The Hudson Conservation Commission to discuss a connection between Hudson’s Musquash Conservation Area and Pelham’s Gumpas Pond Conservation Area.
“This is something that’s at the northern end of Musquash Pond and we’ve already got permission from the Pelham Conservation Area to interconnect the two properties,” explained Chair, William Collins.
Vice-Chair, Carl Murphy, saw the proposal as a quick and easy way to complete what he saw as a relatively straightforward project.
“If we could start work at least in the fall and the winter, maybe we could have it completed for the spring. I think that’d be a great winter project,” said Murphy. “Obviously, reaching out to the Pelham Conservation Commission and finding a route that would be easily accessible I guess to connect the two properties. A scouting mission.”
The connection was not a new idea, as the Conservation Commission had already mapped out several potential new trails near the border for Hudson and Pelham.
“We had a small connecting trail that stopped at Musquash Brook or the swampy area we’d have to go over. So, we’d either have to build a bridge or extend the trail system onto private property and get permission from the private land owner allowing us to do that,” said Collins. “I know you can get onto the Gumpas Pond trails near that connection area.”
An old proposal included the construction of a small bridge connected to the Cottontail Lane trail on the Pelham side. The option across private land could connect to the Beaver Pond Loop trail instead. The Conservation Commission leaned towards a connecting bridge as it would only cross town-owned land.
“There’s a wedge of property there owned by the Pelham Conservation Commission,” he said. “Maybe this is a project that both Conservations Commissions can work on. I mean, if we’re going to put in a bridge, they have some cash for projects like this, we’ve got some cash for projects like this, maybe it’s something that we can team up together with.”
The main concern was the distance required to carry what would need to be heavy building materials for the bridge. According to the Chair, resident, Dennis Wilkinson, previously offered to give the Commission access through his land for the purpose of moving materials back and forth during the fall and winter months, making the hike easier.
“What span are we talking about over the swampy area?” asked Commissioner, John Walker.
He was told the bridge would be around 75 to 100 feet long if they go with that option and narrow enough to prevent ATV vehicles from using it. Members agreed to take measurements in the area by early to mid-November.
The Hudson Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet again on Monday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Buxton Room of Town Hall.
