A little information about our members…
Mascoma River Greenway Coalition Member David Brooks:
1. Why did you get involved with the Mascoma River Greenway Coalition? What inspired you to volunteer your time for this particular effort?
I think the continuation of the Rail Trail to West Lebanon (and possibly beyond) is one of the greatest opportunities in the City. Ever since moving to this community, I have enjoyed using the existing Rail Trail and wanted to see it extended to the west. Since I have consistently heard the same from many other people, I wanted to be a part of making the project happen.
2. What are your personal goals for the greenway (what would you like to see in 5, 10, and 15 years)?
Obviously, it will take time to come to full fruition, but I look forward to seeing the Greenway getting used as frequently as the existing Rail Trail does now.
3. How do you foresee yourself taking advantage of the new trail?
I run and bike ride on the existing Rail Trail now, so I’ll definitely look forward to running and biking on the new section. I’ll also definitely use the Greenway to get to restaurants, the movie theatre, parks, and other great destinations.
4. How can other people get involved in MRGC and why would you encourage them to do so?
I think the Greenway project is a tremendous opportunity to link central Lebanon with West Lebanon, not just physically, but also socially. For me, that’s a big reason for getting involved. I would suggest to those that want this project to happen to simply keep talking with their friends, neighbors, and elected officials about its relevance and importance for the community.
Mascoma River Greenway Coalition Member Dick Mackay:
1. Why did you get involved with the Mascoma River Greenway Coalition? What inspired you to volunteer your time for this particular effort?
Long association with the development of the Northern Rail Trail
2. What are your personal goals for the greenway (what would you like to see in 5, 10, and 15 years)?
Completion of undeveloped portion of the Northern R.T. in two years, connection to Glen Rd./Skate Board Park in five years. West Lebanon in seven years.
3. How do you foresee yourself taking advantage of the new trail?
Biking
4. How can other people get involved in MRGC and why would you encourage them to do so?
Political support from as many people as possible is the only thing that will make it happen. Money is easy, political will is not.
Mascoma River Greenway Coalition Member Anne Janeway:
1. Why did you get involved with the Mascoma River Greenway Coalition? What inspired you to volunteer your time for this particular effort?
I joined the group at the invitation of Cindy Heath. Cindy is an inspirational leader and someone who wants to include a variety of people in getting this project off the ground and eventually completed. While I am not a resident of Lebanon, I am interested in rail trail development and the process of getting the community and the city behind this. I think the Northern Rail Trail is a great recreational resource, and extending the path for the use of commuters, residents, local employees, and recreational users makes terrific sense. Working on this project, I am put in contact with professional trail designers and advocates who are going through a thorough process of review to bring this path to fruition. I am available to provide input as a fundraiser, event manager, and a bicycle enthusiast.
2. What are your personal goals for the greenway (what would you like to see in 5, 10, and 15 years)?
The route that is being mapped out and worked upon offers a lot of potential for use. I think it can be a vibrant corridor through all seasons that connects businesses, homes, schools, and downtown Lebanon. A chief goal in my mind is for people to enjoy spending time walking, riding, or skiing on the trail and connecting with each other to share exercise and conversation. The greenway can be beautified over time and can certainly add value to the homes that abut the path. If the roundhouse area in West Lebanon can be cleaned up and turned into an attractive and useable public space that is connected to the trail that would be a great long-term goal. Providing people a way to view the CT River on foot or bike is also a desired end.
3. How do you foresee yourself taking advantage of the new trail?
I would be a recreational user mainly. Biking, walking, skiing. I would also use it to connect with the Northern Rail Trail.
4. How can other people get involved in MRGC and why would you encourage them to do so?
This is a great community project that can involve homeowners along the route, businesses and their employees along the route, school children, and bike and pedestrian path enthusiasts. They can come out to a public forum and learn about the project, volunteer to do the clean up and eventual pulling up of rail ties, attend events, and become members of the organization. Providing donations is another way to show support. The project is worth being involved with because it is a chance to be part of something new which brings people together and encourages a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. The greenway should become a source of pride for the community and it takes a lot of hands and minds to get it accomplished. The rail line is just sitting there for now and it makes perfect sense to put it to productive use for local citizens.
Mascoma River Greenway Coalition Member Russell Hirschler:
1. Why did you get involved with the Mascoma River Greenway Coalition? What inspired you to volunteer your time for this particular effort?
The Greenway project is directly in line with the future vision of the Upper Valley Trails Alliance…to develop a vibrant and accessible trails network for the Upper Valley. Experience shows that long-term project like the development of the Mascoma River Greenway needs grassroots efforts. The Coalition is the perfect entity to establish this effort. With leadership from community groups like UVTA, the City of Lebanon and the Friends of the Northern Rail Trail we will be able to see this project through to its completion. In addition, Lebanon and West Lebanon have been cut off from each other for way too long. The project goal of connecting the two parts of the city is wonderful and I look forward to participating.
2. What are your personal goals for the greenway (what would you like to see in 5, 10, and 15 years)?
This project will take time, so my personal goals are to work with the project as long as it is feasible and see it through. Once the trail is on the ground, I would like to see it not only used by commuters but also by students as a Safe Route to School and as an outdoor classroom. I envision a safe environment where families and individuals can use the 4-mile route safely during all 4 seasons.
3. How do you foresee yourself taking advantage of the new trail?
While I do not live in Lebanon, I do see myself using the trail as a way to get outside during my workday or after meetings. I can also see myself using it to share with others as an example of how to get a project done.
4. How can other people get involved in MRGC and why would you encourage them to do so?
There are many ways that people can get involved. This starts with a commitment of money and/or volunteer time. Contributions can be made to the Mascoma River Greenway Coalition and there will also be a number of trail workdays in the future. Also, encouraging the City Council to allocate funds for trail completion is very important. Lastly, advocate with local, state, and federal delegates about the importance of the trail, not only for transportation but also as an economic development driver in the region.
Mascoma River Greenway 