The Southern New England Trunkline Trail is more than a route through Douglas. It's a natural place for walking, riding, and quiet recreation. Before major changes move forward, residents deserve clear plans, real answers, and meaningful input.
We support maintaining the trail and improving accessibility. But improvements should respect the forest, the people who already use the trail, and the community that lives beside it.
An approximately $11 million project figure has been reported. DCR should publish an up-to-date, itemized budget, funding sources, and expected long-term maintenance costs. This figure is not presented here as a verified current contract amount.
DCR's project page describes upgrades along roughly six miles, including an accessible shared-use path, a separate side path, bridge work, and trailhead improvements. What is the final surface and footprint?
Residents spoke at the December 2021 public meeting, and Douglas's Board of Selectmen formally opposed pavement. The public deserves a clear account of how those concerns shaped the plan.
“As a Board, we are unanimous in our opposition to the use of pavement to improve the SNETT in Douglas…”
The Douglas Board of Selectmen endorsed stabilized aggregate instead of pavement in its December 20, 2021 letter to DCR. This documents the board's 2021 position; it should not be assumed to represent the board's current position.
What alternatives were evaluated? How did DCR respond to concerns raised by local trail users and town officials? What opportunities will residents have to review the latest plans before construction?
Some meeting participants recall strong opposition to paving. That is firsthand recollection, not a verified tally of public opinion.
This illustration is labeled a “Typical Shared Use Path Section.” It depicts a 10-foot shared-use path, a 5-foot side path, and 5-foot shoulders on either side—a total illustrated width of 25 feet before additional grading or slopes.
Important: A typical cross-section is not proof that DCR plans to build this exact configuration throughout Douglas. We are asking DCR to release and explain the latest location-specific drawings.
Source: DCR, December 2021 public design meeting presentation. Typical illustration only; not confirmed final Douglas construction plans.
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We believe the strongest case is one residents can verify. The linked materials are from Massachusetts DCR and the Town of Douglas's submitted comments.
DCR's official Douglas project overview · Douglas Board of Selectmen's 2021 letter · 2021 presentation
This is an independent community advocacy website, not an official Town of Douglas or Massachusetts DCR website. Historical plans and statements are identified by date. The current project scope and budget should be confirmed with DCR.