Trail Systems are Safe Again

It's amazing that, nearly a year after that snowstorm hit the area last October, we are still talking about dangerous conditions on the Rails to Trails system. 

But on Wednesday, there was Michael Purcaro, Vernon's Emergency Management Director, and Tree Warden Jeff Schambach, cruising around in a utility vehicle making their final inspections before sending the Federal Emergency Management Agency a detailed report on just what it took to make the trail system safe again.

Purcaro never hesitated to term the trail conditions "hazardous." 

The loop at Vernon Center Middle School was included in that assessment. 

On Tuesday it officially ended, when crews put the finishing touches on weeks of work. Tolland-based New England Arborist and Vernon public works crews handled the tree work at school properties and the rail trails, respectively. 

More than 300 hangers were identified and cut down, Purcaro said. 

Every hanging branch was documented, complete with pictures and GPS coordinates, for the FEMA report. Those who visit the trails frequently, from Schambach to Eastern Connecticxut State University health and physical education department faculty member Charles Chatterton, said they noticed an improvement.

The system is now safe for cross country meets and running, hiking, and cycling by the general public, Purcaro said.

The bills are being sent to FEMA along with the removal documentation and Vernon will be seeking federal reimbursement.

"A year … and we're still cleaning up. It truly was a disaster," Purcaro said.