Be it a lack of mobility or even a lack of hiking boots, many people don't have access to the many trail systems that are practically on their doorstep. A new Sippican Lands Trust project, however, will be accessible to all.

At its annual meeting on Thursday night, the trust unveiled plans for an all-access boardwalk at Osprey Marsh, located off of Point Road. The idea of such a structure was a “pie dream” before the donation of the 19.8-acre waterfront property two years ago, said Lands Trust President Chris Bryant.

A gift from the Howland family, the land came with the request that it be available to all people, said Lands Trust Director Robin Shields. Since then, the organization has looked at a way to honor that wish, and with trail designer and builder Peter Jensen and wetland and wildlife biologist Scott Hobson, it will now become a reality.

Jensen has done numerous projects along these lines and said he braved green briar and ticks to check out the mostly wooded property.

“I saw a lot of potential,” he said.

Jensen called in Hobson who has a special affection for boardwalks.

“Boardwalks really are my absolute favorite projects,” Hobson said. “It’s almost like a sidewalk – very easy to access, nearly level, really accommodates every age, and really every ability level.”

Using aerial maps, an existing trail on the property, soil studies and other information, the men drafted a low-impact, environmentally sensitive plan that adheres to federal regulations for handicap accessibility.

The proposed boardwalk will be almost 2,000 feet, beginning near the parking area on Point Road and extending to the edge of the forest where it will offer a view of Planting Island Cove and a salt marsh.

Bumpouts and passing areas will be included to allow wheelchairs or groups to pass each other safely. They will also serve as stopping points where people can view the flora and fauna.

Hobson said everything from turkey and hummingbirds to elderberries and “the second biggest sassafras tree I’ve seen” will be visible from the boardwalk.

To keep costs manageable and prevent the need for guard rails, the structure will not exceed 30 inches above the ground.

Jensen said the trail construction uses mostly human labor, rather than bringing in a lot of machines. A small hydraulic pier driver that uses vegetable-based oil will be the only major piece of machinery.

“We built trails that are three feet to six feet wide. It’s all miniature,” he said of the machine.

The boardwalk will be supported by marine pressure graded lumber with rot resistant black locust wood decking and curbing, Jensen explained. Existing stones that can be used as supports will also be incorporated into the design.

An observation deck will be built at the end of the boardwalk to give a view of the cove and salt marsh as well as to deter people from going into the environmentally sensitive area.

The goal is to have the deck hidden in the brush so that it is invisible from the water, though one member of the audience asked the designer to make sure people in wheelchairs could still see the view.

The completion of the project is slated for spring or early summer 2018, which will allow time for permitting, fundraising and construction.

“We would like to build in the fall or winter so when we open it, everything is blooming and coming in around it,” said Sheilds.

Now that the scope of the project has been presented to the membership, fundraising is the next priority.

“We are going to need a lot of money,” said Bryant.

The cost will exceed $300,000 as more expensive materials are used that will give the structure at least a 30 to 40 year lifespan. Fundraising will include grant applications and sponsorships of various bumpouts and boards on the walkway. Shields also said more trails are planned for the property, which connects to the 8.9-acre Howland Marsh.

Bryant, who is stepping down from his long-held role as president of the Lands Trust, said the boardwalk is another fulfillment of the organization’s mission to get people to engage with nature.

“We think this is just another stepping stone in what we do and that’s to get people out on our land,” he said. “I just ask that everybody talk this up in the community.”