Woodstock School students on Buck’s Ledge hiked through an Echo Lane trail on a tract of land recently purchased by the town. Jane Chandler photo
WOODSTOCK — On Oct. 25, about 20 voters crowded into Woodstock’s town office to vote for purchase of a 48-acre tract of land that abuts Buck’s Ledge Community Forest, owned by the town.
The Woodstock Conservation Commission had acquired the monies needed – $60,000 – with a grant. The Town would pay nothing.
The three selectboard members and Vern Maxfield were in attendance and Steve Wight moderated the Special Town Meeting.
The land is at the end of Echo Lane, off Rumford Avenue near the Woodstock Elementary School.
Conservation Commission Member Marcel Polak said a survey will determine if the trail is part of the property as conveyed. A map was handed around.
“Will this be an absolute guarantee that the public has access at any time?” asked a resident.
Conservation Commission Member Jane Chandler said since the the trail is across from the school, “Our kids will be able to walk down Echo Lane into the trail …We will have the right of way and be able to walk through. Hopefully we won’t be disturbing you.”
“I’m a sound sleeper,” said the resident who said he backed the purchase.
Conservation Commission Member Ed Rosenberg explained that there will be a crosswalk from the school across Rumford Ave. He said they currently have a verbal agreement to access the path, purchasing the land will insure absolute access to Buck’s Ledge from the school.
Polak said, “in addition to the trail, the property has very important wetlands… That’s a critical natural corridor.”
A resident asked if the Woodstock students would be using the trails.
“Taking the kids tomorrow morning,” said Chandler.
The nine-minute meeting ended with a unanimous vote in favor of purchasing the tract of land.
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