Apr 10, 2023

Franklin & Bellingam Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC)

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OverviewThe CommitteeThe TrailOur

AccomplishmentsOur PlansHow You Can Help

Apr 10, 2023

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The Trail – Franklin Through Bellingham

3 mile segmentStarting at Grove

Street in Franklin Extending past

Spring Street to Prospect Street at town line

Through Bellingham into Blackstone Franklin

Bellingham

Blackstone

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Apr 10, 2023

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The Committee Foundation

Changed name to incorporate regional focus

Revised Mission Statement

Created and approved Bylaws to give the group definition

Apr 10, 2023

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The Committee – Our Mission

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail as a multi-use, universally accessible recreational path.

Working in partnership with federal, state and local governments, members of the FBRTC are committed to exploring all private, state and federal funding avenues to implement all necessary design plans.

Apr 10, 2023

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The Committee – Our Structure

Simple committee structureMonthly meetings open to the public

Second Tuesday, 7:30pm, Franklin YSpecial working groups/sub-committees:

Membership Grant writing Public relations

Key community, local government, and state agency representation

Apr 10, 2023

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The Trail – Welcomes the Public Today

Walkers, Hikers, horseback riders, bikers

Accessible to non-motorized vehicles

Free parking at Grove Street and Lake Street

Over one mile of flat, graded soft dirt and stones

Connections to Franklin State Forest trails

Apr 10, 2023 7

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The Southern New England Trunkline Trail

Also known as the Titanic Rail TrailSupported by the Grand Trunk Trail Blazers, a

non-profit 501(c)(3) chartered in 1992 to collaborate with local trail groups to establish a non-motorized 60-80 mile East-West trail linking the Blackstone Valley with the Pioneer Valley.

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Apr 10, 2023

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The Committee – Supporters, Grants, Fund Raising

Towns of Franklin and Bellingham Open Spaces Committees, Grove Street parking

lotFranklin Hockomock Y

Meeting facilities and logistical assistanceMass Department of Conservation &

Recreation Trail improvement, maintenance, and signage

Annual Road Race 50 participants in first year Local business sponsorship

Apr 10, 2023

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Accomplishments

Phase I-a: Grove Street to Spring Street Clearing, tree removal, grading, finishing and packing of the

trail Grove Street barriers and gates at Spring Street and Lake

StreetGrove Street Access and Parking

Paved lot with 10 parking spaces (built by Town of Franklin) Informational kiosk and bench (built by local Eagle Scout); Informational trail signage installed by MA DCR. Parking area and signage at Lake St (Town of Bellingham)

Apr 10, 2023

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Necessary Trail Improvements

Apr 10, 2023

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Our Plans – Franklin Segment

Phase I.b: Grove Street to Spring Street Drainage, rail fencing, bollards or gates along with

signage, historical placards and traffic control Phase II: Spring St. to the Bellingham Town Line

Clearing, tree removal, grading, finishing and packing of the trail

Install tunnel under Prospect Street (20 x 12 ft. box culvert with sheeting and headwalls, including temporary street closure)

Drainage, rail fencing, asphalt road repairs, gates and seating areas, with added signage, historical placards and traffic control

Phase III: Trail Surfacing Including asphalt paving of the Franklin section of trail

On-going Coordination of Trail Maintenance

Apr 10, 2023

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Our Plans – Bellingham Segment

Phase I: Franklin Town Line to Blackstone Town Line Clearing, tree removal, grading, finishing and packing of

the trail Drainage, rail fencing, gates along with signage, historical

placards and maintenance of traffic Earthen ramp for Prospect St crossing

Phase II: Trail Surfacing Including compacted stone dust or paving of the Franklin

and Bellingham section of trail On-going Coordination of Trail Maintenance

Apr 10, 2023

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The Future

Apr 10, 2023

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Become a Member

Join us to help us achieve our goalsServe on working groups / sub-committeesParticipate and vote at meetings$25 membership

Stay connected through newsletters/minutes Get 10% off on parts and accessories at Crossing

Cycle in Franklin

Apr 10, 2023

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Ways to Help

Engineering assistance/Planning for Prospect Street Ramp

Signage around town

Apr 10, 2023

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Become a Donor or Sponsor

Support our efforts and special eventsYour contributions will help us purchase:

Committee basic supplies Brochures and promotional materials Supplies for fund-raising events

Get acknowledgement or promote your business On our website and in our promotional materials Event T-shirts, brochures, and media

advertisements

Apr 10, 2023

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Become a Volunteer or Advocate

Sign up to help us with committee activities and special events

Help with trail improvements Participate in special eventsPromote use of the trail with your group and

friendsPetition your elected officials for support

Apr 10, 2023

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The Rails to Trails Movement

Nation-wide efforts to turn abandoned railways into recreational trails

Benefits include access to safe recreational pathways for all abilities

Successful local examples include Cape Cod Rail Trails (over 22 miles) and Blackstone River Valley (over 11 miles)