Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is inviting trail building and construction companies to submit proposals for improving the section of the Moss Glen Falls Trail that climbs to the primary falls vista. Your company is invited to submit a proposal to provide trail construction bids for the following: • Installation of 10 terraced steps • Installation of 45 continuous steps staircases in 8 separate locations along the trail • 61 linear feet of retainer wall (three locations in total) • 39.5 linear feet of metal railing • 176 linear feet of graveled treadway • 21.2 sq. ft. resting area Moss Glen Falls is a 125’ waterfall that attracts visitors due to its picturesque setting and short ¼ mile access trail from the trailhead located on Moss Glen Road. The location sees on average, an estimate of 20,000 user visits a year with peak use occurring in August with nearly 4,000 user visits. This use has drastically increased in the past ten years due, primarily, to local and regional promotion of the location. Up until 2017 sections of 2-stringer puncheon guided visitors through a beaver pond wetland area to the base of the falls. At this point users would follow the stream to the base of the waterfall or climb the bedrock slope adjacent to the waterfall to access views and to get to the top of the falls. The impact was dispersed due to the lack of trail definition, treadway, and infrastructure. This dispersed impact has caused significant damage to the thin soils and root structures found atop the bedrock base. In 2018 a switchback trail tread was further defined, and annual brush work has occurred to concentrate impacts. The trail that was established ends at the first vista of the falls, creating a situation where there is two-way travel for the entirety of the trail. This project will clearly identify the trail tread to the user, create hardened and user-friendly tread surfaces, and widen the treadway to better accommodate two-way traffic. Moss Glen Falls is within an 80-acre state designated Natural Area, requiring amplified considerations to reduce, mitigate, and rehabilitate any impacts that could occur through the course of implementing the project. The short hike to the vista and heavy promotion of the location by area businesses causes a wide spectrum of users at this location. The location attracts a wide breadth of age and ability. Given the audience, the specifications for infrastructure will be more aligned with front country dimensions and product. It is in the interest of FPR to balance this specification with a more natural aesthetic given the trail lies within a designated Natural Area.
