As a property owner in Beaver River I have no wish for a Big Moose Road, or Stillwater-Moose, like road to Beaver River. Now, a jeep trail like what goes to Rock Lake? That might help with emergencies. Access, I'm sure, would be a concern. Should every kid with a 3 wheeler and vandalism on his mind be able to hop on it? "Legal" is not even a concern here: we all know the trails, like the rails, have been used before in ways that aren't legal... and what about the expense of enforcement? Perhaps a gated Jeep trail?
Rational people can disagree about the specifics. But two things we don't need: more animosity, or to turn Beaver River into something it isn't right now: just another end of a road to nowhere.

As a property owner in Beaver River I can say that the charm of the community is NOT having a road into Beaver River. This is the way it has always been or at least the way most can really remember. Sure it makes getting there and bringing in supplies a little harder. It also does make emergency access a little more tricky but the state/Town of Webb /whoever does have access that would not be improved in terms of speed if a right of way was created for vehicle access.
I do not want or require land access or a road into Beaver River. I believe this a feeling the majority of property owners share.

Just a few of the flattering (for the LEOs) comments that have been made since this comment thread started On: 12/7/2010…My best guess is that they will find some way to pay us a visit or two in downtown Beaver River Station this season. Bad boys bad boys whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do whatcha gonna do when they come for you?
“The police have no idea how to navigate the reservoir with the rock piles”, “If I can (I think this writer meant call) 911, the police have to dispatch a car to Old Forge to get boat and trailer and a vehicle to pull it. They then have to tow the boat to Stillwater, launch the boat, take it up the lake to Grassy Point and then walk from Grassy to Beaver River”, “What if the officer requires reinforcements”, “He/She would have to walk back to Grassy, take the boat back to Stillwater, pick up the other officer(s) and then return to Grassy and walk back to Beaver River”, “The reason you rarely, if ever, see the police in Beaver River is because they can't be bothered. Anytime they're called, they pass it on to the DEC ranger”, “I don't see police in BR, so must be they do not have the funds”, “Say the cannons start going off about 9 o'clock at night. Are they going to fire up the ferry in the dark to get a police officer there”, “The reason that the reckless behavior is allowed to continue, is because there is no way for law enforcement to get there”, “You can't really take someone away in handcuffs in a boat”, “Last I know mr. calhoun nothing in beaver is registered”, “Am I correct, a large amount of illegal fireworks were seized, along with cannons form certain families in Beaver River. Also during that same incident, and forest rangers boat was vandalized”, “One only has to be there a few minutes in the summer to see 10 year olds wizing around on ATVS. ( Which are not permitted in the TOW)”, “Beaver River has the tendency to become a community of outlaws at certain times (Children speeding on atvs, fireworks and cannons at all hours of the day)”

So, let me get this right. If I can 911, the police have to dispatch a car to Old Forge to get boat and trailer and a vehicle to pull it. They then have to tow the boat to Stillwater, launch the boat, take it up the lake to Grassy Point and then walk from Grassy to Beaver River. And that is supposed to be faster than dispatching a car directly to Beaver River on a Jeep Trail? Come on... wake up!
What if the officer requires reinforcements? He/She would have to walk back to Grassy, take the boat back to Stillwater, pick up the other officer(s) and then return to Grassy and walk back to Beaver River. Does that make sense to anyone?
Also, this all presumes that a police officer, in and of himself, is sufficient. But, a police car is a mobile office. It has the ability for long range communications, it has computer assess to the police computer network, it holds safety and emergency equipment in the trunk, additional weapons and ammunition, it also has a place to secure an individual. You can't really take someone away in handcuffs in a boat!

The police have no idea how to navigate the reservoir with the rock piles. Also volunteers in the Big Moose fire dept do a great job, but it is just takes to long to get the hyrailer on and off the tracks in an emergency. Expecially when these volunteers only use once or twice a year. A jeep trail would prove much faster.

Yes, absolutely I expect that the police can come to Beaver River at any time if they so choose. That TOW police boat that was purchased with Homeland Security funding was supposed to run on Stillwater as well as the chain lakes. And a phone call to the Adirondack Scenic would provide a hyrail vehicle at the ready in Big Moose Station any time night or day, regardless of the weather. Big Moose Ambulance Squad already has an emergency hyrail vehicle which can be in Beaver River in less than half an hour, a time span I’m certain many people in rural settings would find reasonable. A one lane jeep trail would prove no faster.

It still comes down to a lack of a road. The police, fire and ambulance should be able to come to Beaver River at any time of day or night, in any weather on any given day. Without a road, it can't happen. Just like the residents of Beaver River, the lack of access is a double-edged sword; it provides privacy, but limits the services and access needed for a town (or a hamlet) to function. Do you really expect the police to keep a boat, a railcar, and some snowmobiles at the ready, so that they can come to Beaver River?

Better yet, why can't the TOW police get a rail track vehicle like Big Moose ambulance has? "There's no way for law enforcement to get to Beaver River" is just a cop-out. There are ways...there's just no will.

The reason you rarely, if ever, see the police in Beaver River is because they can't be bothered. Anytime they're called, they pass it on to the DEC ranger. The police COULD get to Beaver River if they wanted - the same way the ranger does. By boat. The Town bought a police boat a few years ago - too bad they don't use it on the Reservoir once in awhile. And the notion that the Town doesn't have any money for law enforcement in Beaver River is laughable. We pay taxes just like everybody else in the Town of Webb - it should buy us some police presence but it doesn't. I believe many camp owners in Beaver River would actually appreciate a greater police presence. We aren't all the wild hooligans the Town thinks we are. Many of us are law abiding citizens who are fed up with what goes on just like "ISSUES" is. He's right - Beaver River's issues can be solved but not without law enforcement. I won't hold my breath though.

I don't see police in BR, so must be they do not have the funds. I have even heard that the ranger position in stillwater will be cut from the budget. And no, in the great depression, law enforcement was greatly reduced. Trust me, I know someone that lived through it.

I'm not old enough to remember but I'm quite sure that even in the great depression (exponentially worse than todays economy) the police found the funds and the time to enforce the laws.

Say the cannons start going off about 9 o'clock at night. Are they going to fire up the ferry in the dark to get a police officer there? I doubt it. The ferry can only run at certain times. Also in today's economy I doubt OF police are going to pay for a ferry ride to investigate things.

"there is no way for law enforcement to get there" I remember seeing a ferry taking a lot of cars and big trucks across the flow. Why can't law enforcement use the ferry to? Is it off limits to them?

The reason that the reckless behavior is allowed to continue, is because there is no way for law enforcement to get there. Wait till you spend some time there around the 4th of July. Cannons will wake you up in the middle of the night. 12 years whizzing around on ATVs constantly. Land access would solve many issues, including parking at stillwater (beaver river resident are not supposed to park there, its only for persons accessing camp sites).

