Flavell Crossing and Special Ops Concerns and Actions

[Paul]

Dear NDO mountain bikers,

Two different problems have recently come to the attention of the Groton Conservation Commission, which owns and manages the Flavell Crossing Conservation Area that sits between Painted Post Rd and Duck Pond Dr.   The Commission does not know who is responsible for either problem and it is not trying to put any blame whatsoever onto NDO.  However, the Commission feels that your organization likely has many members who use the trails in this area and that some may even know who is responsible.  Your cooperation is requested in informing everyone, but particularly those who are directly responsible, that these two problems are unacceptable and need to be corrected.

The first is that someone has been blazing the main trail using red paint slash marks on the trees.  The woods and the trails are there for everyone’s enjoyment, but this does not mean they can be permanently modified by anyone without express approval of the Conservation Commission.  In fact, those who did this could be subject to a fine.  So if you know anyone involved with this painting, please let them know that it is illegal and must stop.  The Conservation Commission will be covering up the red paint and asks for everyone’s cooperation and understanding.  If there are one-time or short-term markings you would like to use for a special event, please contact the Conservation Commission to work out an acceptable plan with them. 

The second problem was identified during the investigation into the first problem.  The trail that has been referred to as the Special Ops Trail, which goes from the main trail near Painted Post Rd. to the corner of Lowell Rd. and Graniteville Rd. was never approved by the Conservation Commission before it was created.  While the Commission supports the many non-motorized uses of its trails throughout Groton, the Commission does not support the development of trails that leave conservation parcels and pass over private property.  Everyone must respect property owner’s rights.  Unless the property owner is willing to provide a legal easement across their property with full public access allowed, government entities cannot create a situation that knowingly directs the public to trespass over private property.  Therefore the Conservation Commission will be putting a Trail Closed sign at the intersection of the main Flavell Crossing Trail and the Special Ops Trail.  The Commission requests that you respect the sign and refrain from using the trail.  The Trails Committee’s interactive map will also be changed to indicate that the Special Ops trail is not a public trail.  However, the Commission is willing to consider a plan to re-route the Special Ops trail so that it no longer leads the public to private property.  Anyone interested in developing and presenting such a plan should contact the Conservation Commission Administrator, Nik Gualco, at 978-448-1106, or email in cc:.

NDO has a solid reputation that spans many years as a responsible recreational organization in Groton.  Thank you for your help in spreading the word about these problems to those who may not be part of NDO and thank you for supporting the steps that are being taken to correct them.

Paul Funch, Chair of the Groton Trails Committee,

on behalf of the Groton Conservation Commission

 

Home:  978-448-2813

Mobile:  978-302-9854

 

[Chris Bussiere]

Paul,

Certainly none of the core members of NDO had anything to do with the trail marking.  Anyone who rides regularly wouldn't need such marking as almost all of us use digital maps for any navigation. I expect it's a new trail user/kid that is attempting to be helpful. 

Second, 'Special Ops' has existed for more than a decade without issue.  It would be a shame to lose it now.

~CB

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[Paul Lohnes]

What ^^^^^ Chris said!

Thanks Paul for all you and the GCC does.

Paul

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mtnbike/CADiB6ApbGD1B0JJwxiGOZg0VUKiBp%2BCmc10jsRGECbR10q3EXg%40mail.gmail.com.

[John Llodra]

Paul (and Nik)

 

Thank you for this email, and for bringing to awareness for our mountain biking community some of the sensitivities that we (and all trail users) should be aware of.

 

I would like to thank you not only for your service and advocacy, but also the tone of your email and a recognition that most mountain bikers (in the NDO club and otherwise) are very passionate stewards of our conserved lands, as well as adhering to the proper protocols for their use and enjoyment.

 

Nonetheless, there will be instances such as this that highlight the need for education and corrective action.   While it is tempting for us to ascribe a notion of “bad actors” to infractions like this, my experience with both the mountain biking community and other recreationalists is that this is usually more a case of lack of understanding and perspective.  These instances present a great opportunity for educating and rallying together on our collective common goal for the balancing of conservation and recreation.

 

There was a related instance over the winter regarding an unauthorized trial on some land owned by NEFF, GCT, and a 3^rd private landowner, which similarly has resulted in the official closure of that trail.  In that case, it is quite evident that this was a purpose built mountain biking trail.  Here again, there is no reason to believe this was done with malice or with a rebellious intent, but with clearly a lack of education and judgement.

 

As relates to this specific instance, the GCT (of which I am a trustee) has an action item to convene a meeting with the 3 landowners, myself and another GCT trustee, hopefully you Paul if you are willing, and at least a few members of the mountain biking community that I have already assembled to participate in that meeting.  Clearly this meeting can have benefit for the broader topic of responsible use of our treasured lands.

 

As a passionate mountain biker (and conservationist), I have no doubt my fellow mountain bikers will use these instances as an opportunity to join together with all stakeholders to ensure the gifts of our conservation lands (and the rights of private landowners) are held front and center to our enjoyment of the trails.

 

Thanks again Paul.

 

Best regards,

John

 

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