Committee weighs $7,400 trail-hardening plan and options for leftover grant money

The Town of Hubbardston’s Open Space Committee reviewed preliminary estimates this week for trail-hardening work and debated how to fund immediate deterrent and signage needs.

Committee members heard a materials-based estimate of about $7,400 to harden targeted trail sections and discussed related items such as heavy-duty fencing to deter off-highway vehicles. Members noted they may be able to reduce costs by sourcing materials through state or municipal contracts rather than commercial suppliers.

The discussion centered on timing and funding. MassTrails grant money could cover some work but may take months to be awarded and disbursed; committee members said that delay would likely push construction into late summer or fall. The group identified roughly $4,600 in residual funds from a prior grant that appear unallocated and discussed whether those dollars — or a request to the Hubbertson Preservation Fund for up to $8,000 — could be used to begin work sooner.

Committee members emphasized grant rules: the prior grant’s original scope restricts acceptable uses, so staff or the grant manager must confirm whether interpretive signs, fencing or trail hardening are allowable uses of the residual balance. The chair said he and project leads will firm up cost estimates and meet with the person overseeing the grants to clarify allowable spending and timing.

Next steps: committee members agreed to refine the cost breakdown, look for lower-cost material procurement routes, and prepare a short funding request if the grant administrator or the preservation fund can bridge work before MassTrails funding arrives.