2009 - Wachusett Greenways

Wash Out Brings Out Rail Trail Supporters
Hard on the heels of the December 2008 ice storm, which toppled
trees across significant sections of the Mass Central Rail Trail,
spring 2009 saw heavy rains combine with a beaver-dammed culvert
leading to a washout of the
MCRT in West Boylston. But
just as Wachusett Greenways
and partners turned out to
clear the trail after the ice
storm, so they rose to the
challenge of repairing the
washout. Private donors,
the Town of West Boylston
and the Massachusetts
Department of Conservation
and Recreation all
contributed funds
and services to the
effort. Greenways
contracted Bob
Salvadore, of
Salvadore Excavating
in Barre, to lead the
repairs, with Jim
Ryan and Randy
Southwick ably assisting
in the construction.
The West
Boylston DPW improved the drainage ditches from the washout west
along the West Boylston section of the trail. The DCR installed a new
fence extension along the trail entrance to prevent bank erosion. In
addition to funds, Greenways, the Town of West Boylston and DCR all
contributed time and services to help complete the restoration.
Trail users offered rave reviews and streamed back to enjoy the trail.
The much-improved trail has held up beautifully through some heavy
rains. On the last Saturday of September, Wachusett Greenways held a
triple celebration, including re-dedication of the restored trail, the
annual Family Fun Day, and the Springdale Mill Celebration.
Representatives of Wachusett Greenways, the Towns of West Boylston
and Holden, DCR, state legislators and Salvadore Excavating united for
the ribbon-cutting as an enthusiastic crowd welcomed the reopening
of the trail.
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