06/10/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
re: MAD RIVER CEMETERY WORK
This is a day that none of us were looking forward to. A decision had to be made regarding the old maples at the Mad River Cemetery. These trees, as beautiful as they have been for many years, have been in decline for a long time.
A maple tree in this condition anywhere else other than next to a building can fall apart or fall down in its own time. Unfortunately, these trees will fall and erase history within our cemetery. Many gravestones here are from the 1700 and 1800 era, and one dead limb or falling tree could ruin irreplaceable town history or a loved ones’ resting place.
Removing trees is not something that we want to do and only the dying trees will be removed; healthy trees will remain. A plan is in place to restore the fence and to plant young maple trees in their place.
In a hundred years after the trees we plant grow old and start to decline, someone else will have to make a tough decision to protect the stones, fence and cemetery property.
Please be assured that we all take pride in our community history & honoring those who have passed before us that are within the sacred grounds of all Thornton Cemeteries including the Mad River Cemetery.
Sincerely,
TOWN OF THORNTON
Cemetery Superintendents, Mike Benton & Brad Benton
And The Thornton Board of Selectmen
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