Martha Fairbrother

Key discussions included the review of the financial report, noting balances for the Pathways Town Budget and the Nature Trail account. The committee confirmed the recent opening of the trail and noted it was in good condition. Updates were provided on the WOW trail and the Prescott Park Renovation Committee, with a reminder to complete the associated survey. Significant time was dedicated to planning the National Trails Day and the 5-year celebration of the Laverack trail, including decisions on publicity, setup location (library mid-way point), date (June 7th, with a rain date of June 8th), hours (10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.), refreshments (apples, oranges, and bulk water), and display logistics for past activities and Friends of The Laverack Trail sign-ups. New business involved introducing a candidate for the committee, plans for installing a new Library Book House, and discussing security camera installation possibilities related to the Prescott Park Masterplan. A new schedule for 2025 sign-ups was also circulated.

Key discussions included reviewing and approving town warrant articles for the 2026 Town Meeting concerning increasing the Land Use Change Tax (LUCT) amount to $100,000 and designating a parcel of land as Town Forest. The Commission reaffirmed its opposition to the Planning Board's proposed shoreline setback reduction from 65' to 50' but noted the Planning Board would form a study committee instead of warranting a vote. Financial matters included approving the payment of NHACC dues ($625). The report on Old Business included a site walk regarding the Page 3 trailhead committee. Upcoming 2026 projects cover trail improvements, invasive species management, habitat review, dam maintenance, and a stream restoration project for Merrill Brook intended to benefit trout survival. Public outreach plans include a guided snowshoe tour.

The meeting included welcoming a new member and reviewing the financial report, which detailed balances for the Pathways Town Budget and the Nature Trail account. Updates were provided on the WOW trail and the Eco-counter. A letter regarding requested funds for the Hawkins Brook Fund in the 2026 town budget was circulated. Discussions covered trail signage, including mounting new signs donated by John and Rod, and a motion was passed to purchase two plastic "walk your bike" signs. The date for the Fall Clean-up was set for November 18th. Permission was secured from the bank for installing the Red Wing Sculpture at the trailhead, though the bank will not cover potential damage. The Doggie Poop bag post will be relocated. The topic of plant landscape maintenance was tabled pending contact with the Garden Club. The committee confirmed that a total of 40 signs have been deployed on the trail to date.

Key discussions included the financial report showing balances for the Pathways Town Budget and the Nature Trail account. Updates were provided on the WOW trail and the Eco-counter, prompting consideration for preventing after-hours trail use. The committee planned for trail closing chain replacement and noted the due date for the 2026 Budget Report. Specific future budget items discussed were Weebly site renewal costs, Eco Battery replacement, Weebly domain renewal, and regular Doggie poop bag replenishment, along with investigating the Belknap Landscaping Maintenance contract. A motion was passed unanimously to request $3000.00 for the 2026 Pathways Town budget. Further actions involved coordinating security coverage at the trail ends, investigating the cost for an additional trail counter, asking a new member to join the committee, organizing library book distribution, planning the installation of a Red Wing sculpture, discussing collaboration with the Conservation Committee, and coordinating communication to school teachers regarding additional classroom seating and informational materials.

Key discussions included the financial report, noting between $250-$300 in the general account and $32,116.69 in the Long-Term Maintenance Account, with funds allocated for purchasing doggie bags. The Eco Counter recorded 47,901 visitors between March and December 2025, prompting a motion to purchase a second counter for the tennis court trailhead in 2016. Plans for the WOW trail include fundraising in 2026 for an engineer to design a multi-use trail. The committee addressed erosion on an embankment next to the trail, with a plan to address it in the spring. Other topics involved discussing the inclusion of the Pathways Committee in the Master Plan and plans to draw up designs for a shaded trail bump-out cover in 2026. A guest from the Lakes Region Planning Commission reported on efforts to improve cooperation and information sharing regarding trails in the region.