Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Develop a partnership with the Town of Essex Conservation and Trails Committee and Economic Development Commission 1. Host check-in meetings to provide updates and address project concerns (Quarterly). B. Host at least two (2) public engagement meetings to receive feedback on trail design options. C. Conduct an existing conditions analysis. 1. Identify and map existing and potential trails and connection points. 2. Review all prior relevant studies, surveys, and plans to inform the project development. 3. Perform an environmental analysis of the proposed connectivity corridor and core forest block and create an environmental report identifying sensitive natural areas including habitats and wetlands. D. Conduct Trail System Expansion & Connectivity Analysis 1. Identify opportunities to expand trails and develop a trail system design and a construction plan. Assess funding options for future maintenance. 2. Conduct scenario planning for Saxon Hill and Essex Town Center to identify impacts of development decisions over the next 10-20 years. 3. Identify a range of implementation options for the trail system expansion, including associated costs. Prioritize the options. 4. Develop an implementation plan. E. Develop planning-level engineering plans and identify required permits and materials required to apply for permits for the following: 1. Shared use paved or stone-dust path connecting Essex Middle School to the Essex Experience area 2. Natural surface trail connections 3. Bridge over VT Route 289 to the Pinewood Manor neighborhood area 4. Lighting options for portions of the trail network F. Develop a vision document for a connected recreational network linking Essex Town Center with Essex Experience, neighborhoods, Saxon Hill and other recreational assets. 1. Document supporting materials necessary for future grant applications or further scoping studies.