My wife and I have been camping on the flow at Stillwater Reservoir for a few years now. In that time our family has grown and we have decided it is time to consider a more permanent method of enjoying the beautiful water and beaches of the reservoir. The most logical solution is the purchase of a camp in the quaint hamlet of Beaver River. We always enjoy our trips to town with our two small children; the mile walk to the general store is always a much anticipated “adventure”. As we have explored the village we have noticed a few for sale signs and these have peaked our interest enough to further our search on line. We now have discovered two prospects; both seem to have some problems from our perspective. One is far to the eastern boundary of the hamlet, within a mile of the ferry stop at the railroad tracks and the solitude is a plus however the $230K+ asking price seems out of our range considering it is unfinished. The other is on the main street into the village, just around the corner from the fire station, such as it is and seems the better prospect. Being almost $100k less and appears to be finished, one problem has kept us from contacting the owner. That problem is the reckless atv and utv traffic on the street in front of the camp. When I said adventure before, I was referring to the walk from the boat landing to the town. The dangerous part is dodging the constant stream of speeding atvs, driven by helmetless adolescents. It would seem that the rules of the road do not apply in the forest preserve lands. Just this problem alone could be the difference between making a sale or not for any real estate in this beautiful remote setting.
If a suitable home is not available soon then we will be forced to use our house boat for the summer and return to Florida in the late fall. Winter mooring at the public docking facilities is free thus eliminating any zoning and codes enforcement issues that could arise in the corporation. This area appears to have many troubling issues but in our opinion none that can’t be solved in a legal manner.

"work right"? uh yea, talk about lamentable. if you're gonna' try to correct people, you might wanta' proof read yer stuff...the letter k is no where near the letter d on yer keyboard.

The Webster dictionary has 13 defined uses of the work right. The Oxford dictionary has 16. Your knowledge of the english language is as lamentble as your knowledge of civics.

"I think it is a bit much that people who think Beaver River is "Nowhere" should have any say in our rights" This CITIZEN would like a summary of the "RIGHT" that you perceive as being infringed upon. Would these "RIGHTS" be GOD given or Constitutionally Guaranteed? Perhaps YOU are confusing "RIGHTS" with "ENTITLEMENTS".

Did anyone see the Adirondack Daily Enterprise article from last september? Supposedly the Federal government has given the Adirondack Railroad $200k of the $1.35M they needed to extend the railroad to Beaver River. For those of you who wanted peace and quiet at Beaver River, and for those of you who wanted railcar access -- you can both forget it! Now trainloads of people will descent on our quiet hamlet every weekend, and they aren't going to allow railcars to mix with the big trains. I wasn't a fan of rails to trails before, but I sure as heck am now! Holy cow! $1.35M could build a beautiful road to Beaver River and it still wouldnt be as crowded as when a train arrives! And, a road would be useful to me - not a railroad that runs on weekends only.

I think it is a bit much that people who think Beaver River is "Nowhere" should have any say in our rights. Beaver River is a beautiful place. A one of a kind place. It is NOT Nowhere.
Signed, A Proud Beaver Riverite

I think that it is completely fair that if I had to pay for roads for the other 64369 citizens of Herkimer county, that it is time they pay for my road.

Oh yeah!!!! I don't think anybody in Beaver River would mind seeing their tax dollars spent on that new dock! Too bad nobody stood up to the town when they refused to do it. What does BR get for it's tax $ anyway? A dock would be no contraversy, especially compared to this road BS.

"a jeep pulling in to beaver river with gear for a weekend stay" Must be you are confused by Scotts frequent whining for a "Jeep Trail". Now I'm confused, would a Toyota four runner or a Chevrolet Blazer or a Ford escape be able to use a "Jeep Trail" or would it be exclusively for vehicles with the "Jeep" logo? On another note the only reference to "Jeep Trail" that I have been able to come up with is on some Topo Maps. Having explored a few (Jeep Trails) I have concluded that most if not all are either on private property or on Forest Preserve lands thus being closed to "legal vehicle access"....and of course Scotts references in his whining. I am only to conclude that "Jeep Trail" is yet another Thompson euphemism for ROAD.

If more than 150 people now manage (somehow!) to make it to Beaver River on any given weekend, then they obviously don't need a road to get there.

It doesnt look like the BR Property Association thinks there's gonna be a road anytime soon. Their website says they're trying to raise $24,000 for their dock fund. Probably to build a new dock? They sure need one - last time I was up there, it was in bad shape. So folks up there must not be all that tired of boating in to their camps if they plan to spend that kind of money building a new dock.

your math is off. you confuse tax payers with population. The population of Beaver River is much higher than 150, especially on holiday weekends.... which is exactly why we need a road

Hey, I have a camp in Beaver River, and pay my taxes, just like everyone is Old Forge. It is about time we get some services out of our tax dollars. We BR Residents pay for things in Old Forge we never use (docks, fire dept etc....). Also, I hear they want to restore the railroad to beaver river... Talk about bridge to nowhere!!! This is the railroad to nowhere. Just looking at what makes more sense, a jeep pulling in to beaver river with gear for a weekend stay, or a diesel spewing, tax dollar sucking locomotive with empty passenger cars.

I also pay taxes and I would like the TOW and Herkimer County build us a modern. compliant, new dock to replace the P.O.S. dock currently at Grassy Point.

Classic "Bridge to Nowhere" ME! ME! ME! attitude. The latest census info shows 64519 folks in Herkimer County alone. So you will have the other 64369 pay for YOUR road to nowhere?

It seems that Scott is starting to get a little more time on his hands these days as he has posted a "Letter to the Editor" in todays edition titled "A trail on the rail would benefit area" ...Check it out if you will. I reply to his letter of today: Scott studies are a dime a dozen, I invite you to look at the studies that some how proved the worth of the Alaskan "Bridge To Nowhere"...We all know how that debacle turned out.

I pay county taxes, and so do 150 other people at Beaver River. Shouldn't we see a benefit from all that money? I vote for road access.

"I say road", so rather than paying your own way, you would have ALL the taxpayers in the TOWN Of WEBB, Herkimer County, State Of New York and The United States pick up the tab? Sound quite Socialist to me...may be even like WELFARE for recluses.

I say road, I am tired of barging and boating fees. It would still be secluded.

I also own property in Beaver River. Several properties in fact, and I bought them knowing the access issues. The seclusion is what makes the place so different from any other Adirondack community and well worth any extra effort. The Thompsons have dealt with it and made money off it for many years, why do they need a change now, if not solely to retire? Beaver River needs no road, ever!

"interested in an access route", Which option are you in support of, a to costly trail or a way to costly road?

I also own property in Beaver River and would be interested in an access route. I would support that option. There are a lot of things it would solve as mentioned on this board. Parking in stillwater, emergency access, docking at grassy, low snow on the railroad in the winter. I do not consider hy-railers an option. Far too costly, and because only one can be on tracks at a time at a slow speed, it simply would not work for everyone.

It would be my bet that a smaller percentage of people reading this know where the Lyme Timber propertys are than voted "Pro Road" in the Express pol. It would be an even smaller percentage that would know that the Lyme Timber Propertys are never closer to the "Six Mile Road" than Two miles, thus necessitating a change in article 14 of the NYS Constitution.

According to a study in lake placid the railroad would be better utilized as a recreational trail, as a snowmobiler I say make it happen!

Does anyone know exactly where the Thompson's propose this road to go? Would it be on the logging roads that exist on Lyme Timber Poperty and then connecting to the 6 Mile Road? It seems to me there are 2 issues here....ripping up the tracks for recreational use ( so no road there) as well as road into Beaver River? Thanks

I can't for the life of me see why the Thompsons and a few aging Thompson roadies are asking the people of TOW, Herkimer County, State of New York And the United States government to to build them a simple dirt road to Beaver River. This situation is starting to rival the Alaskan "Bridge to Nowhere" debacle! And we know how embarrassing that was for the politicians involved.There already is a simple dirt road to Beaver River and it has been there since the 1870s. That road is the Carthage Champlain Road (Six Mile Road). Everyone who currently lives in or visits BR knew the road situation and they came in spite of or because of it. The best advice I can give is to suck-up and enjoy the view or sell out and bail! Don't let the ill perceived needs of so few dictate the unneeded expenditures by so many!

