I was delighted to read the Aug. 3 article on the work that is being done on the Pine Ridge Trail system after the damage caused by the installation of the solar farm. I was disappointed, though, that the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails group was barely mentioned.

John Gardner, maintenance director for our group, contributed greatly to the Recreational Trails Program grant that helped fund this effort, and that same group are often the people removing trees after storms, fixing washouts and redirecting existing trails.

Don’t get me wrong. These trails, first conceived by Peter Garrett a couple of decades ago, and their maintenance are a result of very productive partnerships with CeMeNemba, the city of Waterville and, until recently, Northern Light Inland Hospital. But I’d like to see our hard-working, all-volunteer nonprofit group share in the credit for this jewel in the crown of our region. My thanks to all who care for our trails.

Barbara Bowling
President, Kennebec Messalonskee Trails Organization
Oakland