Underhill Trails Committee

Underhill Town Hall

July 19, 2011

Members present: Carol Butler, Karen McKnight, Howie McRae, Natalie Coughlin, Pat Lamphere, Nancy McRae.

Minutes of the June 21st meeting were approved.

Pat brought a photo of a bridge that was built on his property without permission using trees cut on his land.

Nancy walked the Crane Brook with Kari; she would like to see designs for the crossings before she can determine whether permits are needed. Due to structures and parking, we made need a conditional use permit from the Development Review Board. Nancy and Howie will draw the first two crossings and the kiosk.

A section of the old dump road is called the Crane Brook Trail, so another name is needed for this perimeter loop. No decision was made.

Members reviewed the map of the trail and marked the spots where signs are needed and the wording of each. Crossing structure and kiosk locations were also noted. See list below and attached map for details. Suggestions for the signs included green with cream lettering or natural wood.

As a portion of the trail is prime grouse habitat, dogs will need to be leashed. The kiosks should explain that this natural area is a wildlife habitat and breeding ground. A copy of the Underhill leash law could also be posted. Any business that donates materials to this project should be thanked on the bulletin board. Include “No motorized vehicles”.

Could MMU students make the signs as one of their community service projects? Perhaps they could also maintain the trail.

Nancy will ask Kari if we can put up temporary kiosk and clear the Shera bypass, send her drawings, and see if we can get on the DRB schedule. Pat will talk to Rod about diagonal parking along the edge of the new road. Perhaps the dumpster could be moved.

Carol will call Shera’s to ask if they would like us to put a “Private Property, Trail Closed” sign by the entrance to the old dump.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy S. McRae

Sign list and location:

1.  Kiosk at Irish Settlement Road gate, 2 posts

2.  Trail, left arrow; trail, right arrow back to back; trail right arrow at right angles, 1 post

3.  Trail closed sign on connector to field, 1 post

4.  Trail with ßà to keep people going straight, 1 post

5.  Trail closed heading to Shera’s, 1 post

6.  Private property sign at boundary, 1 post

7.  Trail, right arrow to new trail; trail left arrow coming out of new trail, right angles on 1 post; may need one arrow pointing ahead due to intersection of cross trail

8.  Trail, right arrow down New Road; trail, left arrow off new road, right angles on 1 post

9.  Private Property, Trail Closed, at entrance to old dump, 1 post, if Shera’s want it

10.  Kiosk at New Rd. trailhead, 2 posts

11.  Trail with ßà opposite trail coming down by cairn, 1 post

12.  Trail, right arrow up road; trail, left arrow down trail, right angles, 1 post

13.  Trail, left arrow into field; trail, right arrow down road, right angles on 1 post

14.  Trail closed heading back to Wptoo2, 1 post

15.  Trail, left arrow; trail right arrow at top of field, right angles on 1 post

16.  Trail, left arrow; trail right arrow soon after above, right angles on 1 post

17.  Vernal pond, please stay on trail, right arrow, 1 post

18.  Trail, left arrow, 1 post

19.  Private property- post or tree?

20.  Please do not block gate ( for Town Garage)

To do segment parallel to Irish Settlement Road:

21.  Trail, left arrow; trail, right arrow, right angles on 1 post

22.  Trail, left arrow coming onto road, trail, right arrow, leaving road, right angles, 1 post

Also:

23.  Kiosk at Irish Settlement Road entrance to property

24.  Diagonal parking

Materials list for above signs:

Private property- 3 (if Shera’s want one where trail left New Road)

Trail closed- 4 ( “ )

Trail- 22

Arrows- 21

Double arrow ( ßà)- 2

Please do not block gate- 1

Vernal pond

Please stay on trail - 1

Posts for kiosks- 4 (4x4x8?)

Posts for signs- 18 (4x4x6?) Some will have four boards and it needs to clear snow!