Boy Scout Matt Bodwell Is Working To Establish A Trail

By Kendra Bobowick

Boy Scout Matt Bodwell’s trail report in early June was simple.

Speaking to the Parks and Recreation Commission members on June 10, he said, “The project is basically clearing the land and turning it into a trail.” Along the Monroe-Newtown border and behind Swamp Road residences is an old stretch of railroad track that enters town from Monroe and runs several thousand feet into the Batchelder property off of Swamp Road and Botsford Hill Road. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Matt has selected roughly 600 feet to clean, clear, and convert to a trail, jumpstarting the town’s plans to continue a Rails to Trails trail bed. Also at work in that area is resident Scott Coleman, who had approached the commission in past months with hopes to rejuvenate trail efforts in town. Starting with this project.

He told the commission, “We’ll clear it at 12 feet wide and throw something on the ground — chips? Something very simple.”

Chairman Ed Marks remarked, “This is good for us’ when will you start?”

Matt first needs to speak with Land Use Deputy Director Rob Sibley, and the scouting council, he said. As of this week Mr Sibley, who is aware of Mr Coleman’s and Matt’s efforts, had not yet seen a final proposal. Increasing the town’s recreation areas is a concept he welcomes, however.

“They wanted to continue the trail and we thought, ‘good,’” said Mr Sibley, who added that he “absolutely” likes the idea.

Walking, biking, and other recreation could become more common ways for residents to travel, he hopes. Admitting the dream will not immediately come true, he said, “I’ll always push.” Regarding Mr Coleman’s overall efforts to bring life to trails planning, he said, “I love it. [Mr Coleman] seems capable. I hope he takes the reigns and runs with it.”

Mr Sibley had met in past months with Mr Coleman and Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold. Parks & Rec would be the commission to turn to for matters of active recreation, he said.

Matt said he was “shooting for July” to possibly begin work, adding, “Things don’t always work as planned.” Recreation members also welcomed his plans noting that the trails work was “attainable.”

The town’s strip of property near the track is roughly 50 feet wide and about 1,500 feet long. Matt will handle the initial 600 feet. Mr Coleman is working out ways to continue the trail beyond Matt’s portion, which could include recycling the rails.

The Batchelder Land Trust CEO also is cooperating with Mr Coleman, who has plans of continuing the trail and meandering between the larger trees. “Visually, it’s more interesting,” and preserves the trees, he said.

“I think it’s great; we’re moving along,” Mr Marks said.

Several neighboring landowners are concerned, however. Swamp Road property owner Karl Philippi said he is “not happy” and has contacted the Parks & Rec director to voice his worries.

Surveyors recently marked the property boundaries, and Ms Mangold, during a recent meeting, wondered if Mr Philippi had seen the markers abutting his backyard and thought those were meant to identify the trail. The flags marked the boundaries, but not where the trail would travel, she clarified.

Ms Mangold also sent a letter to Swamp Road property owners to address some of their worries.

“There are no permits required for this project so no property owners would need to be notified,” the letter stated in part. “Public access has always been allowed … the project will make it more defined … it is not up to the town to put up fences to protect your property but you are more than welcome to post your own no trespassing signs or fences.”

Ms Mangold’s letter also stated that she would invite concerned neighbors to upcoming trails meetings.