Departments help each other out; invasive vegetation excised from trail
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The vegetation along the River Trail area got a major haircut this week. Invasive plants were taking over the border and encroaching on the River Trail, according to Town Administrator Elaine Sistare.
She said the fence line is usually weed whacked but short staffing was a problem. The invasive plants went wild.
Sistare said the Parks Department had a “lessened crew” this year, as one department member is doing military duty. The town hired temp help. Then the Highway Department jumped in to help. Highway Supervisor Travis Sirrine said the Highway Department is helping out the Parks Department.
They cut down the invasive vegetation but were careful not to disturb the roots along the banks of the Quinebaug River so as to not exacerbate the erosion problem there.
The invasive plants were starting to overrun the native trees and plants, he said. Now these natives can grow.
“This improves the vegetation and is also a safety factory,” Sirrine said. On parts of the trail the growth gone wild was forcing walkers to walk off the trail. And roots near the trail were a tripping hazard.  Sistare said most of the vegetation was invasive and the town was getting complaints from the loyal River Trail walkers.

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