Ellsworth Library Trail

Ellsworth Library TrailProposed Improvements and Possible Extensions.

How is the trail area used?

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The Library vicinity is great for strolling, reading and quiet contemplation.

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As they move along, hikers can catch a glimpse of the historic power house & the Union River dam or a take a look back at the Main Street Bridge.…

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Streams and pools of water near the trail nourish the flora & fauna and are enjoyed by explorers.

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Wildlife is everywhere along the trail.

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The further the trail goes, the better is the view of birds as they fish in the pool below the dam. Did you know that the powerhouse is on the National Register of Historic Places?

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That’s not wildlife. People use the trail for geocaching, a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. Planning staff learned from the couple on the left that there is a library trail cache. The small photos are from the web.

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Fishermen use the trail to access the river and to tend their elver traps.

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Elvers or “glass eels” web photo

Unfortunately, there has been some dumping in the area.

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The trail area has been used as a hang out. Thankfully, well-maintained and often-used trails tend to help

keep an area cleaned up.

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What is the trail’s current condition?

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The first part of the trail is wheelchair accessible from the public parking lot off State Street.

Some of the surface has been eroded by the river overflowing its banks.

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The trail transitions from smoother materials underfoot to courser gravel and rock. The first 600 feet of trail is on City owned property and has been kept fairly clear.

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The trail changes from strolling to scrambling on rocks along the shore or up and around boulders.

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The trail becomes “informal” and harder to follow. The potential is for another 600’ of trail on County and privately held lands plus a possible 300’ connection to Central Street.

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The next part of the trail passes between the river and a high bluff. The bluff makes access to the riverside portions of the properties nearly impossible except via the trail.

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The possible 300’ connector trail could be built on a rather steep strip of land formerly known as Mill Avenue (or Mill Street). It is currently the site of drainage structures and a small stream from the Central Street area.

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What needs to be done?

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City staff is working with owners, a committee and local volunteers to come up with a suitable plan of action as well as any needed permitting and legal easements.

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The Public Library staff would like to repair erosion of the gravel area near its gardens with larger stone.

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Much of the trail may be safely walked by able-bodied people in its current condition.

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A small crew could trim branches, clear debris and create a more even and well-defined walking surface.

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Stairways would be needed to make steep parts of the trail more accessible.

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A stream crossing would be needed if the path is extended toward the dam on property owned by Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC.

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The “Mill Avenue” stormwater easement area has been cleaned up since these photos were taken.

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As the path is improved and more use is encouraged, trail signs could be installed.

The riverside walkway would make a great place for interpretive signs about the history of the City’s waterfront, its wildlife and the hydro dam.

Happy Trails!

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