Hiking trails proposed in Otisfield

Photo: Kayla Collins

TRAIL TALK — Conservation Committee member Bob Blake points to hiking trails on a map in the areas of Saturday Pond and Moose Pond that he believes the townspeople will appreciate and use often once finished.

OTISFIELD — Three hiking trails linking Saturday Pond and Moose Pond were proposed by Conservation Committee member Bob Blake at the selectboard meeting May 2.

During the meeting, Blake gave the proposal along with a map to each of the selectmen, suggesting that the hiking trails be referred to as "Two Ponds Nature Area."

The three trail names that Blake proposed were Saturday Pond Trail, Moose Pond Trail and Saturday Pond Loop Trail. But Blake said that the third trail may not even be considered.

"We may just condense it into two trails," he said.

So far, he said, the trails have all been flagged. The only thing that needs to be resolved before proceeding with project, he said, is whether the town will need a Permit By Rule (PBR), which is required by the DEP should any surrounding activity cause soil disturbance.

He also said that he and fellow committee member Jeff Stern are in the process of deciding how far the trail should be from the shoreline.

"Anything within 75 feet of the water, needs to have a Permit By Rule from DEP," he explained.

Blake said that has spent "extensive time" in the area, and in his opinion the best trail would be about 20-30 feet from the shore, on the backside of the berm on Saturday Pond.

"I think if you get 75-100 feet in from the pond, that it may be wetter than it be may 20 feet, or 30 feet from the pond," said Blake.

"We're kind of in a gray area," said Stern, "but the biggest determination in whether we need a PBR or not is if there is going to be soil disturbance, like digging or putting in culverts ... [even] resurfacing the trail." 

"My feeling is to do a PBR anyway, just to be on the safe side," he said.

According to Blake, since the town is thinking of installing a bench on the trail, it should pursue a PBR. Selectman Rick Micklon suggested that perhaps the town could use existing tree stumps to avoid any soil disturbance.

A kiosk at the trail head was also recommended.

Blake said that hikers may also have a tendency to step up onto the berm, which can also cause soil erosion. The trails will be for foot traffic only, he said.

Blake and Stern will decide on the trail's location to determine whether the town needs a PBR. 

A table will be set up at town meeting, June 30, to give voters a chance to look at the proposed trail map and make any recommendations for trail names.