A survey released Wednesday by the Maine Trails Coalition showed that trail repairs from storm damage in 2023 and 2024 will cost at least $5.2 million.
The impact on trails is statewide, the coalition said Wednesday.
Severe rain and wind storms in December and January caused damage to multiple snowmobile, ATV and hiking trails, in addition to other infrastructure including power lines and poles across the state. The repair costs are expected to rise.
People responding to the survey included municipalities, community groups, nonprofits, land trusts, snowmobile clubs, mountain bike clubs and public land managers, the coalition said.
About 38 percent of the damage was considered from moderate to severe, and approximately 58 percent was from minor to moderate, according to the respondents.
Of the 44 surveys received, a total of 34 trail managers responded, the coalition said.
Some of those surveyed said they would not know the true damage until they could assess the trails this spring. In general, they reported major washouts and erosion, damaged, shifted or missing structures like bridges, as well as major and minor blowdowns, plus damage to trailheads and access roads.
Maine’s trail systems bring in millions of dollars for the state’s economy. For example, the Eastern Trail in York and Cumberland counties was breached as recently as March 10 by heavy rains in the area of Scarborough Marsh. That trail brings in more than $1 million in tax revenue to the state, according to the trails coalition.
