Get Out and See Holliston's 8th Wonder
I'm fairly new to town having lived here only a few years but I love the Holliston Rail Trail. I use the trail not only for exercise, but to visit relatives in nearby Milford. This past week I observed the cutting of trees near Hopping Brook Road for a new solar farm. I was disturbed that planners of this farm didn't at least leave some type of buffer of foliage between the trail and the farm. While the trail in this section is not completed, the construction of the farm has left debris on the trail making riding that much more difficult.
.jpg)
Trash on the trail continues to be minimal. Dog and horse droppings are another story. A woman on a golf cart was observed out picking up the horse poop. Maybe the folks in charge of the trail could also have her pick up the dog reminders. While users of the trail tend to be intermittent during the week, numbers of users tend to pick up on Fridays. New this past week was the sight of Holliston police on the trail riding bicycles. One was friendly, the other -- not so much. Maybe the officers were trying to catch the young offenders which I've spotted three times near the Summer Street section of the trail riding their motorized quads. Earlier this spring I picked up a bag full of empty soda cans on the Milford portion of the trail, yet Holliston's sections were clearly can free. Now maybe the Holliston trail folks could arm those newly seen police officers with a flyer for horse riders and dog lovers about a little respect for the trail which a gem we all use.
For those venturing towards the west past Summer Street, the deer flies aka horse flies are pretty nasty. Bug repellent is a safe bet.
The "Friends of Holliston Trails" volunteer group was approached recently by a Holliston Natl Honors Society student to tackle the job of installing pet waste stations. Look for upcoming volunteer events to assist him in this project! Sounds like it will be welcomed by all.
Ed Daniels | 2014-07-24 14:02:33
The solar company is Solect Energy out of Hopkinton. One of the owners is from Holliston. All they care about is them self. Contact them with complaints about the property. Its nothing new with there jobs. Its always easier to just cut more trees than were shown on the plan than to ask if they could remove a little more. I know these guys.
paul | 2014-07-20 10:21:25
I absolutely agree with Bill. My husband and I walked the trail last week. I was shocked to see the wanton clear-cutting -- it felt like a complete violation of the land and indeed, the earth-friendly nature of the project. Given the environmental impact (and, I'm sure, the clear breach of the terms of the various permits required to build this project), I think Town counsel needs to get into court for injunctive relief ASAP to stop further work until such time as the developer hires a professional forester and agrees to a plan to mitigate the damage and maintain the forested barrier between the project and the surrounding property owners. I'm not certain if the Rail Trail Committee has any standing here, but if they do, perhaps some of our fine local litigators would volunteer some pro bono time in this regard.
Sasha | 2014-07-19 05:46:23
It's very disappointing to see the damage done to the rail trail by the solar contractor down off of Washington St across from Weston Pond. The lack of respect for the boundaries of their land, and the cavalier clear cutting of over 100 trees that lined the rail trail need firm and quick consequences. The Trails Committee is working on this, but as the Town prepares for its America in Bloom review, we now have to take the time and effort to get this mess straightened out. And get this - the solar developer actually indicated a desire to cut down MORE trees on the SOUTH side of the trail. This needs the firm and urgent attention of our Selectmen. Anybody listening?
Bill Dowd | 2014-07-18 12:37:08
Any responsible dog owner/lover has a roll of bags attached to their leash (um, the dog's leash) to pick up the predictable result of a walk outside. I'm not sure why when people are on public land that it seems ok to just let their dogs poop and run. If you wouldn't leave it on your neighbor's lawn, then don't leave it on the trail.
Luv my Doggies | 2014-07-18 05:32:09
Sorry, didn't mean to offend. I took exception to "have her pick up the poop." Also, I took exception to his shot at the officer. I will choose my words more carefully. Bob
Bob | 2014-07-18 03:13:35
Bob, your comment is downright childish and nasty. That's quite shameful behavior here in our small public forum, and sets a horrible example If you disagree, please try some mature conversation next time, for everyone's benefit. Thank you.
Lady in town who is kind | 2014-07-17 15:14:10
The Trails Committee is aware of the unlawful cutting of trees beside the solar farm and it is being addressed appropriately. More info to follow.
Matt Varrell | 2014-07-17 14:51:38
Yes have HER pick it up, surely it should not be you. Have the police pass out the flyers, surely not your job. Maybe someone should run beside you shooing those pesky deer flies. Hope you have a flat tire where those pesky deer flies live! I passed a lot of nice people on the trail, one not so much, I think I now know who he was?
Bob | 2014-07-17 14:36:03