MethuenRailTrail

We had such a great turn out and accomplish so much more in these little clean up splurges, that in future we will limit our clean ups to no more than 1-2 hours, depending on location. Whatever we miss we get on the next pass.

This time out we tackled the Railroad St location just north of the Old Depot. There is an issue with trees and brush left on the trail from the VFW roofing project, but no doubt we can get that taken care of in time. Aside from that we made great headway removing all the visible trash and debris.

Thank you to all the wonderful members who came to last night’s meeting. It was a great kick off to our 2010 season (and the pastries and cider were quite welcome.) We reviewed our 2009 accomplishments, which seen in retrospect are surprising for such a small group. We now have a good sturdy formal organization, making it easier to accomplish our long term goal of converting our abandoned railbed into a multi use greenspace for the enjoyment of the whole town. One of our first goals in 2010 is a recruitment drive for new members. Dues for 2010 Membership are $10 dollars; at this time our only benefit is a discount on purchases from Buchika’s, but we are hoping to approach many more local business to sponsor our group. We are even looking at getting some window decals so members can show their support. Our other immediate 2010 goal is an end to end clearance of the track, so that one can walk or mt bike the entire stretch and see what a glorious attraction Methuen has right in its heart. We will be getting out there on a regular basis to see this through. We are presently looking into an organization that takes old rail stock in exchange for trail work, we will let you know how that turns out. Our next 2010 goal is to bring a concrete proposal before the city council and get a letter of support. If you are interested in joining the Methuen Rail Trail Alliance or know anyone who is please contact us and see these goals into the new year.

Thank you
Methuen Rail Trail Alliance
Joyce Godsey, President
Harry Banks, Vice President
Julie Levesque, Secretary
Rachel Banks, Treasurer
Kelly Tondo, Volunteer Coordinator
Tim Vermette, Project Director

Our Project Director Tim Vermette has been secretly clearing the rail bed of brush on his days off. Since B&M Railroad ceased operation, the rail bed has been gradually reverting to a natural state of small trees, brush and vines. In the summer and fall sections nearest the downtown area have been impassable on foot without a machete and jungle guide.

One of the Methuen Rail Trail Alliance’s 2010 goals is to clear the entire Methuen section of the Manchester to Lawrence Branch line, so that it can be traversed end to end by foot and mountain bike. Please join me in thanking Tim for his incredible devotion to this goal.

the Methuen Rail Trail Alliance Annual Membership Meeting
will be held
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
7:00 meeting, 6:00 meet and great

Nevins Memorial Library
305 Broadway

Please attend if you, bring a friend if you like.
We will be setting the agenda for the upcoming year
and we would like to see all hands on board!

New member David Gagnon and I,  joined Tim, Matt and T.J. Vermette to work on our ongoing project of trail widening. Today we targeted the small shrubs that had taken control of the ‘island’. The long term goal is to make the path on the WEST side of the trail wide enough to mountain bike or hike the trail comfortably from end to end. After taking on the island, we moved down the trail to the spot under the MSPCA bridge. Where we lopped many saplings out of the train tracks and pushed the brush back.

We need a round of applause for Julie Levesque (Provencal), who after much begging on my part has thankfully agreed to take on the job of Secretary pro tem. That fills the last open spot on the Methuen Rail Trail Alliance board of directors.

I am so thoroughly grateful for each and every moment that our volunteers give to the project; I know it will come back to the community ten-fold.

I am also eternally grateful for Tim Vermette our new Project coordinator, Tim has been getting out on the trail regularly and clearing the west side of the tracks of obstructions. This long term project is part of goal to make our section of trail passable by foot and mountain bike. The more people we can get out there, the more folks can see what a great hidden asset this property is.

Also working behind the scenes is Kelly Tondo, our Event coordinator. Kelly has been the driving force behind out petition drive. She has been working to get copies of our petition into local venues and get some of US some visibility in the community. Last summer’s info tables at soccer events went over like gangbusters.

And the folks who keep me propped up and on track are Harry Banks, our vice president and Rachel Banks our esteemed and put upon treasurer. Rachel and I have worked diligently to get get all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed on all the registration documents a new organization needs.

We will be having small, kitchen table MRTA meetings throughout the winter for those who want to attend; and will go back to formal meetings in the library when the snow’s clear.

Thank you all!
Joyce

We tackled a short section of track that parallels Pine St. And runs from parking lot south towards the Bridge at Five Corners. Unfortunately this area is filled with years of industrial waste from the businesses on Pine St and illegal dumping from houses on either side.

We focused on liftable items within 20 feet of the Rail Road tracks, even though the property does extend much further. Items that aren’t removable by hand will have to wait for a time when the area will be accessible by trucks and trailers and equipment.

Among the mostly metal detritus, there were approximately 13 tires, 5 electrical spools, 3 chairs, many asphalt shingles and 1 suitcase. Much of the industrial waste is unidentifiable, and seems to be general large trash pushed over the hill onto the rail road property.

Methuen Rail Trail Alliance Members who did such great work:

Julie Levesque

Tim Vermette and his sons Matt and T.J.

Rosanne and Ewald Apel and their children: Nikolas, Lukas and Jessica.

Rachel Banks

Kelly Tondo

Joyce Godsey