30 years to build a dirt road??? How long does it take to pave a road 100 years?? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. There are a lot of folks, including myself, that do not wish to pay to ferry, or purchase a motor boat. A road or trail makes a lot of sense. It will solve the emergency access, parking in still water, docking at grassing point issues, make snowmobiling easier without having to deal with the rails. Also a simple dirt road, similar to ones in BR would be a heck of a lot cheaper than restoring the rails for passenger service. You could also come and go on your own schedule.

If you are 50 years old or older forget about any benefit you would experience for trail / road access into Beaver River. This is not a case of how many people want a trail / road verses how many don't want a trail / road and BINGO the majority gets their road! This is a very involved process getting permits, disrupting "forever wild forest preserve", getting the state, DEC, DOT, and RR to approve, support from all the politicians, not to mention the overwhelming cost. Our government is not is the black to foot such a costly project that would benefit only a few. The folks publicly pushing the hardest for the trail / road into Beaver River are over 50 years old. Why bring so much contention to such a small community? Find another worthy cause that will allow you to see the result of your efforts. A trail / road will take over 30 years to produce. Stop the anger in Beaver River. People are taking issue against the Thompsons for bringing so much attention to BR and the hatred they cause between the locals.

i have gone to beaver for over 50 years if there was a road i mint go agin thompson do agood job

As I have previously said I am not McCulley or Scott Thompson. Hard as it is for some to except there are more than 2 people that are interested in the development of a trail. The weather report for this week is forecasting rain which will again cause the rails to protrude making riding dangerous if not impossible. If the rails were remove the snow base would probably allow at least a few more weeks of snowmobiling. Contray to what one person reported that there were no snowmobilers using the corrider during peak season he/she is not seeing what I did. Presidents weekend was great riding and I passed numerous snowmoblies on the corrider traveling in both directions. Norridgewock was busiest during the daytime hours as most riders prefer to be closer to thier accomedations in the evening. Norridgewock also closes realitively early compared to places in and closer to Old Forge. January 2011 was borderline for acceptable riding on the corridor as the rails were protruding in many areas. This has made for a short season of good riding on the corridor. I would like the opportunity to extend this season in the future with the removal of the rails.

Any one else out there notice that since Scott called in his buddy, 4ATRAIL McCulley, this debate is more about a recreational trail and less about an actual road to Beaver River? McCulley has no interest in BR. He lives in Lake Placid and wants to turn it into the snowmobile capital of the north. Then he'll have more than 1 trail to groom. Let's turn this back to Beaver River.

The Twichell Trail is strickly a hiking trail that goes from Twichell Lake to BR only. The trail that would exist would go from Old Forge to Lake Placid and be a National attraction that is not the same as a short hiking trail. It would be awesome. The ASR claiming that the rail has to remain for thier one trip north in the spring to take the train to LP for the scenic ride from LP to Saranc Lake and then one trip back in the fall. The rail is in such poor shape they can not carry passengers and have to travel very slowly. Seems like a bigger waste of taxpayer money. If they want to keep the ride in LP they should just store the train there. If Dollywood in TN can maintain thier equipment while being land locked why can' the ASR? Let us be able to use the railroad bed in between.

I think what everyone wants is trail that can be utilized by snow sleds in the winter, so that people do not have to hurt their sleds on the railroad getting up there. Twitchel trail is good for hiking, but not snowmobiling or biking.

If all folks want is a trail, well…we already have one. It’s called the Twitchell Trail (and yes, that’s its true, original name, not “Norridge”) and connects Beaver River to Twitchell Lake. If memory serves, it’s 6 or 7 miles or and is therefore shorter than a trail to Big Moose would be. So if we already have a trail to Beaver River why would we ask the taxpayers to create another one?
As for the endless blather about Calhoun not owning property...give it up already. It's common knowledge among everyone in Beaver River that he has a long-term lease on his camp. He and his family are the only ones who use it - constantly, by the way - from early May right through closing in October. So yeah, he has a right to express his opinion on a road, a trail or anything else that goes on in Beaver River. Deal with it.

Since when in the United States of America is it a requirement to be a landowner in order to voice one's opinion. Just because the Calhouns lease their cabin at the present time does in no way diminish the value of their input regarding a community that they also cherish. This country was founded on the premise of equality not feudal law.

Folks, I just did some research, and its turns out mr. Calhoun (one of the loudest voices in BR) does not even own property there. I searched using the property database. Just thought I would let you know.

As it so happens I am not McCulley and I do visit BR. I do happen to be informed. 2005 was a different time some residence obviously now do want access or a trail. The Thompsons have to keep trying for a jeep trail because thier access is being limited more and more by DEC. Who knows how long they will be able to operate the barge etc. You all talk about keeping BR the way it was but the Thompsons have to change the way thier business operates all the time. Tradition HA they were one of the first families in BR and guess what there was a road then. Known now as the 6 mile road. So as you see it BR should only change the way you want it too. I have doubts that 100 residents would now sign your petition for no road. That aside the trail is a different issue. The initiative for a trail that would allow hiking and biking the corridor in the summer is very appealing to many. Have you tried to walk along the rail road tracks in the summer it is a nightmare. It is a pipe dream that the railroad would ever have enough ridership from Utica to Lake Placid to support itself. It didn't even have enough riders for the 1980 olympic games what bigger draw could LP ever have. I could go on about how the area could benefit. A commenter wrote they hated to see a bus load of people come into thier town for just a few hours from the Riverboat tour to have lunch and a few may wander for a few minutes. If the train came to town and people got off how is that better? Commenters are constantly contradicting themselves. Now again this is a different point of view and I am informed apparently as well as some other commenters. I however don't need to shout or name call as some do. The only thing that makes others comment toward me in this way is that I must be making some good points that they do not want to have voiced.

the only time mcculley sees Beaver river is on sled in the winter. he has no camp in BR.

Hmmm. That post from 4atrail seems to have McCulley fingerprints all over it. He’s Scott’s propaganda partner for that phony “recreational trail”. That’s just another name for a road to Beaver River, or in McCulley’s case, a faster snowmobile trail.

Reply to "4atrail" 2/26/11 - did you just come to BR??? How can you possibly say "if these residents don't want a road get together and sign a petition"..... I belong to the Beaver River Property Owners Association (hint I own property in BR too) and in 2005 or about the road issue was brought before the Town of Webb Town Board for the millionth time and ALL the MEMBERS said NO ROAD!!!! Who ever was president at the time got all of us together and we presented it to the Town Board. The Town Board voted to not consider a road again as it was such an overwhelming opposition AGAINST a ROAD. This is the problem with people writing what they think on sites like this. Real uninformed people make comments as though they know what is going on. Get your facts right please.......the road or no road to Beaver River is an old topic that has been repeatedly turn down. Thompsons just keep trying year after year. Like a school board when their budget is voted down they keep placing it on the ballot until they get a better response. Well this isn't a school budget and in case you have missed it....the MAJORITY DOES NOT WANT A ROAD. Got it? Now go tell your friends the Thompsons because they don't seem to get it either. Remember there are many people in BR that own property other than the Thompsons. Thompsons have one vote like every one else so "one for vote for a road from Thompson and 100 votes from the rest of Beaver River for no road". Questions?

