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OTTER RIVER BLUE TRAIL - UPDATES

Welcome to the page for the Otter River Blue (Water) Trail project updates.

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Saturday July 30th - 1 pm
OTTER RIVER BLUE TRAIL -- DISCOVERY DAY PADDLE (TEMPLETON)

Join the Millers River Watershed Council (MRWC) and Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust for a day of exploration on the Otter River in Templeton and Gardner.

This area is the first phase of the Otter River Blue Trail being established by MRWC and local communities. Come enjoy a great paddle and learn about this special community-based project.

Paddlers can meet at Treatment Plant Rd, off route 101 in East Templeton @ 1 PM.
Expect to paddle for 2-3 hours, and bring your own boat.

Come discover the Otter River!

Please let us know that you plan to join us. Contact Keith Davies at (978) 248-9491 or watershed_AmeriCorps@mountgrace.org

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Report on March 9, 2011 Otter River Blue Trail planning meeting:

The meeting was held at the Gardner Fish & Gun Club. Most people had attended the first meeting at MWCC. Tom Kellner was new.
We started around 7 PM and met till nearly 9:30 PM. We discussed a range of topics, and though the turnout was modest, it was productive.
As far as trying to involve more people, we did discuss avenues to spread the word. It was suggested that we try to engage the city/town public access television. Perhaps community web sites could post info on trail project.
A draft of a trail introduction brochure was circulated, many thought it good. I asked if there were any major events coming up where we could distribute this, any expos and such where we could have a table.
Nothing came to mind yet, but a duck race in Templeton was mentioned. Perhaps brochures could be left at town/city Halls. I asked people to remain aware of opportunities to spread the word and advise me. I also asked if any charitable printing houses might help our effort, no connections here.Next had brief review of natural and historic features along the trail. Most history likely centered in Templeton sections of river, so approach historical society.
Shoddy Mill, Otter River Village, Cedar Hollow, Baldwinville areas are where most history may be found. A gentleman from Templeton was mentioned as a source.
As for natural features, no major items arose, but there are waterfowl in the upper reaches of the river.
Otter sightings common below bridge st were noted. The lower river is a great spot for wildlife (eagle sightings). No specific details, so there may be an opportunity for a “sightings” blog?
We discussed at length how to approach moving the project forward considering a number of access issues, the length of the river, and how well people respond to this initial effort. It seems logical to work the trail in segments, starting with those that offer a better chance to accomplish a noticeable result and move on to more involved segments as more people join the effort. With that in mind, we identified what our present resources and needs were.

* Upper River: Headwaters
This section runs from the airport to Rt 101.
We have a good access spot along the treatment plant road near Rt 101. The river is close to the road and there is room to park a handful of cars. How can we formalize this access point? (official parking, trail kiosk) The Town of Templeton has taken possession of land off Whitney St (thru Gardner) where the Otter R approaches the large wetland next to the airport. Here the river is small, but ponded. It consists of the Otter R shortly after its confluence with Templeton Brook. There may be space for a few cars with a short 50 yrd carry to the river. How do we formally create an access point here? Gardner owns a conservation area alongside the airport. A short section of the access road may go through private land in Templeton. Where this road reaches the river, where the wetland empties, there may be room for 6 cars. We would need to secure the right of way for the road, have the City grade the road, and perhaps install a kiosk. With at least the Treatment plant Rd access, this section could be a start for trail development. Ed Goss will explore issues with Gardner, Joanne Burdin with Templeton. I presume that the treatment plant road access is a Templeton item?

* Mid River: Rt 101 to Baldwinville
There are a number of access items and portages which present a few hurdles on this section (or maybe 2 sections). This area may also have issues with shallow water in dry times. Therefore, it will likely be a second phase effort, though we will begin to persue contacts with all appropriate parties. This segment could be divided into two sections; one from Rt 101 to Bridge St, the other from there to Baldwinsville. The short section from Rt 202 to the old dam obstruction downstream may not be viable to promote.
Issues on this segment were:
- Run under Riverside St bridge may be shallow.
- River is rocky, but navigable near Graves S&G
Portage around the Bridge ST/Turner Rd dam will need access permissions. There may be room to park a few cars here along the road near the USGS station. Alan Rousseau may know one of the abutters and could speak with them (Gardner side). Who knows Templeton side residents? With parking and permissions, this could be a take out spot. Run from Rt 101.
There was also a question if there was a state law which granted land owners some degree of a liability waiver if they permit access to land for recreation with no fees. We need to clarify this.
The river below the USGS station looks shallow for a ways meaning it may have limited navigation in low water until you approach the backwater from the Seamans Dam.
Portage access permissions would be needed at the Seamans Dam. The run below the dam may also be bony in low water. From here to Baldwinsville may be a nice run, though the old tissue Mill area may be a tough run.
We discussed a take-out either near the Templeton treatment plant, if a trail could be made with parking or see if a take-out could be worked out behind the legion Hall. The run below Rt 202 is shallow and a portage around an old dam just below would be needed, so not specifically promoting this section was mentioned.
Since this section had these issues led the group to consider it as a future addition to the trail.

* Lower River: Trout Brook to Millers This area is a nice smooth paddle largely in the Otter River State Forest. The access at “Three Pipes” where Trout Brook meets the Otter needs formal parking and an info kiosk. This is the one point of access on this section of river.
It was also mentioned that it may be possible to explore access at a bridge near lake Dennison along the Millers a short distance upstream of the confluence. We should recon this soon to see if it offers a go to point from Trout Brook.
Another option is to see if a take-out could be developed near Birch Hill Dam. We need to speak with the Ranger.

* Events:
We discussed a proposed schedule of events. It was mentioned that Saturdays are best, but also jam packed for people. We need to reach out here.
The April 2 recon is meant for a small group or two and will likely cover only the upper and maybe lower segments if enough people sign up. Doug has a canoe trailer if needed.
We should make a push for the 4/23 clean up, though this is Easter weekend. Can we find help from the towns for pick-up? Templeton was unlikely. What about Gardner for the upper segment?

* Water Monitoring:
We touched upon monitoring plans which are in development. We need help to promote the “Adopt a Sample” program. Replies are trickling in, more is needed.

* Logo Contest:
A Logo Contest idea was also introduced. This may be good to share with the schools.