Dalton Committee Works to Combat the Pines Trailhead Vandals
DALTON, Mass. — Vandals have invaded the community forest that the Open Space and Recreation Committee has been trying to cultivate.
Offensive images and words have been sprayed on rocks and tree trunks.
Rejuvenating the Pines Trail, which starts behind the Senior Center, is the committee's first project since its establishment in March 2020.
The committee was created following the update of the town's open space and recreation plan. Its goal is to protect the town's "treasured natural resources and parks and [maintain] its scenic beauty."
The Pines was the most natural choice for a first project. It is a hidden gem in the area that needs to be protected and more people should know about it, committee members have said.
The committee portrayed the Pines as a beautiful, natural area with the potential to be a more widely used and appreciated resource to the community.
Members highlighted its varied terrain and topography and the work they have been doing with the youth environment community organization Greenagers to make the trail Americans with Disabilities Act accessible.
A $49,450 Mass Trails grant is being used to increase accessibility and complete various improvements, such as implementing a lookout area that will have benches.
Upon entering this gem, visitors are instead greeted by graffiti that committee member Jenny Gitlitz described as obscene and unsightly.
Who these mysterious tree vandals are is unknown, but Gitlitz recommended committee work to get youth more involved in the trail so they feel invested in the forest. This may deter them from painting the trees and rocks, she said.
The committee is developing ways to engage the community, hoping to attract new committee members and make the neighborhood feel invested in the trail.
The committee will work with Department of Public Works Superintendent Edward "Bud" Hall on ways to remove or cover up the graffiti already on the trail.
Committee member Cheryl Rose questioned how they could remove the graffiti and asked if spray painting the trees brown was an option.
"Not just with brown, because that's ugly," Gitlitz said.
Instead, she would rather buy six neutral colors that mimic the shades found in trees to make it resemble the actual bark.
The committee said it would discuss whether there are any other options for removing the graffiti in the area.
Once the issue is addressed, it will also navigate ways to prevent the vandals from marking up this scenic destination in the future.
Another concern they have been discussing is mitigating damage caused by all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles. More information here.
During a September meeting, committee members noted that the trails are easily accessible from High Street, and many ride on the trail from their homes.
"I want to be really careful about the approach," Rose said during the September meeting.
She explained that she wants their approach to be friendly, soft and one that promotes a shared respect for the grounds.
Tags: graffiti, vandalism,
