Introduction

In June 2024, The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) sent out a survey asking the community where it should focus its efforts for the remainder of the year. The community responded with 32 respondents providing 51 suggestions. Here you will find a visualization of the recommendations received, and the committee’s response on how we are (or are not) working on the recommendation.

Survey Recommendation: Benches

FBRTC Response: The FBRTC is working on applying for a Mass Trails grant that will pay for new benches on the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) between Grove Street in Franklin and Center Street in Bellingham. We are looking at getting benches similar to the ones that are currently installed between Harpin Street and Center Street. As part of the October 2024 DCR Blackstone Complex Resource Management Plans, comments were submitted to request additional benchest on the SNETT in Franklin & Bellingham.

Survey Recommendation: More Parking

FBRTC Response: The Town of Franklin is planning to expand the parking area at the Grove St trailhead. Construction should begin in Spring 2025. Parking is also available at the Spring Street, Lake Street, Center Street and Harpin Street trailheads. The Harpin Street trailhead has the most parking available, with a dedicated lot and nearby street parking. Parking is also available at the two nearby school buildings when the schools are not in session.

Survey Recommendation: Trail expansion

FBRTC Response: As part of the October 2024 DCR Blackstone Complex Resource Management Plans, expansion and enhancement were highlighted as work that will be focused on in the near future. This includes expanding the trail east of Grove Street in Franklin, and west of South Main Street in Bellingham. The Town of Franklin has also included trail expansion in their 2024 Master Plan.

Survey Recommendation: Trash Bins

FBRTC Response: The Town of Bellingham announced in September 2024 that they are adding trash bins to the Harpin Street trailhead as part of their OSRP 2024 Action Plan. In general, DCR advocates for no trash cans and for a “Carry In, Carry Out” policy in most areas, except high density picnic areas. And in those areas, DCR does not provide trash cans, but expects visitors to use the provided dumpsters. With that in mind, if trail visitors are interested in having additional trash bins to the trail, it is recommended that they contact their local town governments.

Survey Recommendation: Erosion / Drainage

FBRTC Response: As part of the October 2024 DCR Blackstone Complex Resource Management Plans, comments were submitted to address several erosion / drainage issues that exist on the SNETT is Franklin & Bellingham.

Survey Recommendation: Destination Spots

FBRTC Response: As part of the October 2024 DCR Blackstone Complex Resource Management Plans, work to highlight areas with cultural and historical significance will be focused on in the near future. The FBRTC is also working on grants for the Wadsworth Farm area in Franklin.

Survey Recommendation: Pet Waste

FBRTC Response: MA DCR does not have a formal policy on disposing of pet waste. If visitors would like DCR to address a specific problem area, they should contact DCR directly.

Survey Recommendation: Plant mitigation

FBRTC Response: MA DCR does not have a formal policy on plant mitigation. If visitors would like DCR to address a specific problem area, they should contact DCR directly.

Survey Recommendation: Accessibility

FBRTC Response: A core mission of the Committee is to make the SNETT a “universally accessible recreational path”. While the Trail is not currently paved, it does offer a solid, level experience for access to natural areas and exercise. Today, the Trail is finished with a firm, stone dust surface, without large roots or rocks and is at least 36 inches wide. We would welcome your feedback on how we can make the trail more accessible. You can also learn more at:

Survey Recommendation: Bathrooms

FBRTC Response: Bathrooms on the trail require infrastructure and maintenance, and while some state trails in Massachusetts have bathrooms at trailheads and parking areas, none are currently planned for the SNETT. Funds for this type of project are typically best provided by the State, through the Department of Conservation and Recreation. You can contact them for more details.

Survey Recommendation: Community Outreach

FBRTC Response: The FBRTC is constantly engaging the community, looking to spread the word about how wonderful a resource the SNETT is in the towns of Franklin and Bellingham. The FBRTC attends several town festivals a year, looking to find others who wish to join our effort. If people have ideas on additional events that the FBRTC can attend, please let us know via our social media platforms, or via the Contact Us page on our website.

Survey Recommendation: Dog Park

FBRTC Response: As part of the October 2024 DCR Blackstone Complex Resource Management Plans, comments were submitted to request a dog park along the SNETT is Franklin & Bellingham. A request was also submitted to the Bellingham Open Space and Recreation Committee for the 2024 Open Space and Recreation Action Plan (OSRP)

Survey Recommendation: Group Walks

FBRTC Response: Help us help you! Please contact us to help you organize a group for a one-time or regular walking group.

Survey Recommendation: Improved road signage

FBRTC Response: As part of the October 2024 DCR Blackstone Complex Resource Management Plans, comments were submitted to request additional signage along the SNETT is Franklin & Bellingham.

Survey Recommendation: Insect mitigation

FBRTC Response: MA DCR does not have a formal policy on insect mitigation. If visitors would like DCR to address a specific problem area, they should contact DCR directly.

Survey Recommendation: Leash Use Enforcement

FBRTC Response: MA DCR is responsible for leash use enforcement. If visitors would like DCR to address a specific problem area, they should contact DCR directly.

Survey Recommendation: Membership Communications

FBRTC Response: The FBRTC regularly sends out information to our mailing list, as well as posting information on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter)). If you would like to sign up for our mailing list, please do so on our website here.

Survey Recommendation: Night Walk

FBRTC Response: We would love to get this event going! Please contact us to help us get it started!

Survey Recommendation: Prospect Street Access

FBRTC Response: In October 2024, a Student Conservation Association crew, with guidance from DCR, completed work installing box steps where visitors had been accessing the SNETT from Prospect St. These steps were installed as part of their training.

Survey Recommendation: Story Walk

FBRTC Response: The FBRTC will reach out to MA DCR about installing permanent Story Walk structures. In the meantime, look for the FBRTC to continue to use temporary means for displaying future Story Walks, as we are able to easily move the stories around to the Grove Street, Spring Street, Lake Street, Center Street and Harpin Street trailheads.

NOTE: One of the Story Walks that was installed at the Harpin Street trailhead back in May 2024 went missing less than 2 weeks after installation. More permanent, secure structures may prevent this in the future.

Survey Recommendation: Tool / Air Station

FBRTC Response: As part of the October 2024 DCR Blackstone Complex Resource Management Plans, comments were submitted to request tool / air stations along the SNETT is Franklin & Bellingham.