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POLAND -- Village officials and the Poland Municipal Forest Board are talking about joining forces for a $100,000 Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant to be used in the forest.
The grant could be used for areas within the forest that need attention.
"Our trails are the No. 1 issue," Councilman Sam Moffie told village council recently. "They are not in great condition."
Poland Municipal Forest is 244.5 acres with connecting trails, bridges and boardwalks. Most agree the biggest problem is the flood plain the forest is situated in. The flooding causes trail erosion.
"Trail safety, erosion and the comfort station will all require larger sums of money," Councilman Chris Graff said.
The project is eligible for the grant funding but first a plan for using the money has to be developed and submitted for approval. A grant of $100,000 would actually give the village and forest board $98,000 to work with after an administrative fee is deducted by the state.
Council also is working with a deadline around the latter part of June to sign on for the grant and would have about 18 months to complete any projects.
The next step is to decide on a project or two for the funds.
"I think all options are on the table, but I have heard trails -- meaning erosion control and boardwalks / bridges -- and also the outhouse / comfort station near the College Street entrance," council President Mike Thompson said. "All is still undecided, though."
The comfort station near the College Street entrance is a basic block structure.
"A lady has asked me for seating to let kids sit down when they are being cleaned up," Councilwoman Martha Morgan said.
As for bridges, the Mauthe Bridge over Yellow Creek recently was restored. Remaining bridges in the forest are Lovell Bridge over Drake Run near the Zedaker Pavilion and a bridge over Drake Run near Interstate 680 that was washed out.
Morgan suggested having village engineer Gary DiOrio attend the next council meeting and forest board meeting. She said he would need to be involved once a plan for the grant funds has been decided. Thompson said the issue will likely be on the agendas for both over the next few months.
jtwhitehouse@tribtoday.com