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ARRT Web Site Updated and Improved Acton ARRT volunteer Tom Kelleher has recently completed updating the ARRT site on the World Wide Web. The site contains a brief overview of the Assabet River Rail Trail project, the latest newsletter, and a map of the ARRT route. Additions planned for the near future include descriptions of the ARRT route in each town. For more information about the ARRT Web site, contact Tom Kelleher at tkell@ultranet.com Appraisal RFPs Advertised; Towns Pledge Funds Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for appraising the entire ARRT route in Hudson, Stow, Maynard, and Acton, were advertised local newspapers on February 19. Bids will be opened on March 6. Determining the fair market value of the parcels comprising the ARRT route is a key step in securing the federal funds earmarked for acquisition. The Conservation Commissions in Maynard and Hudson, along with the Stow Planning Board, have all agreed to provide some funding for the appraisals. The Hudson Conservation Commission has voted to contribute up to $10,000 to the cost of the appraisals; the Maynard Conservation Commission has voted to contribute up to $8,000; and the Stow Planning Board up to $10,000. The ARRT volunteers would like to thank Michelle Ciccolo, Hudson s Assistant Administrator, for her work coordinating the RFPs among the four towns. We would also like to thank the following people for their work in preparing the RFPs: Bill Wrigley, Stow Town Administrator, Mike Gianotis, Maynard Town Administrator, Don P. Johnson, Acton Town Manager, and Paul Blazar, Hudson Executive Assistant. Spring Sponsorship Renewal Drive Renew Your Sponsorship Now! This is a critical time for the Assabet River Rail Trail. Design is underway for the first section in Marlborough. Articles concerning ARRT are on the spring Town Meeting warrants. Our project is rapidly building momentum in all five communities. Along with this increased attention comes the need for continued research, community outreach, and communications the things your contributions support. Please consider renewing your sponsorship now, using the enclosed form. Thanks. Show Your Support at Spring Town Meetings With articles concerning ARRT appearing on each town s warrant, it is important that ARRT volunteers voice their support at this spring s Town Meetings. Town Meetings start on the following dates:
Acton April 6 Hudson May 4 Stow May 18 Maynard May 18 Your vote at Town Meeting can make a difference! ARRT Volunteer Organization Sets Spring Calendar At its February meeting the ARRT volunteer organization set its calendar for spring events:
Next ARRT Volunteer's Meeting March 5 The next ARRT volunteers meeting will be Thursday, March 5, at 7:00 p.m., in the room 121 at the Acton Town Hall. Rail Trail Guide Author Presents Tour of Northeast Trails On Thursday, February 5, Craig Della Penna, author of Great Rail Trails of the Northeast, gave a slide show and talk on the conversion of abandoned railroads to multiple use recreation trails. Through his own extensive research and photographs, as well as photographs from railroad companies, archives, Craig drew a strong historical connection between yesterday s railroads and today s recreational trails. His show offered many "before and after" views of railroads in the Northeast. He also offered first-hand experience about the political process of converting an abandoned right-of-way to a recreational trail. Thank you, Craig, for an excellent presentation, and thanks, too, to Duncan Power for organizing a very informative evening. Cleanup Planned April 4 for Marlborough Section A rail-trail cleanup is planned for the section between Hudson and Ash Streets in Marlborough on Saturday, April 4. Volunteers should meet at Kelleher Field at 9:00 a.m. Loppers and saws are the best tools to bring, and all cleanup volunteers should wear work gloves and sturdy footwear. Contact: Priscilla Ryder, 508 460-3760. Maynard "Terrible Triangle" Improvements Planned; Volunteer Needed Improvements to the "Terrible Triangle" in Maynard, the intersection of Concord Street and Route 27, are currently in the design phase. Because the proposed ARRT route passes through or near this intersection, a volunteer from Maynard is needed to stay informed about the design and construction plans. Contact: Peter Christianson, 978 897-5645. ARRT Offers Teachers and Students Learning Opportunities This spring the Assabet River Rail Trail project offers teachers and students with a unique opportunity to learn about the natural resources and history of the Assabet River Valley. Through field trips in April and May, the ARRT route can serve as an outdoor classroom for students to identify and assess the natural and historical resources along the route. Contact: Jeff Richards, 978 568-1864.
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