Repair plans for Bluebell Trail in Poland raise concerns

The Bluebell Trail inside the Poland Municipal Forest has long been a favorite spot for walkers and nature lovers. But parts of the path are now worn down and crumbling, 

The Poland Forest Board is considering paving the trail with asphalt, a plan backed by a $30,000 grant if the village council signs off.

Supporters, including Poland Forest Foundation president Dave Watts, say asphalt would make the trail sturdier and easier to navigate.

However, not everyone agrees. Opponents argue that asphalt could compromise the natural feel of the forest and pointed to alternatives, such as geocells, which are designed to control erosion along the path.

"What you do to the forest should enhance the forest. It should be to make the forest a special place and to keep it in a natural state. If you meet those criteria, then I don't think asphalt is the best solution," Friends of the Forest member, Lauren Schroeder, said. 

One councilperson shared Schroeder's concerns. Laurie LaPlante believes that using asphalt poses environmental risks. 

"Asphalt, we all know, is made from oil. It's made from chemicals, and inherently, probably the worst thing you want next to a water source is something that the water is going to pick up. Any of that stuff that's in the asphalt is going to leach out, it's going to get into the waterway," LaPlante said. 

Before a final decision is made, the forest board must receive approval from the council members.

In the meantime, Schroeder and LaPlante said they will continue to voice their concerns to keep the forest as natural as possible.