Andrews Community Forest

Hello Richmond Residents,

On behalf of the Andrews Community Forest Committee ("ACFC"), I want to thank you for actively sharing your thoughts and opinions (through FPF and email messages to the Committee) on the ACF Ecological Trail Design commissioned by the ACFC and prepared in tandem by professional ecologists/trail designers - Arrowwood Environmental and Sinuosity Trails. We hope you will continue sharing feedback and attending public meetings on the ACF as we continue the process of stewarding this wonderful property and gift to the Town of Richmond.

Unfortunately, there is a fair amount of misinformation floating around about the ACFC's action in approving the ACF Ecological Trail Design and next steps required before any type of trail development can occur. In order to correct this misinformation, heighten understanding and promote a civil and respectful dialogue among the residents of the Town of Richmond, the ACFC is working to provide a comprehensive public report detailing our multi-year efforts towards implementing a trail design that properly balances the ecological and recreational directives laid out in the ACF Management Plan. Please be patient and reserve your final opinions while we prepare this report.

Please also note the ACF Ecological Trail Design will not and cannot be implemented or developed until it is approved by the Richmond Selectboard at a warned public hearing. Furthermore, the ACFC has further work to accomplish in advance of requesting such a Selectboard hearing. This work will be described in more detail as part of our comprehensive public report. Bottom line, a transparent multi-step process lies ahead that will provide ample opportunity for further community input and discussion.

We live in an amazing community made up of good, caring people. Let's not forget this as we work to cooperatively and respectfully make the ACF a special place we can all be proud to call our own.

Jesse Crary
ACFC Chair