Weston Rail Trail panel votes to oppose winter plowing of new path

WESTON — December 10, 2019 — Weston Rail Trail Advisory Committee adopts formal position against winter plowing of Mass Central path. Acting on requests from DPW Director Tom Cullen and Conservation Administrator Michele Grzenda after the season's first snow drew resident demands to clear the trail, the committee voted unanimously Dec. 10 to cite wetlands permits prohibiting de-icing salt, the absence of town funding, DCR ownership and existing winter recreational use. Members also pressed for action on phase one screening plantings, where a member's survey found roughly three-quarters of plants dead under a two-year contractor guarantee that runs through summer 2021. The committee plans to escalate through Town Manager Leon Gaumond if DCR does not commit to spring replantings. Town Meeting recently approved $43,000 in CPC funds for phase two screening at two priority sites near Gallo Lane and Stone Gate. The Wayside section has been nominated for a Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association facility design award.