Blazing Trails In Jefferson

’s Trails Committee on Wednesday night walked a trail through the Prospect Point Preserve leading out to Liffy Island. The committee’s guide was township Mayor Russell Felter, who discussed the plans he has in mind for the area.

Felter with an aim toward developing this area into walking and biking trails as well as places for picnicking. However, Mother Nature had other plans, including Hurricane Irene and a fall snowstorm that put the plans on hold. Felter and the committee are interested in picking up where they left off last year.

The committee began its trek at the basketball courts at Prospect Point. But Felter pointed out an area a short way up the trail that could be cleared and paved for a parking lot that could be accessed from Brady Blvd. The trail would then wind through the woods and lead to a foot bridge over the lake to Liffy Island. Picnic tables and places for fishing are among the plans for Liffy Island.

Some of the trails may be paved, but some would have a covering of about ¾” of stone, then stone dust over it.

“That kind of finish packs like concrete, and it’s very nice and natural looking,” said Felter, who works for the Morris County Park Commission and establishes trails for the county.

Several committee members were present last night, all volunteers. One of those, Drew Miller, was there with her mother Karen, who is also the leader of her Girl Scout Troop 442. Drew is working toward her Silver Award, which will include blazing a dog walking trail along the property.

Felter is hoping to get other scouts, individually or in troops, involved in the project of clearing the trails and preparing them for use by the public.

The township has $38,000 in a trust fund to begin the work. Felter has also applied for a $25,000 land grant. That money will be awarded in the fall.

Anyone interested in getting involved may contact Felter’s office at 973-208-6102.