Wachusett council mulls technology; Improved solar, water quality eyed.

Byline: Ashley Bishop

PRINCETON - The Wachusett Mountain Advisory Council is considering new technology in 2008.

The council, in its quarterly meeting last night, passed motions to explore installing a digital water quality monitoring system and to install solar panels in the park. The council met at the Hitchcock Visitors Center on the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation.

The water quality monitoring system would allow recording of water quality at the state park, and would cut down the amount of manual labor now required to obtain and test water samples, according to reservation Supervisor Dwayne C. Ericson.

"We would get incredibly accurate and consistent readings with the new system," said Mr. Ericson, who collects samples from the reservation each morning by hand. "It would also cut down on my workload by about 80 percent."

The council also discussed plans to install a solar panel on the roof of the reservation's Environmental Education Center. That would provide energy for the building and give visitors to the reservation a chance to learn about alternative energy sources.

The possibility of including information kiosks and bulletin boards about solar and alternative energy on the reservation were also discussed.

"I think it's important as advocates for the environment that we use this opportunity to educate the public," said Deborah D. Cary, who represented Massachusetts Audubon Society at the meeting. "By making the panel visible, it will create a good talking point for visitors."

The council also talked about plans for trail maintenance once the snow melts and temperatures warm up.

A proposed "trails university" would allow volunteers to join workshops on the basics of trail maintenance, such as rock cutting, trail analysis and design, before beginning work on various projects on the reservation.

"This provides more than just sweat equity," said Mr. Ericson, the organizer.

"People will have two days, one to learn important skills and one to apply those skills and volunteer their time on projects."

Those interested in participating should call [phone].

The council will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. April 30 in the visitors center.