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Proposed connector trail to 'Sunshine' divides committee; members seek pilot, monitoring and clearer maps
Summary
A member presented a proposal for a minimally improved connector trail to Sunshine. Supporters said it could satisfy competing interests if paired with monitoring and pedestrian‑only lower trails; others urged further work and careful mapping before any vote.
A committee member (S7) presented a concept for a connector trail to link northern trails with the Sunshine area. The proposal calls for a minimally improved, low‑impact tread, a monitoring strategy and limits on where multi‑use access is allowed.
"That would be the vision as I as I see it," the committee member said while describing a long, minimally improved connector that would not require boardwalk‑level infrastructure. Supporters argued the proposal could be a proof‑of‑concept to show the plan can allow carefully sited connections without violating the conservation easement; supporters also proposed making certain lower‑network trails pedestrian‑only to reduce user conflicts.
Opponents and cautious members said the recommendation was premature without georeferenced buffer maps, clearer definitions of reserve zones and a technical assessment of where buffers and vernal pools fall on the ground. Multiple members warned that if the committee stalls, trail proponents could pursue external petitions or other off‑committee actions.
Next steps: the committee agreed to refine the idea in a small working group that would walk the proposed alignments, produce clearer maps and present a refined proposal back to the full committee for discussion or a vote.
