Pathfinders move ahead on upgrades to local trail
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

JACKSON - Members of the Jackson Pathfinders are asking for assistance from the mayor and Township Council to move paperwork forward so they can get started on improvements to the Bunker Hill Bog Trail off East Veterans Highway and Whitesville Road.

Karen Borga, chairwoman of the Pathfinders, addressed the council at a recent meeting.

"I am here because the Jackson Pathfinders are at a point with the Bunker Hill Bog Trail improvements where we need some help from the council and the mayor getting 'yes' answers when we come into town hall," she said.

Borga said that in 2004 Jackson's prior administration approved a recreational trail program grant application for the 327-acre site.

The grant application included trail improvements, installing metal gates at the entrance to the trail, "No Dumping" signs, filling in ruts and puddles, grading the trail and installing a gravel and sand parking area which will require the removal of some trees.

"We are also getting two trailhead information signs, a trail entrance sign, plastic benches along the trail, an 8-foothigh viewing platform and several boxes for birds," Borga said.

In September 2005 the grant application the municipality made out was approved for $25,000 and this summer former township administrator Bill Santos and current Township Attorney George Gilmore completed paperwork for a deed transfer, Borga said.

"I just received an e-mail from another Pathfinder, project coordinator Tony Santa Maria," Borga said. "Tony said he went with the director of recreation, Eric Schubiger, to the Bunker Hill Bog to review the grant proposal on-site. Eric expressed an interest in being part of the process and has been an immense assistance to this date."

Borga said Schubiger directed Santa Maria to the building department to proceed with the permit process for the viewing platform, the tree removal and the parking lot construction. She said Santa Maria was told he needs written permission from the mayor to construct the platform on township property.

Business Administrator Phil Del Turco said the Jackson Pathfinders will have his cooperation and saw no problem with building the viewing platform.

Borga asked, and the council agreed, to name Councilwoman Emily Ingram as the governing body's liaison to the organization.

Borga said the trail is expected to be completed by Aug. 31.