I don't understand people having such a negative attitude toward the Norridgewock and the Thompson family. They are just trying to secure a way to transport the goods they need to serve thier customers. I would like to know what this retrobution everyone fears is. I have watched the Thompsons help whoever walks through thier door. The Thompsons are also the first ones to help when there is trouble. A few summers ago when there were several teens lost on the mountain the friends of the teens came into the Norridgewock for help. The rangers were then notified and the Thompson family joined the search helping the rangers. This is just one instance there has been many others. I think almost every resident has gone to them for help and I doubt turned away. I think a road or no road is just different opinion and the composers of these posts make personal with attacks on the Thompson family. I have read many of Scott Thompson's articles and he dose not personally accuse others or name call. If all these residents do not want a road then get together and sign a petition or come up with a way to work with the Thompsons so they can also exist. It is a small community grow up and solve problems like adults.

We do not own Tom anything.
It is already clear that he tries to put through inaccurate information at any chance he can. As seen here http://www.adirondackexpress.com/01182011_letter_of_law.

I agree with "Capitalism..." post. The problems being discussed about Beaver River have been brought about by the Thompsons and effect everyone else. Not fair. Many things can be done privately but once you do it for pay there are regulations and laws that apply. The Norridgewock has a lawful obligation to provide safe practices in their transportation business. They do it for hire!!! Their history of unlawful transportation business should have been addressed years ago by the authorities. They are lucky the accidents that have occurred have escaped them from violation or arrest. The property owner that transports his own belongings and family is not held to the same standards - not with the law. Yes all vehicles should be legal but in Beaver River but there are reasons why this is not feasible. Beaver River is not alone in allowing private citizens to operate unlicensed, unregistered vehicles. But for the Norridgewock's transportation business they have no reason not to be legal other than legality means they have to cut back on their profit. I'll buy a business if I don't have to follow NY state laws - think of all the extra profit you can make without registrations, insurance and regulations. Shouldn't safety be important regardless? You can't insurance unlicensed business vehicles. One incident, one good attorney and there goes the farm or should we say 5th generation business.

Fear is a paralyzing emotion. Fear of retribution even more so. I believe it is fear of retribution that has caused many residents of Beaver River Station to maintain silence regarding the way in which the Thompsons conduct business and the unlawful manner in which others behave. We owe a debt of gratitude to Tom Calhoun for exhibiting great courage and serving as a catalyst for the discussion of the issues facing our community. It is his initial bravery that has spearheaded others to overcome their fear of retribution and offer their input to this conversation, which has enabled the development of a more balanced perspective of the reality in BRS to be voiced. Although we may not yet be brave enough to sign our names to our comments, at least we are expressing our opinions in a public forum for the first time. Thank you to the Adirondack Express for creating this opportunity and to Tom, pioneer for freedom of speech in Beaver River Station.

When ever I hear someone start their statement with “I’m not going to lie to you” I brace myself for a really big lie. Why do I get that same feeling with “Walk a mile’s” preface that they are not Scott Thompson? Scott is afraid to make these statements in his own name so I believe he uses one of his many aliases.
I also maintain that the past comments to this thread are in fact not personal, they are strictly business. Business is the main focus of the Thompson’s life. Business is all they care about.
Compared to when the Thompsons first came to Beaver River, the access problems are minimal. Access from Chrystaldale at that time was by horse and mule or afoot, mechanical access is far less taxing than maintaining livestock.
Numerous Beaver River residents do not believe that the Thompson family love Beaver River as much as they love $$$$$$.
Because Beaver River is isolated, all the residents and businesses that are there have no choice but to either grow or die. Money Hungry Monster IS an apt description of the Thompson Family.
If there was no Thompson Family in Beaver River, the residents would find a way to reach their properties. Further more we do not believe that their Barge/ Ferry service operates at a loss. The only reason that the Thompson Family makes sure that the Six Mile Road is clear of down trees and limbs is because they would have no business for their barge/ ferry. There is no doubt that the Thompson brothers work many hours every day. They work very hard every day to take business away from the other two businesses in BR through unfair advantage.
The fees that they charge across the board are always nominal. We will never forget that Beaver River is the Thompson’s home. It is our home as well and like the Thompsons it is by choice!
Thompsons know of the difficulties of procuring goods and supplies so why don’t they plan for it just like any other successful and profitable business?
It’s about time that the Thompsons walk a mile in the Beaver Resident’s shoes!
A Beaver River Resident

People seem to have the misbegotten notion that Tom Calhoun is only person posting on this site, other than Scott. I can assure you that is not the case. It is also incorrect to assume that there is an all-out vendetta against Scott et al. Also untrue. The Thompson family performs a needed service for the community. The barge, which is perhaps the most controversial service, has changed the face of the community. We are no longer the "undiscovered Amazonian tribe" in the Adirondacks. As such, all of the members of the community must change their perspective dramatically, because the laws of our county do indeed apply even in Beaver River Station. What major changes has the barge unwittingly caused? For one, it has enable campowners to become homeowners, by transporting materials and service equipment easily to the town. I am reminded of the drilling equipment which was barged up on several occasions and permitted many residents to secure a legal water supply. We have seen the barge laden with truckloads of building materials on many occasions. People have been able to update, modernize, and expand their cabins , which provides a greater sense of comfort to many of its homeowners. I take issue with the idea that the barge is not a lucrative service, however. Like any other business, a company cannot continue to function unless it makes money. If the barge didn't make money, I don't think the Thompsons would have offered to dredge the landing area. In fact, it is my opinion that the barge represents a significant income to the family in the summer. I see it laden with 5 and 6 vehicles at a time, and any commercial vehicle it carries costs a certain amount per ton, which can, I am told, add up to hundreds of dollars for a one-way trip. Regardless, the main fact here is that the barge has enabled registered and insured vehicles to enter the "town". Herein lies the main problem, which is one of liability. For all of us who have unregistered clunkers, or ATV's whether registered and insured or not, or utility vehicles - all of which are illegal on town roads - this constitutes a major change in the way of life in BRS. It is simply too dangerous to drive one of these vehicles in a sea of registered vehicles. Should an accident occur, no insurance company is going to pay for damages to a person or a vehicle that shouldn't be there in the first place. Let's look at the offenders here. Virtually all of us!! However,most do not operate businesses. By far the biggest offender regarding the use of illegal vehicles are the Thompsons themselves, who have inadvertently created the problem. The days are gone when they can transport customers in unregistered vehicles, park their buses and trucks wherever they want on property they don't own. Like the rest of us, they have to come up with a solution to legalize their means of transportation or risk losing their business when an elderly person trips going down the stairs of one of those buses, breaks a hip and sues them. Law has come to Beaver River, whether desired or not. There is no turning back at this point and we will all have to make changes. That said, the Thompsons run a commercial business, not a fiefdom. The fact that they have done business in this wild unfettered way for generations does not exempt them from the laws that govern our state and country...not any more. There are a multitude of old established businesses in America that have unfortunately not been able to withstand the rigors of this new economy. Businesses that have been viable for generations just like the Thompsons have had to adapt, to reinvent themselves, or disappear. The mere fact of one's longstanding commercial presence in a community does not automatically entitle them to anything at all. They find themselves in a new world, on the proverbial map for the first time, and under scrutiny of the laws that govern everyone. They too will have to upgrade, comply with the law, or disappear. And no, Tom Calhoun is by no means responsible for any of their problems.

Phew.....What a useless ramble! Obviously very uninformed....

