Important News

September 11th NH Statewide Trails Advisory Committee
by John Edward Mercier

The meeting began with the formalities of signing in and reviewing the previous meetings minutes. A motion for acceptance was made and passed , quickly proceeding to the three main topics of the agenda.
Thomas Thompson, landowner representative, gave a well thought out presentation and slide show on the landowner's role in the recreational trails network. At its conclusion we were given the opportunity to discuss options to further support the landowners for the access that makes recreational trails possible.
Representative Judith Spang, chair of the legislative Resource & Economic Development committee, suggested further enhancement and usage of conservation easements. Mr. Thompson felt that though this measure was useful, some landowners would prefer other options.
As a guest, I made mention of the Purchase and Lease fund supported through the ATV/Trail Bike registrations as a model. The NHSA representative felt the State made significant money from trails and should be giving more financial support, not the users. Since the F&G tried to have a percentage of the Room & Meals Tax (the one most affected by trail use) to help with their funding shortfalls, its probable that this measure would meet the same failure. Another possibility would be further tax reductions, such as current use, for those landowners that allowed selected access. NHOHVA has opposed this position in the past, as the cost would be incurred by surrounding landowners within the municipal taxing district.
STAC Chair Thomas DiMaggio, also the NH Musher Association representative, reviewed the answers to a questionnaire on trail etiquette. Once funding can be obtained the findings will be made public in a new pamphlet. Generally accepted practices being the norm.
Legislation entered by a Mr. Sanborn, affiliated with AMC, was reviewed. The legislation would form a non-motorized trail grant program modeled after the existing motorized ones (GIA). The funding source being a parking (user) fee on trail heads used specifically for non-motorized purposes at the time of enforcement. A discussion of basic financial assumptions and possible problems was ensued. With a motion for acceptance again being made and passed... the NHSA representative voting in the negative, to meet the following month to work on the provisions of the bill.