Vernal Pool Trail Abandonment

MIMA proposes abandonment of the Vernal Pool Trail consisting of a boardwalk, overlook, and natural woodland trail. The trail was built after 1996 as an approximately 3,426 linear foot (LF) trail loop that would guide visitors to a vernal pool habitat and connect on either side to the Battle Road Trail. The northern portion of the trail loop has already been closed as a result of successional vegetational growth, leaving a trail that dead ends at the vernal pool overlook. The current boardwalk is unstable, and sections of the trail are not compliant with the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards. (Condition Survey 8/27/2020).

NPS originally planned to rehabilitate the remaining portions of the loop and replace the boardwalk and overlook in 2024. However, unforeseen site conditions, the sensitivity of the location for wetlands and other resources, and trail erosion makes the original plan impossible to accomplish.

A redesign of the project would be costly and impact more wetland areas. As a result, NPS is proposing to remove the overlook and board walks, reinstall stone walls that had been opened and prepare and seed areas to reestablish natural conditions.

Because this is different than our original intent, NPS is opening the proposal up for a 30-day public comment period. Please click on the "Open Document" link for more information.

Contact Information

Jennifer Pierce
978-505-4197