Before I begin I would like to express that I am not Scott Thompson. Scott Thompson has unlikely commented on this article as when he does he uses his own name. He is not afraid to let those know it is him making a comment. I was agast at many of the comments to this article becoming so personal in attacking the Thompson family. Let me first say to those that this family has had a business operating in the area of Beaver River for 5 generations. Many of the current access problems did not exist when the family started the business in Beaver River. At that time there was reliable access by the railroad and no reservoir. So for those saying that the family knew what they were getting into don't know the whole story. I also think the Thompson family loves BR and the community or why would they have adapted so many times for so long to remain there. This is not a family that is unresourceful and needs a hand out all they are looking for is a way to maintain a business that will support thier family. We are all looking for stability in life that is shown by all the political debates in the country but the Thompson family are protrayed as money hungry monsters trying to ruin a community. This family makes it possible for many of the BR cabin owners to reach thier property by operating a ferry service. This service probably operates at a loss. With the cost of fuel and the minimal price charged it probably covers the fuel and maybe a portion of equipment cost. This does not take into consideration the man hours put in to operate the ferry. The Thompsons also make sure the 6 mile road is cleared of downed trees and drivable as the TOW can not spare alot of time, man power and equipment to maintain this remote road. It has been said in other articles that the Thompson family has a paid contract with the TOW to maintain roads in BR. If you want to contact the town they can let you know this is minimal money at best and does not even cover the fuel to operate the equipment. The Thompson brothers only have so many hours in a day to work on all these problems and do thier best. I see them working at all hours. If you have a problem in BR you do go to the Thompsons and they help you. Sometimes they do charge a nominal fee. I don't know how others can compare visiting thier cabin for the weekend with the need to be present to operate a business full time. Don't forget this is there home. If we were unable to reach our home we would be upset, heck we complain when the roads are not plowed and are inpassable for a few hours. For the Thompsons to get a gallon of milk they have a several hour round trip to the store and have to bring the goods in by boat or snowmobile. So until you have to travel several hours and then get in a boat at night and cross a rock laden reservoir in pitch black then travel up a 6 mile one lane dirt road or put another way walk a mile in thier shoes, to get back home don't judge others so harshly. You might want a jeep trail too.

Well, King Tom musta been born on the wrong side of the blanket, ‘cause everybody knows the real Royal Family in Beaver River are the Thompsons. As such they feel entitled to have the taxpa…oops…their loyal subjects build them a road. A King’s highway as it were.

I had the oppotunity to snowmobile in to BR this weekend. As I rode it, it occured to me that I was in fact enjoying the "trail experience". Right now, we can get from Beaver River to Old Forge in well under an hour. We can visit the hardware store or just buy some fresh donuts, and then head back to our camp. It is really very nice.
Now, in the summer, we can't do that. Not unless you are Tom Calhoun or one of the three other families that have rail access. They can have the trail experience all year round. They can come and go as they please. So, what we have is a VERY unfair situation. Tom Calhoun has the trail experience for himself and he maintains his blessed privacy by not allowing others access. Tom you can not expect to have your cake and eat it to. As someone pointed out below, the rail ride is almost an hour one-way if you travel at 10 mph as required. Only one vehicle is allowed on the tracks at a time - regardless of direction. That means the rails can only ever be used by a few select people. Is this a democracy? Should King Calhoun be able to keep the rest of us from having easy access to our camps?

Not to stir the pot or anything like that, But All three businesses in Beaver River have Old unregistered clunker vehicles that they haul people around in. Just want you to know that it is not only one business doing it. Also the fellow that operates the others business has his customers sit in the back of a pickup truck bed. (this also being unregistered and unlicensed) Do you think that is safe mr. calhoun?
My point is that I do not think your seeing the entire picture. 8 year olds driving atvs, cannons, fireworks, unregistered vehicles. You name it. Beaver River has it.

That old blue truck, mr thompson, does not carry passengers for hire. Huge difference. And speaking of huge differences, rest assured, there will be no jeep trail to Beaver River. In the unlikely scenario that you should actually win your road to retirement, that road will not be built to Beaver River standards. That road will be built to code, and that will cost the Town of Webb taxpayers a mountain of money, even more than it will profit you when you sell out and retire.

I try to come to Beaver River a couple of times in the middle of summer each year. we camp on the "low" as the locals call it. I've been there enough to get to know several of the cottage owners and by and large they are a good fun loving bunch of folks. Colorful as it were which brings me to the color blue as in "BLUE TRUCK". As we walk around BR we notice quite a few blue trucks I have come to believe that blue must be the color of choice for vehicles in BR. We noticed one at the far corner near a garage with several antlers on the front, one on a strangely named street "Pair a docks", one next to a small cottage north of the Norridgewock and two (one with those small rail wheels) near Rusty's cottage. We also see a very small suv whizzing up and down the road to the docks and the road to the ferry. Did I miss any? which one of these blue trucks were you talking about?

Holy cow, that Calhoun must have a really, really fast computer! I like to ride out to Beaver River at least once a season, so when a friend from Lake Placid called and said they were asking people to vote yes, and I hate to admit, said I could vote as much as I wanted, I said I’d give it a try. I have a brand new computer that I consider to be plenty fast and I could only vote 3 or 4 times a minute at best. 100000 votes divided by 4 is 25000 minutes. That’s 17+ days voting 24/7, but most of those votes came in the first day or 2. I give up, that guy must be super man.

Last I know mr. calhoun nothing in beaver is registered. Am I correct?
Not even an old blue truck I see driving around.
My point being that why should some people register things when nothing else in town is.
Also the difference between is road and a jeep trail, Is that a jeep trail is less refined, cheaper to build and maintain, and usually requires a 4x4 "jeep" to cross. A road is often more refined for cars. JEEP TRAIL TO BEAVER RIVER!

What’s the difference between a trail/jeep trail/road? The point is there is no difference, except perhaps that a jeep trail/road would have sanctioned vehicle use and a rec trail would be driven on exclusively by the Thompsons. Scott has mentioned in many forums that wouldn’t it be nice if there was a tram to transport the disabled along his fantasy recreational trail. There is no doubt that means one of his many unregistered, uninsured junk school buses, driven by an unqualified (no CDL, let alone a passenger endorsement) operator. NO ROAD TO BEAVER RIVER!

From Dictionary.com: of, pertaining to, or arising from the different meanings of words or other symbols: semantic change; semantic confusion. A jeep trail by any other name is still a road...You can put lipstick on a jeep trail but it is still a road!

Wow there were over 100,000 votes, last I now there were only 100 camps in beaver river.

Yeah, calhoun must have spent several days in front of his computer clicking no no no no no no no no. lol

All of the poll information is exposed on the site - there is no hidden data. Yes - someone/some people did find a way to circumvent the system, but we then locked it down after the abuse. It was interesting (in our humble opinion) to leave the abused results up there because in a way it shows the passion surrounding this topic. It took a LOT of time to cause the numbers to be so lopsided. Someone clearly has a lot of extra time on their hands.

I don't understand the reply to whats the difference between a trail / jeep trail/ road?? And why hasn't the other side replied? If the readers don't understand what the opposing parties are really talking about how do you expect real support for either side? Is this a game to see your name in print or does both sides have facts and supporting reasoning?

I am interested in the response to the "full story". Please share this poll and expose the information discovered. I noticed you used 95%, but what does that mean? How many people were polled? Who was the commercial group that conducted this poll and tallied the results? My questions are raised because the numbers your poll gave is a drastic contrast to the poll conducted by the Adirondack Express. I think the Adirondack Express poll allowed people to vote numerous times as the number s are so high for such a small community but still the result was not close. 95% against a road. It made a statement that the majority (by a lot) don't want a road. Awaiting your poll's information.

