Wachusett Greenways Update

Many trees and limbs fell on the Mass Central Rail Trail and the White Oak Trail in the ice storm of December 11-12. This message includes several photos of the ice damage and our volunteer crews working to return the trail to normal accessibility and beauty.

This message describes how how our volunteers are already pulling together and how you can help. We want to return the trails to good order as quickly as is reasonably possible so we can all enjoy winter walking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and perhaps even some mountain biking.

Several sections of trail are open again and ready to enjoy including Sterling from the Cider Mill to the Quag (where the StoryWalk is up for you to enjoy in January) and the Oakdale, West Boylston to River Street, Holden section. Other sections will continue to be cleared in the coming weeks.

Please enjoy the trail, and be alert for any hanging limbs or leaning trees near the trail. If you notice any hazards, please let Stan Miller (508-752-3580) know so we can remove the debris or seek assistance from the DCR or the the appropriate town officials.

Trail Cleanup Progress

Volunteers have completed much cleanup, with more continuing, on the Sterling, West Boylston, Holden and Rutland sections of trail. Here is some of the great work we know about:

The DCR has cleared dangerous leaners and hangers from River St. toward Oakdale and in Sterling.

In Sterling, Bruce Baker and Dave Hurlbut, Sr. have cleared the trail of downed trees and limbs blocking the trail and will continue cleaning up the sides.

These volunteers have helped clear at Wachusett Street over multiple days:
With chainsaws--David Henrichon, Eric deRivera, Jim Nystrom, Craig Miller, David McClure and Paul Miller.
Dragging and stacking brush and wood--Laura Beckwith, Karen and Jason LaVallee, S. Jane Arntz, Diane Spindler, Jorge Ramirez, Paul Hennessey, Larry and Lori Altobelli, Hank Ouellette, Stan Miller and Colleen Abrams.

Thank you also to Ted and Andrew DelDonno, and Grace Blydenburgh and friend for coming out.

In Rutland, from Route 56 toward Glenwood Road, Steve Mann and Pia Nielsen.

On the Holden Over-the-Hill Connector, Pauline Cloutier, patroller, reports that there are several downed trees in some sections.

Others who have volunteered to help with storm clean-up include Robert and Robin Peters, Sheila Dibb, Rutland Scout Troop 306, Jim Abrams and Rocky Goodreau.

And thanks to Dick Williams, of Overlook Services, Rutland, who continues to lead the cheer with his message: "One foot in front of the other! Thank you, Wachusett Greenways volunteers!" Dick also helps by providing services to help keep volunteers' chain saws in good order.

Please watch for email messages from Stan Miller (508-752-3580) and come out to help with the trail work as it continues from now into spring. Contact Stan if you would like to be added to receive notices for trail clearing. If you want to set up a date to work, please call Stan, and he'll help get you together with other volunteers.

You can also contact Paul Hennessey (508-886-6317), Trail Patrol leader, to send updates of trail conditions and to coordinate trail work. Or contact Colleen Abrams (508-479-2123).

THANK YOU! We appreciate the wonderful blessing of your presence.

Happy New Year,
Your Friends at Wachusett Greenways