The county commissioners of any county may lay out, alter or discontinue paths or trails, for pedestrian use only, in the unorganized territory of the county which will provide a right of access to great ponds, provided a request therefor is made by petition signed by not less than 40 residents of said county. Such trails or paths shall not exceed 10 feet in width or one mile in length. Sections 2051 to 2059, where not inconsistent with this section, shall apply to the proceedings under this section. [PL 1965, c. 96 (NEW).]