve installation of a small culvert so a recently improved town trail from Merrill Spring to Mountain View can be used again. "We are requesting from the board approval to have a small culvert installed across the drainage to make access for a town trail," Hagenor said, showing photos and describing existing stiles and an ATV culvert nearby.

Hagenor said the ATV route about 100 feet south has a culvert that allows vehicles to cross and that the trail-only crossing could be significantly smaller. He estimated the foot-trail culvert might be roughly 18 inches in diameter but said a 36-inch or 6-foot-long section could be appropriate if the town prefers full trail width or to match drainage needs. Board members discussed alternatives including installing blazes, adding signage to mark the town trail, or building a simple wooden plank bridge if the board preferred to avoid a culvert.

Select Board members asked the road commissioner to visit the site and report back with specific recommendations for culvert diameter, length and whether the town has usable culvert stock at the garage. Members also discussed safety and parking near the Mountain View intersection and the possibility of creating a small gravel pull-off so parents waiting for the school bus would not park on the road. No formal vote was taken; the board instructed staff or the road commissioner to inspect the site and return with more detail.