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Letter to the Editor: Support for stone dust on town trails

by | Jan 17, 2022 | Letter to Editor

In view of the current discussion about the routing and surfacing of the Hopkinton portion of the Upper Charles Trail, I’d like to alert readers to the results of a petition I initiated in 2020. I collected signatures in person on Center Trail (which will surely form a part of the Upper Charles Trail) and online, with a total of 288 responses. (You can access the online petition at ipetitions.com/petition/keep-the-trails-soft.) The results show the overwhelming majority of trail users favor a surface of stone dust, not asphalt, and a trail that runs through woods wherever possible, not along roadways. Some typical comments were: “The Blackstone River Bikeway is an example of the havoc roots eventually create for any wheeled vehicle on a paved trail.” “Do not pave forest trails that should be enjoyed for their natural beauty.” “I don’t know of one nature lover who walks in the woods so they can be on pavement.” “The [stone dust] surface is a distance runner’s dream.” “Paving would unnecessarily increase runoff.” “Unpaved trails are easier on my old knees.”

— David Dollenmayer, Hopkinton

Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions for the print edition, click here.

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