10-2SG Lyndeborough Trails Association
Grant Round:
2010 September
Grant Program:
Small Grants
Grant Type:
Other Grants
Grant amount requested:
2,500.00
Grant amount awarded:
$1,000.00
Attachments
Please provide a brief description of the project for which you seek funding.
The Lyndeborough Trails Association’s (LTA) mission is to identify, develop and maintain a system of trails for non-motorized recreational use throughout Lyndeborough that will connect to the existing trail networks in the surrounding communities. By capitalizing on Lyndeborough’s incredible scenic beauty, the trail system will serve residents who value open space, encourage a sense of community, and help Lyndeborough to retain its rural character. The LTA is presently in “Phase 2”, which is the repair of High Bridge, in the creation of the trunk route for the Cross-Lyndeborough Trail (CLT). The CLT will connect the surrounding communities of New Boston, Francestown, Temple, Milford and Greenfield’s trail networks with existing Lyndeborough trails on both public and private land, Class 6 Roads and easement protected lands (See attached Map A) with the repair of the existing bridge "High Bridge" spanning the Piscataquag River; a recognized New Hampshire Designated River in accordance with NH RSA 483. The proposed usage for the trail network will be for pedestrian, equine, and non-motorized wheeled vehicles (bicycles) in spring, summer and fall while proposed winter usage is cross-country ski, snowshoe and snowmobiles (where allowed). The CLT is presently in Phase 2 of a 5 step plan. Phase 1 created a trail linking the Town of Lyndeborough’s Citizen Hall with Lyndeborough’s Historical Center Hall. Trail creation, clearing of existing trails, and construction of a timber bridge helped to complete this first phase. Work and materials were donated by, the Town of Lyndeborough, S.P. Brooks & Co. (an LTA member and Post & Beam builder) and the LTA Chair John Redemske. Phase 2 is the repair of “High Bridge” for recreational use on High Bridge Road, Lyndeborough, NH. It is a key link between the proposed CLT and surrounding communities trails. The New Hampshire Bureau of Trails has granted the LTA $25,000 for this project. The LTA is presently fund raising to match the additional funds needed for this project which will kick off in the early fall of 2010. Phase 3 will be the building of a steel and timber bridge on Howe Road in Lyndeborough which will extend the trail network as well as build upon the existing trail network. Phases 4 and 5 will be the creation of the remaining CLT, linking the individual trails and completing the trail network. Throughout this multi-year project, the LTA will be working closely with both public and private landowners, working jointly with the Town of Lyndeborough to promote, protect and make available the open space that is Lyndeborough’s greatest asset. By creating the CLT, the existing members of the Lyndeborough Trail Association hope to promote a greater respect for the outdoors, it’s preservation and access for the community of Lyndeborough.
Project Summary
Lyndeborough Trails Association received a grant in 2010 to help match a NH Bureau of Trails grant for infrastructure repairs (removal and installation of structure) of High Bridge as a phase of completing the Cross Lyndeborough Trail. The group was formed by citizens who value open space after the town conducted a natural resources inventory as part of its master plan process and identified important parcels and habitats.
Primary Issue Area:
Land & Water
Please break-down/categorize the program expenses:
| Proposed Item | Estimated $ Amount | Would grant funds be used for this item? |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Deck Removal | $9,452.00 | |
| Structural Steel Install | $15,400.00 | |
| Timber Deck Install | $10,800.00 | |
| Timber Rail Install | $7,200.00 | |
| Security Gate | $2,500.00 | Yes |
Whom does your group need to make this project happen?
Please explain how your group will engage members from your community in this project.
The Cross Lyndeborough Trail is a network of engagement. Stretching from the Southwestern tip of Lyndeborough to the Northeastern edge of the community, the CLT will connect all of it's residents with each other and it's beautiful open space. The LTA has hosted rides, hikes and monthly meetings updating it's community on the progress of the CLT. The planning of the CLT has brought together a core group of it's community who would otherwise not have met and has engaged Town Officials, the Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission around a single plan that supports the towns' Master Plan to "maintain the Town of Lyndeborough's rural character." Trail building days have ended with meals, conversations and shared experiences with new community members and fostered friendships. Planned trail building will encourage this same participation, problem solving and shared experiences that will forge new friendships, expand on existing partnerships and birth new ones all around the concept of the Cross Lyndeborough Trail. The LTA also hopes to find fiscal support and engagement from it's community as well as seeking 100% participation from membership. The LTA hopes not only to physically involve a core set of it's community members but also promote a fiscal responsibility by it's community members around the idea of conservation and preservation of it's own community through the financial support of the Cross Lyndeborough Trail.