"though a jeep trail on the level of what goes to Rock Lake would be less objectionable to me." To which "Rock Lake " do you refer? I looked in my handy dandy "Adirondack North Country Road Atlas" (available at every Stewarts through out the North Country) and discovered there are no less than four "Rock Lakes" listed inside the Adirondack Park.

What is the difference between a trail and a "jeep" trail and a road? Could "both sides" please respond? I don't think we all have the same understanding of what we are talking about. Thanks.

I have conducted an equally scientific poll to "Adirondack Express should get the full story when reporting", and am pleased to report that in fact "95% of people polled were in favor of road access".

As far as "where are the snowmobilers" comment goes, my guess is since the tracks were uncovered for a while and conditions weren't optimal, many of them went elsewhere. Places get reputations per season and how good it is, like skiing. But you're right: it should be better.
To "my boat has saved me many times over," I suppose the motor and boat makes a difference: plus who and what you have to haul in. For me I damn near use up a tank per trip and a half, Pricing that out with today's prices the barge looks better. Still, I'd rather have the freedom to get in and out when I want and losing storage was a cruel smack in the face of property owners: the state urinating on a promise they made long ago instead of attempting to build another bridge. Still, I neither need ow want a road to Beaver River, though a jeep trail on the level of what goes to Rock Lake would be less objectionable to me.
I seriously doubt it would ever happen.
To "reasonably priced storage." Depends on your definition of such. Frank can set that price wherever he wants, that's his right. IMO it's pretty damn steep, especially for something that should have stayed the way it was. Removing that storage option just offers one more reason some will use for a road. I don't blame him at all. In the Adirondacks to make a living you do whatever you have to. It's not easy, and I've got a lot of respect for those who do: even if I disagree with exactly how they do it/price it sometimes.
To "volatile" and "subject to whim."
Boy have you got that right. There are some who would rather strike out at those they hate, or perceive as cartoon like villains, than have an adult discussion. So sad.
The commenter who mentioned hi-rail and 50 coming and going has a point I never considered. From time to time I have considered investing in that and, to be honest, the cost is pretty high for hi equipment and where they do the class is in no way convenient for me. Even then I may do it, but as of now we have a few coming and going. A lot of us? My guess is that could become problematic.
The priority dock idea is a good one, if doable. I suspect the state might fuss about even considering it, and TOW? All one has to do is look at how well "groomed" the road from Lowville is compared to when it hits TOW to realize how fond they are of spending $$$$$$$.

Hey just my opinion, I come up to camp several times in the summer. I do not wish to buy a boat, buy gas, oil, maintenance, registration, insurance, storage. I just take the ferry and forget about all that stuff. Also the barge will depart any time you want it to. As long as there is daylight.

"I take the barge",By "the barge is so much more convenient" you mean waiting for the barge, up to an hour or more in the parking lot as boat after boat is launched and the occupants make their way at their own time and pace to Grassy point, well I guess I see your point. However when I travel to BR I prefer to use my time there for recreation in and around BR instead of waiting on someone Else's schedule in a shadeless, barren parking lot. I feel that my time is worth something as well. I also enjoy the freedom of being able to turn around and make the trip back to Stillwater on a lark if need be without the added expense of yet another barge crossing. My boat has paid for itself many times over in both cost and convenience. Thank You Very Much!

Title of article should read Beaver River Resident seeks town's help, not residents. There are over 100 residents (property owners) in Beaver River and 3 businesses - why did the Express only interview Scott Thompson owner of the Norridgewock? The majority of the residents probably close to 95% or more do not want a jeep trail/ road. The other 2 businesses should be asked what they think. I would like to hear from the others so the information being reported reflects all the taxpayers and not just Scott Thompson's. His opinion is about helping his business without any consideration for the other landowners. How about a follow up article to get the full story?

I do not wish to pay for boat storage, the barge is so much more convenient.

I visit Beaver River every year. Love it there. Make the trip thought difficult at times but consider it to be a part of the adventure. The adventure is why we go to Beaver River and not another Adirondack location that we can drive to. Because I live over 6 hours away purchasing property there makes no sense but I have considered it. I'll continue to camp or rent a room from one of the hotels in Beaver River -thank you for keeping the light on for us "tourists". This topic sponsored by the Adirondack Express has caught my attention. Everyone that owns property in Beaver River now had to purchase or inherit it without road access. I would guess that was by choice. This groups seems to be the ones that do not want a road. Fine. What you see is what you get. The promoter for No Rails and Yes to Trails is the Norridgewock business owner Scott Thompson. He claims he needs a road to exist for getting to dr, school, supplies and so on AND he claims he needs a road to increase his business profit. So where does it say you can move your family to some off the beaten path, open a business and later demand (your government) to pave you a way for convenience. If you think your business has lost profits due to your location just sell and MOVE. Our broke government does not owe you and your family a road or a profitable business. The government can't save the Norridgewock and increase your profits. Here in Buffalo businesses a lot bigger and more established than the Norridgewock relocate everyday to stay alive. I have heard the Thompson argument over their bar for over 20 years and their still at it. I used to think they might have a point but now they are looking desperate and ridiculous. My readings tell me if a road was to come to Beaver River it would take 20 years to get it built. Using a road to save his dying business won't help in 20 years from now. I think Scott Thompson is 10 years older than I am. Is it really worth the fight to win in 20 years? If Scott is still alive. I'll continue to read the posts but my advise to the Norridgewock is to finish up your last 5-10 years running the business OR sell and move. Spend your time on something worthwhile. You clearly have expressed you hate living and working in Beaver River but I still love it there and the adventure.

Sooo.... has anyone been to Beaver River lately? Over the past 4 weeks, I have been to Beaver River 3 times. Let's evaluate:
Middle of the snowmobile season, check. Snowmobiling conditions are good, check. Stillwater Reservoir is frozen, check. Rails are completely covered with a good snow base, check. Temperatures are ideal (not too warm, not too cold), check. And yet, WHERE ARE ALL THE SNOWMOBILERS? It's Friday night, is the Norridgewock busy? Nope. It's Saturday, is the Norridgewock busy? Kind of... It's Sunday, is the Norridgewock busy? Nope. So where are the "177,000" snowmobiles that reportedly traverse the rail corridor during the winter season? They must come out of season or when the conditions are bad...

"I take the barge", If the boat storage at the Stillwater end of the reservoir is your only objection to powerboat ownership then I have good news. One of the two businesses at Stillwater has a safe secure and reasonably priced storage facility available to the general public.

Those other option you mention would be nice, but out of my budget.

"I take the barge", Does that mean that you will not purchase an airplane or a high rail suv?? You must be really set in your ways!

I take the barge in and out every time I go to beaver river. However if this service were to stop, I would be in favor of an access trail. I do not wish to purchase and maintain my own powerboat, with no place to leave it a stillwater.

