The town of Northbridge is in the process of purchasing 96 acres on Castle Hill Road. This property abuts existing town owned property and the 100 acre lot in Uxbridge.
The draft conservation restriction (CR) listed under prohibited mountain biking and horseback riding. The Blackstone Valley Chapter of New England Mountain Bike Association and Bay State Trail Riders Association both wrote letters to the Conservation Commission requesting that the prohibition for both uses be removed. We also attended March 15th public hearing on the draft CR where members of both groups spoke about the prohibition.
One of the best points made was to not prohibit these uses, once included in the CR, it’s like moving mountains to get it rescinded. The Con. Com. has the tools to deal with issues if they happen. Great advice.
Now we wait and see what their decision is.
Realistically, we can’t park up there, so the property will be open to local riders. Something to follow up on is the check with Uxbridge about using the 100 acre lot for parking. And the fact that it is short mileage will not be a big draw for tons of horseback riding. Great for beginning training for young horses or someone that just wants a short ride.
We will keep you posted!
