On a cold morning in November, the Cotton Valley Trail Committee (CVTC) held its annual end-of-season “Trail Clean Up” with the Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club (CVRTC). Twenty five volunteers along with tractors, rail cars and the CVTC gator arrived ready to work. There were 16 projects planned plus a few special problem areas that were all addressed by end of day.
Projects included the annual mowing of the causeways; removing fallen trees; clearing logs and branches from underneath five bridges, the trail, and many ditches; debris removal from many of the 50 culverts; along with several repairs and trail improvements. A hot lunch, warm drinks and lots of laughter were found at Fernald Station.
Special thanks to CVTC volunteers: Dave Wing, Randy Zimmerman, Bob Sterndale, Mark Eiler, Trish Duffy, Paul Bolas, Evie Clifford, George Hurley, Jim Sheff, Steve Farley, Noreen McDonald, Mary Eiler, and Frank Frazier; and the CVRTC volunteers: Bruce Stuart, Aaron Mansur, Alan Young, Bob Pepper, Conor Rothen, Jeff Rothen, Ken Belovarac, Alex Mansur, and Allison Mansur.
In December, the Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce presented Paul DesMarais of the CVTC and Bruce Stuart of the CVRTC “The General James Wolfe Award” in recognition of outstanding service and dedication to our community for the benefit of present and future residents, businesses, and visitors. Both these gentlemen have been involved in the Trail for 30+ years. Congratulations Paul and Bruce!
Also in December, the Wolfeboro Festival of Trees Committee selected the CVTC as one their beneficiaries. This Spring, that award will be used to purchase much needed equipment to improve the efficiency of maintaining the Trail. A thousand thank-yous to the Wolfeboro Festival of Trees Committee!
What’s new for 2024? Crosswalks
Earlier this month, the Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen approved the CVTC’s request to paint crosswalks within the trail crossings of River Street, Mast Landing, Whitten Neck Road, and Bryant Road. The goal of the crosswalk in between the rails is to create a sense of awareness that pedestrian and bicyclists are about to cross a road, as well as to alert drivers there is a trail crossing ahead. Last spring, CVTC painted a similar crosswalk in Brookfield that has been very successful.
Equipment needed!
Tucked away in your garage or storage shed may be just the tool we need. The CVTC is looking for several items: a small to medium sized Walk-Behind Vibrating Tamper with wheels, a pull-behind cart, an edger with wheels, a weed whacker or weed whacker/edger, a motorized tree pole trimmer, a self-propelled lawn mower, rakes, flat shovels, potato diggers, a large metal storage locker and a small fireproof safe. If you have any of these items in excellent or very good condition that you would like to donate or sell to the CVTC, please contact us at info@cottonvalleyrailtrail.org.
Special thanks to CVRTC’s Ron Mitchell for his donation of a much needed York Rake. This equipment will improve and simplify trail maintenance.
Rehabbing a new but very old shed!
The State has just given CVTC permission to rehab a very old shed at Cotton Valley Station Crossing. This location is at the six (6) mile mark of the Trail, and will greatly improve volunteer efficiency.
The CVTC is seeking donations of building supplies ranging from four squares of black metal roofing, 2x4s, footing materials, exterior stain, concrete, trim boards, wood shingles, 4 windows, exterior beams, flooring, nails, and screws. Your help with materials or a tax deductible cash donation will be greatly appreciated. Even more helpful would be a contractor’s willingness to share their knowledge of concrete and/or footing installation. For more information please contact Dave wing at dhwing27@gmail.com or info@cottonvalleyrailtrail.org.
Work Teams
Due to so much rain last year, some extra help is needed this spring. Volunteers are needed for these work teams: 1. A painting crew to paint arrows on forty platforms. 2. A crew to clear grass that has overtaken the trail in several areas. 3. A trimming crew to cut back brush at multiple trail/road intersections. 4. A stone dust replacement crew. If interested, please email info@cottonvalleyrailtrail.org or contact a CVTC board member.
The CVTC Board members are Noreen McDonald, President; John Amrich, Vice President; Randy Zimmerman, Treasurer; Evie Clifford, Secretary; Dave Wing (Shed Sub-Committee Chair); Bob Sterndale (Equipment Sub-Committee Chair); Paul DesMarais; Mark Eiler; Frank Frazier; and Jim Nupp.
It takes the three villages of Wolfeboro, Brookfield, and Wakefield to maintain all 12 miles of the Trail. So, please thank and be respectful to all the volunteers and the crew from NH Bureau of Trails when you encounter them working on the Trail and for making a difference for you and all trail users.
The Board wishes to thank everyone that makes the Trail so great!
Your donations are always welcome and are tax deductible! Contact the CVTC by Email: info@cottonvalleyrailtrail.org or by mail at CVTC, Inc., P.O Box 253, Wolfeboro Falls, New Hampshire 03896.