This past year has been challenging yet incredible. In February, the Cotton Valley Trail Committee (CVTC) found out that due to several changes WEDCO, after 27 years, could no longer be our fiscal sponsor. This meant we could not apply for grants and due to insurance regulations we could not hold large work days on the trail.
CVTC immediately began the process of becoming a New Hampshire Non-Profit Organization and a 501(c)3 organization. Thanks to Don Smith of Sager & Smith, our Non Profit process was completed by May. And, Thanks to Tom Roberts of Leone, Roberts & McDonnell, the 501(c)3 was authorized in August. The CVTC can now directly accept donations that are tax deductible and hold scheduled work days!
In early spring, we received a call from Boston’s Channel 5 Chronicle wanting to film how the CVTC prepared the trail after winter. We partnered with the Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club (CVRTC) and the Chronicle crew did a great job demonstrating how many volunteers it’s takes to maintain the Cotton Valley Rail Trail. The weather was chilly but perfect for the interviews and filming.
A key group of spring preparations are the trail adopters! Each year, in the spring, these volunteers are out on the trail clearing away winter debris. In the fall, they remove the leaves , and throughout the seasons maintain the trail through branch removal, filling in chipmunk holes, etc! Some of these volunteers have been maintaining their sections for 25+ years. Paul DesMarais recently retired his sections and those sections were quickly adopted by other volunteers. Please say “thank you” to theses volunteers when using the Trail. The Trail is so special thanks to these dedicated individuals: Randy Zimmerman, Will Wood, Zeke & Lynn Bly, Mike & Linda Dill, Larry & Linda Wilberton, Peter Cole, Joe Carilli, Carl Crosby, David & Laura Bourque, Tracy Richardson, Dave & Deb Denby, Bob & Judy O’Keefe, John & Judy Russell, John Millay, John Adams, Gene Solod, Bob Sterndale, Patty Walker, Allen Hooper, Andrew Ingram, Andy Sauer, Frank Frazier, and Steve Berry.
Larger and/or more challenging projects are taken care of by a small crew of awesome volunteers. These gentlemen tackle trail wash outs, sink holes, erosion issues, etc. Special thanks to John Amrich, Dave Wing, Mike Pepin, Allen Hooper, Jeff Lind, Steve Berry. When needed for more challenging projects it’s the NH Bureau of Trails: Mike Weeks, and his fantastic team of Frank and Josh. In 2023, CVTC volunteers donated over 1,450 hours. Thank you so, so much.
There are seven kiosks maintained by volunteers from spring through fall. These volunteers purchase their soil and plants annually and the biggest task is watering the planters every week. The CVTC truly appreciates Sabet Stroman, Kelley Collins, Gwen MacDonald, Noreen McDonald, Sonya & Joe Newsky, Kim and Roy Haley, and Wakefield Lions Clubs/Shelley Carey Daniels.
Some trail sections were damaged due to heavy spring storms, but these had been repaired, before the July storm. The July storm caused the most damage since the beginning of the trail 30+ years ago. A Trail section east of Cotton Valley parking lot was washed out for 500 feet. This repair was too large for our volunteers. Too much material needed to be moved down the tracks. A private contractor was hired to repair this area. Unfortunately, this section was washed out again in the December storm. The CVTC is already working with the Bureau of Trails to create a new section adjacent to the washed out area.
In August, the CVTC reached out to the Community for help and in just two weeks enough funds were donated to make the repairs. Smaller repairs were completed by our volunteers and the Bureau of Trails. A few smaller repairs are in the planning stage and waiting for spring. The CVTC is extremely grateful for all your donations. Those donations made a difference for so many of the Trail users. A very special thanks to the Wolfeboro Land Bank and the New Hampshire Charitable Wolfeboro Fund! Thank you everyone. We couldn’t have done it without you.