The Moretown Select Board recently discussed concerns about a newly-adopted trail policy, as well as Morefest and maintenance needs for the historic library building.
The May 5 meeting opened with public comment from resident Travis Blodget, who questioned language in the new Class 4 Highway and Legal Trail Policy. He expressed concern that a clause could allow the board to take private land for recreational use.
Select board vice chair Callie Streeter clarified that the policy was adopted after being properly reviewed and she said there are no plans to appropriate private property for public recreation.
Planning for Morefest, the town’s annual community celebration, also came up. Louisa Wilson and Natessa Cournoyer said they’ve struggled to reach past organizers and asked for help coordinating this year’s event. Board member Mike Brown said he would contact a previous organizer to gather more information.
Streeter also shared an email from resident Rae Washburn regarding trail conditions at Herring Brook and Lynch Hill, where logging recently concluded. She said highway foreman Martin Cameron reported the logger intends to return when conditions allow to complete drainage and restoration work. Brown added that current Acceptable Management Practices (AMPs) do not require reseeding cleared areas, which are expected to regrow naturally.
Looking ahead, Brown urged the board to begin planning for how to manage ash trees threatened by the emerald ash borer, which has been detected in nearby towns. He recommended starting with an inventory of ash trees in town rights-of-way and said he would explore options for financial assistance.
The board also reviewed a proposal to replace a failing heater in the old Moretown Library and Historical Society building. Bridget Harty and Cory Stephenson reported that the library’s building maintenance fund is insufficient to cover the cost and asked the board to consider funding part of the project through the Moretown Historical Society or the town’s general budget. The board agreed to investigate funding options.
Harty and Stephenson said they will begin discussions with the historical society and library trustees about the long-term use and maintenance of the building.
