The High Peaks Alliance is proud to announce the recovery of regional motorized trail systems following the devastating storm in December 2023, highlighting unprecedented community collaboration and resilience.
Severe storm damage decimated trails across multiple counties, including critical routes in Roxbury, Andover, Strong, Phillips, New Vineyard, Eustis, and Carrabassett Valley. Specifically impacted were the Orbeton Crossing and Randy Bunnell Trail, which suffered extensive destruction from high water and storm conditions.
The Alliance called an emergency All Hands on Deck Regional Motorized Meeting last December and the local snowmobile and motorized trail clubs demonstrated remarkable solidarity. Everyone spoke about the damage. Clubs said how they did not know what to do or how they would get trails open for a successful 2024 season.
County Commissioner Bob Carleton was instrumental in securing funding for recovery efforts, ORV representatives Joe Higgins and James Turner brought valuable insights from the off-road vehicle community. Additionally, Senator Russell Black and Representatives Mike Sobeleski, Randy Hall, and Scott Landry were present.
Community Leaders
Lee Libby, President of the Rangeley Lakes Region Snowmobile Club, offered equipment and personnel to help reopen ITS 84 & 89.
Dana Bowman and John Rogers, Alliance Board members, were instrumental in securing a $100,000 TIFF grant from the Franklin County Commissioners. “The storm’s impact was unprecedented, threatening not just our trails but our entire regional economy,” Bowman stated. The funds were used to build bridges and replace culverts. Here are a few highlights:
- Miles of the Randy Bunnell Trail were repaired using materials donated by the Commissioners from the Madrid Reeds Mill Pit. Hayden York hauled materials and Scott Schroeder and Rob Elliot completed the groundwork.
- At the Orbeton Stream crossing Lee Libby and Mike Koob from Rangeley Lakes Region Snowmobile Club cleared from the north and assisted in installing a new bridge for ITS 84 & 89.
- Topher Hunt from Salem Sno-Drifters worked single-handedly to reopen trails between Salem and Strong.
- The Strong Club had lost a bridge in May of 2023, reinstalled another one in November 2023, and then lost it again in December 2023. It has been replaced again.
It Takes Community Collaboration
Brent West praised the community’s efforts: “The collaboration we’ve witnessed is inspiring. Our community’s resilience shines through during these times. Dozens of volunteers stepped up to complete these projects for their community and their sport.”
A new regional motorized council has been formed to enhance communication and rapid response capabilities. The next Regional Motorized meeting, scheduled for December 5, 2024, will focus on strengthening inter-club relationships and developing more robust emergency response strategies.
“We’re not just rebuilding trails,” West added, “we’re building a more connected and resilient community.”
The High Peaks Alliance extends its gratitude to all clubs, volunteers, and officials who contributed to this regional recovery effort.
Before & Afters of the Trail Work
Take a look at that.
📸 | Dana Bowman and James Turner
