$5.2 million storm damage to Maine trails
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
$5.2 million storm damage to Maine trails
Maine Trails Coalition Trail Damage Survey Results Shared
BATH, ME, March 13, 2024 - The frequent rain and extreme storms of 2023 and early 2024 greatly impacted and damaged trails and trail infrastructure in communities in all corners of Maine. All types of land and water trails that we know and love received severe to moderate damage, and trail managers and communities are worried about the future of their trail systems.
To begin to better understand and quantify the damage that occurred, the Maine Trails Coalition (MTC) released an initial trail damage survey this January. Trail managers that replied to the survey ranged from municipalities, community groups, non-profits, land trusts, snowmobile clubs, mountain bike clubs to public land managers. Of the surveys received, a total of 36 trail managers responded (updated 3/15). Based on survey results, preliminary estimates to repair trails and trail infrastructure is over $5.2 million dollars, however that number will likely rise.
Approximately 38% of the damage was reported as moderate to severe. 58% was reported as minor to moderate. Several reports indicated they won’t know the true level of damage until spring assessments are completed or trail users report trail conditions. Damage reported widely included major washouts and erosion, damaged, shifted or missing structures, as well as major and minor blowdowns. Damage to trailheads and access roads was reported by 32% of respondents.
Trail managers are looking at their trails and infrastructure with a more critical eye. Ryan Gates, Stewardship Program Director for the Coastal Mountains Land Trust indicated, “in the past we had spent $12,500 repairing after a major storm. We have transitioned to a higher level of trail building and maintenance. We now are trying to use more sustainable practices or materials that usually have more cost upfront, but the savings is in the longer lasting materials that require less maintenance over time.”
Alan Audet, a trail steward for the Town of Poland expressed, “we've always been a small group. During the course of my time working on these trails, we've had probably 30 volunteers. Volunteers come and go, so we usually have a core of about seven people. It's going to be a tough to clear the really large trees that came down in recent storms with the people we have.”
In a community like Carrabassett Valley, the economic impact of damaged trails has been front and center this year. Josh Tauses shared, “our economy is based on recreational tourism. Impacts to our networks resulting in damaged and closed corridors degrades the user experience, possibly leading to less user visits in 2024. Significant costs related to infrastructure repairs impedes progress of new corridors, and may be challenging to execute all at once. Although our town has been able to quickly address repairs, our non-profits community partners may be less able to do so. A much larger dollar amount than what we initially reported ($100-$200k) is likely closer to the actual impact.”
The state’s multi-use trails that are part of the East Coast Greenway have also taken a hit according to the survey results. The Downeast Sunrise Trail, an 87-mile off-road, multi-use trail in Hancock and Washington counties, reported an estimated $530,000+ amount of damage associated with major washouts between Machias and East Machias- this is on top of existing surface maintenance concerns.
The Eastern Trail, located in York and Cumberland counties, has seen two breaches of the trail at its most iconic and trafficked section, Scarborough Marsh, most recently on Sunday, March 10th due to high winds and rain corresponding with high tide. The Eastern Trail brings over $1 million in tax revenue to the State, and is beloved by locals and visitors alike for both recreation and alternative transportation.
Patrick Conlon, Trail Manager for the Eastern Trail, said, “Often we think of these things as a once in a decade occurrence, but big storms are becoming commonplace and we’re seeing this breach happen more and more frequently. It’s wreaking havoc on trail conditions and people are concerned. We can't just keep putting band aids on this. As the impacts of climate change keep increasing, the trail may become entirely unusable. We need serious thought and investment to make the trail through the marsh more resilient.”
While we cannot ignore the staggering storm damage from recent months, we need to consider that the work ahead of us needs to include planning more climate resilient trail systems. This involves asking questions like, do we build back, re-route, or close trails entirely? There are hurdles and limitations to the existing funding sources for trails in Maine, and currently very limited storm recovery funding options. The MTC plans to release a follow-up survey to help decision makers statewide understand the impacts and opportunities.
If you have benefitted from trails in your community, here are three simple actions you can take to support trails today:
(1) Contact your legislators in support of LD 1156, Maine Trails Bond. This $30 million bond would be distributed over 4 years would be the first-ever large investment supporting design, maintenance and construction of trails in Maine.
(2) Get involved in the Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap. You can take a short survey, and find upcoming opportunities to weigh in at trailblazerroadmap.com
(3) Support your local trails organization. If you love Maine’s land and water trails, giving some of your time to help goes a long way. If you have questions about getting involved, we’re here to help. You may reach us at mainetrailscoalition@gmail.com
Maine Trails Coalition (MTC) was formed in 2019 as a statewide voice for trail users, supporters, and advocates. MTC's mission is to champion the establishment, use, and stewardship of trails in Maine. The MTC is committed to advancing the trails movement on behalf of the communities and people who live, work, and visit Maine.
Media Contact: Silvia Cassano
mainetrailscoalition@gmail.com
(802) 673-6990
MaineTrailsCoalition.org ###