Part of the problem with sustaining a reasonable dialogue about access to Beaver River is the continued expression of opinion by uninformed individuals. Please, if you are going to assume, and voice, a position, particularly in such a public forum, take the time to check your facts. For example, the APA is not actively, much less "repeatedly," threatening to remove the docks located at Grassy Point (try DEC buddy), snowmobiles need not be "about 15 years old" to navigate the railroad tracks (my sled is a recent model and no problemo!), and the ferry operated by the Thompson's is without quesiton NOT the "only legal option to get to Beaver River" (legal access is available by means of boat, aircraft and hi-rail); just to highlight a few factual errors and make my point.
People repeatedly insist that the Town of Webb provide Beaver River property owners with access to their land. Really folks? Where exactly does one find the legal obligation, much less the legal authority, for the Town of Webb to do so? Hmm... good luck with that. Barking up the wrong tree, what? It is also interesting that people should question the financial ability of a family to maintain property in Beaver River once road access becomes available. In effect (even if inadvertently), these individuals are acknowledging the financial gain to be realized by the Thompsons (as well as everyone else) if their property values should increase. To repeat the sentiments of a prior poster, look at the (selfish) financial incentive to push for road access... Ironically, if one looks at the composition of Beaver River property owners, it appears that there are a number of property owners who would not be able to afford continued camp ownership should assessments increase (here's looking at you school bus drivers, any number of retirees, cemetery-lawn-mowers, and the list goes on and on). And yet, some would like the readers to believe that the "majority" of camp owners want road access. Not hardly. When the issue of the road was brought to the Town's attention a few years ago, the owners of property in Beaver River spoke overwhelmingly AGAINST road access and the Town Board took the position that it did not have the legal authority to consider the road issue, putting the matter to rest.

The thing that bothers me, as a Beaver River camp owner, is not that access is difficult or easy – it is that access seems to be so volatile and subject to the whims of the various government agencies.
We currently have legal access in a number of ways. 1) We can fly in. There is at least one camp owner who does this. But honestly, most of us can’t afford that. 2) We can walk in. This actually requires that we start at Twitchell Lake and walk about 7-8 miles. I do not think that there is parking at the trail head (not long term at least), and you can only carry so much on an 8-mile hike. You could walk the railroad tracks, but officially that would be trespassing. 3) You can snowmobile in, but only when the tracks are covered in snow, or if you have a snowmobile that is more that about 15 years old as these fit between the tracks. You would think that snowmobiling on the reservoir would work, but that is only true if the reservoir level is stable (which generally isn’t true) – otherwise, the ice is not safe to use. 4) You can take a HyRail vehicle on the tracks. This is expensive (probably $10,000 for a HyRail, plus annual inspections, training, license, insurance, etc.). While a number of people at Beaver River use this, it is unlikely that everyone could do so. The trip to Big Moose is about 30-45 minutes, and there is only one track. So, we would have to dispatch people to avoid accidents. It works now, but this would probably fail on weekends if 50 HyRails were coming and going. 5) Then, we have boating. This is the process that most of us take – either with the Thompson’s barge or the water taxis or the tour boat or our own boat. The reservoir becomes navigable about May 1 (plus or minus 2 weeks), and stays navigable until early November. The exact dates and times vary based on the weather and the reservoir level. But the problem is, we can’t park our cars at Stillwater any more – the Town of Webb does not have parking for us, and the DEC has banned us. And, we can’t keep our boats there because there are no public or private docks and the Town of Webb does not have a trailer lot either. Now, there is to be a private trailer lot this coming year, but that means a $300 a year fee to keep our boats there. On the other end, the docks at Grassy Point are too small. We are constantly fighting for dock space. The Grassy Point docks have also been threatened for removal by the APA repeatedly. And, from late August to the end of the season, the water is too low to access the docks, so we fight for beach space on the Grassy Point Island.
Now, what I would like the Town of Webb to do is to provide us with a PERMANENT access. This could be in the form of dedicated parking and docks at Stillwater. Or, this could be in the form of a Jeep trail. Or, this could be by converting the rails to a trail. Or, it could be some other idea that hasn’t been suggested yet. I just think it is unfair and inappropriate that the APA and the DEC and all the other various government agencies can make unilateral decisions which would effectively eliminate access to Beaver River. At the current time, the only legal option to get to Beaver River is to use the Thompson’s Barge. Even if we tow a boat to Stillwater, we can’t leave our car or trailer in the parking lot without getting a ticket. While the barge is currently my preferred method, especially when carrying a lot of supplies, I don’t want it to be my only method. Also, as others have mentioned, I would like to be able to come all year around. The current option for that would mean that I have to own a boat, a HyRail and two snowmobiles. While that sounds fun, it is just too expensive to be practical.
Now, the second thing that bothers me, is all this online bickering. I would really appreciate if someone could make a practical suggestion that the Town of Webb could follow to provide better access. My suggestion would be a dedicated parking lot and dock at Stillwater for Beaver River resident use, and a dock at Grassy Point that was accessible regardless of the (normal) water levels. I would be perfectly happy if the Town charged a fee for such use, provided Beaver River residents were given priority in getting dock space.

"Goon squad?" Did I miss the Thompsons goose stepping army of survey skew-ers? Good grief.
I too doubt that Beaver River would become some hub of activity with a road, Moose isn't any "hub." And no one is talking about a four lane, and I doubt even a two lane dirt like Moose/Stillwater is being considered, or at least ever happen. From what I have been told, "Jeep trail" -ish. Now I'm not so sure we'd want even that, but I understand why some might. For instance, the biggest source of income, snow time, has been limited by the flaky (pun sort of intended) weather that leaves the tracks covered, then uncovered. Call it Global Climate Change, or just blame it on the hot air emitted by the return of Moose to the Dacks, the 70s, 60s week after week of 4-6 foot of snow and well packed tracks is pretty much gone. "Flaky" with far less "flakes." Emergencies are certainly a concern.
That still does not mean a road, an ATV trail, or whatever the hell we want to call it/make it, is necessarily wise, or best, for a town that we have come to love that has built its fame, and its magic, in part on being inaccessible. But it is a topic adults should be able to disagree regarding without all the acrimony.
Regarding three things: the Ranger boats, the 4th and "cottage club." I'll start with the last one first. I don't see the insult here, though it is used as one. Makes no sense. The various lakes through the Central Adirondacks have not only Fish and Game Clubs, but Property Owner Associations as well. So what? Why does this become, or made into, an insult in Beaver River? We are not Thompsonville. But neither are we Calhounville or any other one family/person Ville. Neither Tom or any of the Thompsons are responsible for all our troubles. Frankly I'm damn sick of the Hatfield and McCoy stuff. Once again, seems we can be adult enough to have our own opinions and pursue them without making it so disgustingly personal.
I know, "He/they started it first."
Good grief. Do we need to get out the knuckle bashing rulers?
And I suspect if the State "buys out the Thompsons," as one suggested, they may do more than that. You may get just what you want, as I have typed before.
Yeah, the 4th can get nuts, like Labor Day. No more "nuts" than many other places. Arrests are made elsewhere, right? Or are we really "Dodge City?" I've been there both times. I too prefer the more quiet times, but the portrait is a little overdrawn.
Anyone wonder why TOW cops spend so much time in and near Old Forge, spending less time in Eagle Bay, or Big Moose, or Stillwater? Never guess what: there are folks doing illegal stuff there too, and like good fisherman you go where the biggest catch is.
A final note: I'd love to spend Christmas in the River too. But, honestly, I'd rather be there 24/7. Doesn't kind of passion we have for Beaver River count for far more than all the unnecessarily heated bickering?

I AM a property owner in Beaver River. I am there because it is remote and hard to get to. Makes it sweeter to be there. If there were a road, I fear I could not afford to be in BR anymore. The taxes would kill me for they allready are hard to pay. I deserve to stay in my wonderful, remote place because I work hard to maintain my property and love it dearly. There is nowhere I would rather be. Tom Calhoon is someone most of us can count on when we need something. He is thoughtful and generous. He speaks for lots of us. Please help us find parking in Stillwater and boat access, rail access, and keep the barge going. We love how it is. We welcome people to come and visit us, but want them to find it an effort to visit so that they value who we are.

