Trail condition update 10-16-19

Finally, the trail is repaired from the May rains (except small issue between Jones and Keasey) . A big thank you to the volunteers who were literally in the trenches.

Trail condition update 9-29-19

Updated trail conditions…heading north from Laneville.

Laneville to Monroe-all clear; Monroe to Sarver-some work has started and more will continue this week; Sarver to Cabot-all clear. Trail is passable, north and south of Bear Creek a short distance, you can dismount to get through. This is a major washout but from a distance perspective is only a few feet. Almost there and thank you for your patience. And to the volunteers…thank you for giving your time so that all may enjoy. Without you there would not be a trail, you truly put the community in Butler Freeport Community Trail.

Washout workday September 28- please use caution

We are working from Buffalo sewage plant (south of Monroe Rd) to Laneville. Please dismount your bike while passing a machine and be sure the operator sees you. Working from 8:30-12. Thank you!

Washout workday Part I

It hasn’t quit raining…looks like if we wait for it to repairs may never happen. Tools needed: rakes, shovels, gloves, pruners, chainsaws, post hole digger, digging bar & water. Trail volunteer shirts for those that attend. Depending on how many attend, we may also install the Cabot sign and gates. Check here for cancellation notice should it be raining.
When: July 20th @ 8am-2pm
Where: Cabot parking lot, corner of Helmbold and Center, Cabot

Please read weather related trail damage report. Trail is OPEN, use caution.

Thought it would be a good idea to let everyone know the condition of the trail after all of the rain we had on Tuesday. I went for a ride (25 miles) after work and the conditions are as follows:
**Butler to Brinker Road-unknown
**Brinker to Cabot-very minor washouts, a few soft spots, Great Belt south flooded but should be gone by the weekend. Watch at Dittmer Rd and the pond at the golf course.
**Cabot to Sarver-I give three 🚲🚲🚲. I had to get off my bike three times. I should note, I do have road tires. The worse area is 1/2 mile south, culvert overflowed and 100’ of damage on the right side heading south.
**Sarver to Bear Creek- I give eight 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 . I got off eight times. First four in the first 1/2-3/4 mile (one right at the road).
**Bear Creek to Monroe-I give four 🚲🚲🚲🚲. I got off four times. All are not great, but are passable.
**Monroe to Laneville-unknown.
If you have been on the sections marked unknown, please send me an email with conditions.
I do not see a need to close the trail. Please be cautious and take your time, it still is an enjoyable ride. The times I got off and pushed were for the most part about 10-30 feet.
Moving forward…work will not begin immediately, the water needs to recede before the ditches and slides are cleared, if we don’t wait more damage could be done by the rushing water. Funding raising-please consider either renewing your membership, become a member or donate on our website www.butlerfreeporttrail.org.
There is not a special fund for repairs like these. These are cash in hand projects. We have yet to recover from the repair in the Fall. Any contribution is appreciated including your time. Workdays will begin schedule soon. Happy to answer any questions, email butlerfreeporttrail@yahoo.com.
Thank you!

Update 10-11-18

TRAIL IS OPEN BETWEEN BEAR CREEK AND MONROE. Surface is soft due to completely rebuilding 100’ of Trail. Use caution.
Thank you for,your patience

Update

Closure between Bear Creek and Monroe is still in effect. No safe bike/ped detour. Please do not enter the closed area, safer for you and the contractor. Trail should be open early next week.

Monroe to Bear Creek closed

It is unfortunate but necessary Monroe Rd to Bear Creek is closed. The work is in a very narrow corridor, with equipment trucks backing up it is safer for all to close it completely. Sorry for an inconvenience but all this rain has not been kind to many trails including this one. Hoping to be opened back up next week.

Be neighborly

As a reminder, the Trail corridor is average 60’ wide. If you are more than 30’ from center you are trespassing on private property.
This includes creek access, (for fishing or playing in the water, people and dogs) unless you are close to a bridge, again you are trespassing.
There are a couple of landowners that own on both sides of the trail, they are able to cross the trail (either with a vehicle or ATV) to enjoy all of their land.
A camping Policy is being developed and will be limited to designated areas.
Please be respectful and DO NOT TRESPASS, let’s be good neighbors. Thank you!

UPDATE ON SERIES HIKE 1, April 7th

Hi!
Our good friend Val has offered to lead a series of group hikes along the trail. Let’s celebrate Opening Day for Trails on April 7th with a hike from Laneville to Monroe Rd. (just under four miles one way). This is a series of hikes from Freeport to Butler.
Don’t miss an opportunity to learn some of the history along the trail. With the leaves down, we will probably see things you have never noticed before.

We will be meeting at the Laneville Trailhead by the gate at 9 am.

Leashed fur Trail users are welcome. Please bring water and if there is enough interest we can have lunch at Lucy’s Riverside Cafe in Freeport.

UPDATED 3-28-18
Option 1-Hike both ways, about 8-Miles. No RSVP needed.

Option 2-Shuttle service back to your car courtesy of Workhorse Transport & Outfitter. Donation to the trail would be appreciated. RSVP needed. Please email butlerfreeporttrail@yahoo.com.