If your group receives a NEGEF Grow grant, how do you plan to pay for remaining expenses?
| $ Amount | Source |
|---|---|
| $2,500.00 | NEGEF Grant |
| $10,000.00 | Bikes Belong Coalition Grant |
| $1,000.00 | Northeast Utilities Grant |
| $15,000.00 | REI Grant |
| $10,000.00 | NU Foundation |
| $25,000.00 | New Hampshire Bureau of Trails |
| $1,000.00 | American Hiking Society |
| $1,000.00 | NEMBA |
| $15,000.00 | Select Donors |
Please list these materials or services
| $ Amount | Item |
|---|---|
| $3,500.00 | Bridge Construction Drawings |
| $1,000.00 | High Bridge Trail Build Out |
| $2,500.00 | Graphic Design Services |
| $1,500.00 | Labor |
| $2,500.00 | Website Buildout |
Please describe what changes will occur in your community and its environment when your group's project is successful.
Presently, Lyndeborough's residents are divided by large plots of open space. In 1873, the town center moved with the coming of the railroad creating two town centers; one being a historic centerpiece to Lyndeborough's High Country (a large part of the CLT). The state of the trails throughout Lyndeborough are disjointed, in disrepair and in need of stewardship. The CLT will create a greater sense of community by phsically connecting the community with it’s open space. The end goal of the CLT is that all of Lyndeborough’s open space will be accessible through it’s trail network. Pushing the concept of community, the CLT will connect the Town of Lyndeborough with the surrounding towns of New Boston, Temple, Greenfield, Francestown and Milford. The LTA will serve as steward to the trails building upon it’s trail network. In addition to the LTA's stewardship, fostering new collaboration efforts with existing groups, businesses and associations in the Town of Lyndeborough as well as the surrounding communities all with the intent of increased access, respect for the land and conservation of open space. Once created, the CLT will have a life all of it’s own bringing unlikely community members together with one common love: Lyndeborough’s open space. Through community planned hikes, nature walks, educational trips with the Lyndeborough Elementary School and outreach programs with the LTA, Lyndeborough’s community will rally around it’s open space, promote local activities, and gain respect for it’s natural wonders. The CLT will become the common bond between it’s community members notion of preservation and conservation bringing about a greater understanding of the importance of sound development strategies that include the conservation of it’s natural wonders. Already the LTA has measured success with the wholehearted support by it's Board of Selectman, and it’s Conservation Commission, a Fiscal Sponsorship with the Piscataquag Land Conservation, a $25,000 Grant from the NH Bureau of Trails, and support from the Wilton-Lyndeborough Winter Wanderers, Piscataquag Area Trailways and Greenfield Trails Association. On a national level the LTA has received encouragement from REI, Northeast Utilities, Bikes Belong Coalition and The National Parks Service. Through access, the CLT will drive home the importance of conservation. Although just a start, the LTA believes small steps in stewardship can bring a big change for The Town of Lyndeborough.
Please list how many people in your community your group expects to actively engage in this project.
55
What relevant skills does the group need (but does not currently have access to) to help move the initiative forward?
The LTA is seeking assistance in the planning, creation and execution of the Cross Lyndeborough Trail. This includes assistance with potential grants at a local, state and national level. The LTA is looking to tap into the RTCA’s vast network of professional contacts in the planning and creation of the CLT. The LTA is also looking for assistance on the ground with the creation of the Cross Lyndeborough Trail where necessary. The LTA will be working closely with public and private landowners in the creation of new trails. It is paramount that the new trails and repair of existing trails is completed in a thoughtful manner and we hope that the RTCA can provide assistance with the creation of smart, well created trails that will last for years to come.
What relevant skills do current members of the group have to help move the initiative forward?
The Chair of the LTA, John Redemske, is a Materials Engineer and has produced all of the construction drawings for the High Bridge Project / NH Bureau of Trails Grant. An additional member has produced CAD drawings for the High Bridge project and NH Bureau of Trails Grant Application. The Vice Chair of the LTA, Kristofer Henry, designer and business owner (Blackcap Studio) has donated over a hundred hours in the creation of the LTA's Branding, Marketing Materials, brochures, maps and promotional materials as well as a full web site build. LTA member, Phil Brooks, Owner of S.P. Brooks & Co. (Post and Beam Construction) has donated time and expertise to Phase 1construciton of the bridge linking both town centers of the CLT as well as having extensive fund raising experience. The LTA's secretary, Doria Harris, has extensive grant writing experience to help push the fiscal need of the CLT.