The High Peaks Alliance has announced the recovery of regional motorized trail systems following last December’s storm, which damaged trails across multiple counties, including routes in Roxbury, Andover, Strong, Phillips, New Vineyard, Eustis and Carrabassett Valley.
Specifically impacted were the Orbeton Crossing and Randy Bunnell Trail, which suffered extensive destruction from high water and storm conditions, according to a news release from Amanda Laliberte, director of engagement, High Peaks Alliance.
The alliance called an emergency all-hands-on-deck regional motorized meeting along with local snowmobile and motorized trail clubs. Franklin County Commissioner Bob Carleton secured funding for recovery efforts. Joe Higgins and James Turner brought insights from the off-road vehicle community. Sen. Russell Black and Reps. Mike Sobeleski, Randy Hall and Scott Landry were present.
Lee Libby, president of the Rangeley Lakes Region Snowmobile Club, offered equipment and personnel to help reopen Interconnected Trail Systems 84 and 89.
Dana Bowman and John Rogers, High Peaks Alliance Board members, secured a $100,000 TIFF grant from Franklin County Commissioners.
Miles of the Randy Bunnell Trail were repaired using materials donated by the commissioners from the Madrid Reeds Mill Pit. Hayden York hauled materials; Scott Schroeder and Rob Elliot completed the groundwork.
At the Orbeton Stream crossing, Libby and Mike Koob from Rangeley Lakes Region Snowmobile Club cleared from the north and assisted in installing a new bridge for Interconnected Trail Systems 84 and 89.
Topher Hunt from Salem Sno-Drifters worked to reopen trails between Salem and Strong.
The Strong Club had lost a bridge in May of 2023, reinstalled another one that November, and then lost it again in December. It has been replaced again.
A new regional motorized council has been formed to enhance communication and rapid response capabilities. A recent meeting focused on strengthening inter-club relationships and developing more robust emergency response strategies.
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