Talking of trails

By CHRIS CHURCHILL
Staff Writer

Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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MANCHESTER -- Outdoor lovers are planning a Manchester conference to discuss building new town trails -- and to begin talks on a regional trail system that could link several central Maine towns.

The meeting, scheduled for March 10 and sponsored by Manchester's Long Range Planning Committee, will deal foremost with developing trails in the preserved 868 acres that encompass Allen and Monk hills and Shed Pond.

But the conference also will discuss what some hikers consider a dream vision: linking those as-yet-unbuilt trails to paths that already exist -- such as the Kennebec River Rail Trail or the trail network in the Jamies Pond Recreation Area in Manchester.

"This is the beginning of looking more regionally at trail networks," said Jim Conners of the Kennebec Valley Land Trust. "People are coming together to think about it and talk about it."

The land surrounding Allen and Monk hills includes parcels owned by the New England Forestry Foundation and the land trust. Snowmobile trails already line the landscape; officials consider the land ideal for walking and hiking trails, including one that could snake up Monk Hill to an overlook where Shed Pond can be seen.

The land trust acquired much of Shed Pond last fall, ensuring its undeveloped shoreline will remain so. "It's not a swimming pond," Conners said, "but it's a very pretty place."

Next week's conference is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the North Manchester Meeting House, on Scribner Road. Organizers describe the event as a first for Manchester, where residents last year approved a plan that puts emphasis on conserving land and getting the central Maine public onto the town's conserved lands.

"Most people who drive through on Route 202 wouldn't know that Manchester has so much beautiful land, which is a shame," said Doug Ide, chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee.

In the vision shared by Ide and others, the paths would be built and preserved by an organized club of volunteers, just as the snowmobile routes are maintained.

Taxpayer money shouldn't be needed, Ide said.

The effort occurs in a town with steady -- though not overwhelming -- growth, Ide said, adding that residents have said they want to preserve the town's rural qualities. Ide said he also senses desire in Manchester for a stronger town identity, which he believes a new trail network can help accomplish.

"There's somewhat of a lack of a center to the town, both a physical center and a spiritual center," Ide said. "We're working to foster a (stronger) sense of community."

Chris Churchill -- 623-3811, ext. 431

cchurchill@centralmaine.com