Brookfield First Selectman Steve Dunn is answering some resident questions about why the Still River Greenway is not maintained during the winter months. 

He says the Greenway was designed and built so that it wouldn't be plowed, sanded or salted.  During development, people wanted the trail to be open in the winter for country skiing and snowshoeing.  Residents also said they didn't want to spend the money on manpower to clear the 2-mile trail of snow or ice. 

The trail was not designed for the weight of trucks to plow and salt.  If it was cleared, Dunn says the pavement and the more than 1,000 feet of wooden bridges could be damaged.  De-icing chemicals, which contain sodium chloride and calcium chloride, could adversely affect the adjacent river and sensitive habitats. 

The Grounds Department may keep some sections clear for maintenance purposes like tree work.