Welcome to the page for the Millers River Blue (Water) Trail project updates.
Just as hiking trails are designed to help people explore the land, Blue Trails help people discover rivers.
*
Saturday July 23rd - 10 am
MILLERS RIVER BLUE TRAIL -- INAUGURAL PADDLE & CEREMONY (ATHOL)
Join us to celebrate the new Millers River Blue Trail and test out the new TRAIL GUIDE!
Come join the fun as MRWC and its community partners launch the new Millers River Blue Trail from downtown Athol to downtown Orange (River Rat Race route). You can test out the gorgeous new Millers River Blue Trail Map Guide on this gorgeous stretch of peaceful river!
Paddlers can leave their boat at the Alan Rich Environmental Park around 9 AM and spot a car in Orange near the Riverfront Park. CTS will provide a ride @ 9:30 AM to bring paddlers back to Athol for the opening ceremony around 10 AM. A ribbon cutting event and the winner of the new trail logo contest will also be featured. Boaters hit the trail by 10:30 with arrivals in Orange beginning around 1 PM. A welcoming post paddle picnic in Orange for paddlers will give them a chance to discuss their experience with each other and MRWC.
You can get to center of Athol via Rte 2, Rte 2A, Rte 122 or Rte 202. The Center/Park/Boat launch are right on Rte 2A, just east of the South Main St. bridge over the Millers River. Mapquest 100 Main Street Athol 01331 and that will do it. Its Alan Rich Env. Park.
Hope you can make it!
Questions, or to let us know you’re coming (food count)--contact Keith Davies, outreach coordinator at 978-248-9491 or watershed_americorps@mountgrace.org.
Celebrate the river!
Ivan Ussach
Watershed Coordinator
Millers River Watershed Council
*
REPORT on March 14, 2011 Project Development Meeting
We had a good turnout and productive discussion which advanced the planning and preparations to create the trail. There were both old and new faces at the meeting and it was great to see and hear the keen interest in this project.
* Historical: We reviewed any historical landmarks along the trail corridor. The Chaisson map offers many interesting items. There may be few visible landmarks though. Perhaps simple number markers could tie in with a map to help trail goers know where they are and what had been there. Maybe info kiosks could be placed at key points/take-outs.
* Natural: There are many good coves along the way where it is quiet and there are good sightings: otter, eagle, water fowl, and more. Dragonfly types even change as you go downstream. P Mallet offered info on fishing maps along this stretch as well. Much of this will be recorded and documented during May/June surveys.
* Access needs/stop points:
We have two end points on the trail, many noted that stops or other launch points along the river would be good to have. Possibilities were:
CR at Millers Woods oxbow. Talk with owner to see if a waterside access/picnic spot could be permitted. MRWC/MBT would offer stewardship.
Could a spot be used behind the Leisure Woods area?
There may be a plot that is landlocked off Glendale Ave/Athol, ¼ acre, would this be available? (near Millers Woods)
Access at old bridge crossing at Fielding way?
Access along river near Catholic Cemetery?
These are mostly in the upper half of the trail. We did not identify opportunities in the lower half nearer to Orange. Is there any shoreline points that could be used as a stop? Near the radio tower, but on the river side of the tracks? We will explore these possibilities to see what can be used, though they do not prohibit us from promoting the trail if they are not in place immediately, they could add to the trail later.
* 2011 Activities:
We reviewed a proposed list of activities. The veteran river users felt that April was a bit early for clean ups or major river events due to high water. TU/MRFA are planning a June 15 river clean up on the trail section, so this seemed to be a good opportunity to partner with them. We will forego the 3/27 recon and move it to April 16. The recon is for a small group to get an initial overview of the trail. We will still hold field surveys on May 14 & June 5.
The July 23 Trail Day could be labeled as the Trail’s Grand Opening consisting of a ribbon cutting at the beginning, possibly Rich Env Park and a picnic after a paddle at the Orange Riverfront Park. Could we hold activities along the trail that day? Highlight key spots perhaps. Paddlers could collect tokens along the way. All good ideas, we will need an event coordinator for this.
A revised schedule will be ready soon.
* Promotion:
A draft flyer was reviewed and copies will be printed in concert with NQW. The flyer introduces the Trail project and welcomes help. We hope to place these at key locations in the communities. It was mentioned to have a table at the River Rat, the 5/15 Expo, June Engine Show, Anglers Dinner. Other events?? Places??
We will also speak with AOTV and WJDF. The time may also be coming to present the project to local selectboards.
* Trail Logo Contest:
A contest to create a trail logo was introduced. This will be introduced to the community by April with a June deadline. The idea is to promote trail awareness through this and create a logo for trail identity and signage. We plan to approach local schools and advertise through local media. It was suggested to post the finalists a few weeks before selection of a logo to stir community interest.
* Monitoring/Adopt-a-Sample:
We briefly discussed monitoring plans. MRWC is developing a plan to conduct bacteria sampling on the river, May thru September on weekdays in the AM. We are planning on 15-20 sites between the Otter River and The Millers. Sampling will be conducted every two or three weeks by volunteers, who will bring samples to a runner who will deliver to a lab. If funding comes through, we hope to gear up for this in late April/early May.
The Adopt-a-Sample fund raiser is off to a slow start. We have received a few donations but need more. It was suggested that we approach local sportsmen’s clubs, businesses, and any dinner events. MRWC asks that all who can approach interested people, please do and help with this effort. We need 100+ donations just to start!
A productive night with good info and ideas. We are moving forward!
Thank you.
Keith Davies
MRWC/AmeriCorps
=============================================