BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 13, 2024
A survey released Wednesday by the Maine Trails Coalition showed that trail repairs from storm damage in 2023 and 2024 will cost at least $5.2 million. The impact on trails is statewide. Severe rain and wind storms in December and January caused damage to multiple snowmobile, ATV and hiking trails, in addition to other infrastructure including power lines and poles across the state. The repair costs are expected to rise. Some of those surveyed said they would not know the true damage until they could assess the trails this spring. In general, they reported major washouts and erosion, damaged, shifted or missing structures like bridges, as well as major and minor blowdowns, plus damage to trailheads and access roads. Maine’s trail systems bring in millions of dollars for the state’s economy.