Please Vote Yes on May 2nd Town Meeting Article 34

COMMUNTY PRESERVATION ACT – PHASE 2 of the NATURAL HERITAGE TRAIL BOARDWALK PROJECT

 ARTICLE 34: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $75,000 from FY2021 Certified Undesignated Fund Balance to fund Phase 2 of the Natural Heritage Trail Boardwalk Project; Any funds left unspent from this Article are to be returned to the Community Preservation Act Fund – Undesignated Fund Balance; and to act fully thereon. By request of the Community Preservation Committee. Estimated Cost: $75,000.

Finance Committee recommends this article be accepted and adopted. Vote: YES-6, NO-0, ABSTAIN-1

Select Board recommends this article be accepted and adopted. Vote: YES-5, NO-0

This second phase of the Harwich Natural Heritage Trail Project (Town Meeting voters contributed funds to Phase 1 last spring) will create a boardwalk for visitors to cross wetlands that will be restored as part of the Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project.

Wildlife will be able to pass back and forth beneath the boardwalk. Boardwalk visitors will be able to experience nature and scenic vistas in a 360-degree manner, while safely crossing Cold Brook. This kind of immersive experience is unique and fosters wildlife viewing and educational opportunities about the restored habitats, plants and animals of the Preserve.

The Town Youth & Recreation Commission, Select Board, and Community Preservation Committee unanimously support this Town Meeting Article 34.