FREEPORT – The Freeport Town Council will consider a grant application that would study establishing a trail connection between Hedgehog Mountain and nearby recreational facilities at the Pownal Road Fields and the Hunter Road Fields, known as the Freeport Outdoor Recreation Resource Project.
Will Beck, chairman of the Freeport Conservation Commission, told the Town Council on July 15 that the commission supports the grant application to the National Park Service. Councilor Melanie Sachs said that the council will take a vote on the application on Aug. 5.
Hedgehog Mountain, its trailhead located off Pownal Road, is the highest point in Freeport, and contains 196 acres that people use for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. On some trails, mountain biking and snowmobiling are allowed.
Beck said that there is no easy connection between Hedgehog Mountain and the Pownal Road and Hunter Road fields. The National Park Service favors collaboration when it considers such grant applications.
“As part of the broader picture of the Active Living Task Force, connections are a good thing,” he said.
Beck said there is not a specified amount yet for the grant application.
Sachs said that the conservation commission, the Active Living Task Force and Regional School Unit 5 form a “nice collaboration” for the grant.
Beck told the Town Council that the conservation commission provides stewardship for more than 400 acres of town-owned land, including Hedgehog Mountain, which is the largest and most frequently used property. With a $2,500 annual budget, the conservation commission also maintains Hidden Pond, Florida Lake, Carey Woods and Sewall Park.
Beck said that the Freeport Outdoor Recreation Resource Project would create “a cohesive outdoor recreation area with multiple uses.”
“The town of Freeport has done a superb job of creating a diverse committee with many talents to manage the town-owned outdoor recreational purposes,” he said. “However, no one has the expertise to assess the environment and topography for areas that may be under-utilized for traditional uses at the Hedgehog property, or know best practices to integrate the mix uses of Hedgehog, Pownal Road and Hunter Road fields. This grant will show us what is possible by the professionals.”
Prior to the meeting, Beck said that the five recreational areas managed by the commission provide for traditional uses such as hiking, running and snowmobiling, in addition to some hunting at Corey Woods. Many people go bird watching at Hidden Pond, he said.
The commission invites additional participation from the community, he said. An Eagle Scout replaced two bridges at Florida Lake last year. The Rotary Club and students from Mast Landing School have been active in cleaning up trails.
“There are a number of different stakeholders who help maintain these properties without direction from us,” Beck said.
During its last meeting, the commission did a site walk at Corey Woods. The commission meets monthly, except for the summer months.
“There’s always the need for general maintenance – to have a bridge replaced, to have a bench replaced, or signage,” he said.
The Conservation Commission promoted the Active Living Plan of the Active Living Task Force that promotes accommodations for more walking and bicycling in town.
“Our mission is on a parallel path,” Beck said. “They have the larger goal of tying the Active Living Plan to the Comprehensive Plan. We want people to be more able to use the places already in use.”
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