As I said before, Tom Calhoun has made statements to the TOW. See http://www.adirondackexpress.com/12212010_town_board and http://www.adirondackexpress.com/01182011_letter_of_law. The TOW made it clear that they were not impressed with Tom's false statements. Let's say it again. Tom Calhoun speaks for no one but himself. The majority want road access. And Tom, I just checked the online property database. Your name isn't listed. Which property do you own?

I believe there is only one family that cares to make money off their involvement in Beaver River. Not many of us consider the economics of Beaver River. We care about the remoteness and solitude of our camps. I know I sigh every time I see a bus load of tourists coming down the road in an unregistered/uninsured school bus. To me, Beaver River is the call of the loons in the morning and the safety in knowing your neighbors. The majority of us camp owners are there to enjoy nature and the comradery of friends who share our passion for a difficult to find form of isolation and beauty. It is unfortunate that one family is interested in altering our small town for their own financial success. I hope that the rest of the camps in Beaver River will speak up for what is best for Beaver River and not the pockets of one family. What is the worst they can do...burn down your cabin or sink your boat? Make sure you carry good insurance!

I am from Old Forge, and am a frequent visitor of Beaver River. I say it is time for the Town to help these people. Most people do not even realize the work that goes in to running a year round business where they are.

Camps vs. Cottages says "You will note that I do pine for a Christmas at Beaver River ". You should get ahold of Scott or Rusty. Maybe they could pick you up in their hyrailer at Woods Road. Maybe you could access them on their way in to a town meeting to complain about no access. I love irony, don't you?

Actually, the Calhouns speak for quite a few people in Beaver River who would speak out themselves but for fear of retribution.This article, as always, just talks about the Thompsons and what THEY want. For the Thompsons or one of their groupies to start attacking the Calhouns (who are never even mentioned in the article) just confirms that what the Calhouns have been saying must be hitting pretty close to the mark. The Thompsons doth protest too much, me thinks.

The study concluded that a trail in place of the Railroad would create nearly double the economic impact.

Scott claims that he is landlocked for a few weeks in the spring and in the fall when there is not enough snow to use a snowmobile. You would think that having been raised in Beaver River Station, he would have adjusted to these circumstances and secure enough provisions to last those few weeks. That's what I would do. On the other hand, other people who spend significant time there have told me that they NEVER have a problem getting out of Beaver River. Scott simply takes the snowcat or an illegal hyrailer. So what is he talking about?

Given the innordinate number of fatalities and serious accidents that have occurred so far this snowmobile season, most of which are associated with excessive speed and alcohol, I find it amazing that anyone would be a proponent of removing the rails and creating more snowmobile trails. Alcohol vendors along snowmobile routes should be more vigilant when they ply their customers with alcohol in the name of the almighty buck. Of course we know that that's the real reason they want to enhance access via snowmobile. I doubt if anyone has died in the corridor from riding a train...

Wow!! And they said Calhoun on the personal attack!!

another lie. that lake placid study come out early even, but put the railroad ahead. and it was based on the phony sowmobile "study" commissioned by the thompso-mcculley goon squad.

According to a study in Lake Placid, A trail in place of the rail would produce a greater economic impact.

If there were better access to Beaver River, Tom would not be able to afford to his cabin. Oh no!

So, I checked with the Town of Webb today. According to them, Tom Calhoun does not own property in Beaver River, or anywhere else in the Town. So, now I am wondering - how is it that he is a member of the Beaver River Property OWNERS Association?

Again, Tom you speak for no one, The reason you do not want a access is because you would not be able to afford your camp if property values went up.

Holy cow, has anyone seen the express poll about beaver river? There are almost 90,000 votes, last I knew there were about 100 camps in Beaver river. I'm guessing it lets you vote multiple times.

As other posts have alluded to, why would anyone buy in Beaver River Station if they desired or necessitated road access? It appears to me that many of the road advocates are new to Beaver River. Now that they are here they want to change our community to fit their lifestyle. We’ve all become pretty comfortable using the Thompson barge to ferry our “outside” vehicles from and to Stillwater and as the barge prices continue to rise, we are faced with a significant predicament. We have made the Thompson barge a practicable business and screwed ourselves in the process! Compounding the problem is the loss of a convenient place to store our boats in Stillwater thanks to Rudy at the Stillwater Shop. Also, many people have bought and continue to buy property in BRS due to affordability or the “anything goes” mentality, not because of the town’s unique character. Comparatively, BRS property is much more affordable than anywhere in the Adirondacks. Couple that fact with the ever increasing cost of maintaining a recreation home in general, Beaver River residents are left with a dilemma; either continue to pay the exorbitant transportation costs (as if we were wealthy) or jump on the Thompson band wagon and lobby for a road. Oh, by the way, our real estate value will no doubt increase with a road due to increased accessibility. Furthermore, due to the probable increase in tax liability (due to increased assessed value) many residents will find Beaver River unaffordable. Our community will then join the countless other overpriced and consequently overtaxed communities in the Town of Webb. The absolute irony of the situation is that Thompson has the most to lose if a road is built. Boat taxi, barge and fuel delivery business would fade away to nothing not to mention the loss of our sought after remoteness that so many of us intensely desire. Maybe it’s not ironic at all! Maybe this hypothetical road should be aptly called “The Thompson Retirement Road”! On second thought, let’s just keep it hypothetical!

Golly, if I make the CHOICE to move to Beaver River and set up business on state land, do you think that will INTITLE me to take what ever I want, and do what ever I want, where ever I want, as long as I do it in the name of making a bucK? Sweet.

With regards to SUV access, any member of the Beaver River Property Owner's Association can enjoy access via the rail. They simply have to successfully complete a training program, procure a hy-rail vehicle duly inspected and insured, with a radio and other emergency equipment and follow the rules regarding dispatching and rail safety. This is not a privilege for a select few but something open to all members. Many, however, choose not to invest the thousands of dollars that such a rig requires, opting instead for motorboats or barge access. To each his own.

In Lewis County, they got 100's of miles of ATV trails. Beaver River is tiny, roads total maybe 2 mi. and no trails. 4-wheelers are illegal on Webb roads and in Adk park, the DEC ranger has been handing out tickets left and right in Beaver River last couple years. When we want good riding, we head up to New Bremen. Turin is good too. U got to buy a trail permit though.

As to the ATV question: one of the three businesses in town even advertised (although certainly not locally) that you could come and bring your ATVs and have a ball.

I had a question about Beaver River, I have a group of buddys that would like to ride ATVs up there this summer. When we were camping on the reservoir and walked over for lunch at the norridgewock. Seemed to be alot of 4 wheelers around. Are there alot of roads and trails to ride?

Wow...I didn't know that Tom Calhoun was in business in Beaver River and offers his services for free. That's great! The Thompsons are not "vacationing"...they are earning a living with many obstacles...more so than any of us have to face in our jobs everyday.

You are right, cottage is a very non-adirondack term.... And you are wrong, I am not Scott Thompson. Now, while I will keep anonymous, I will admit to being from outside the Northern Tier. You will note that I do pine for a Christmas at Beaver River. I am pretty sure that Scott already spends Christmas at Beaver River. Good thing for the hardy folks that live their year round that Santa doesn't need an access road!

Well no kidding Dick Tracy, people go to Scott and Rusty. They’re the ones with a business! Let me teel you about Tom Calhoun. In the first place I wouldn’t call the deal he’s got “renting periodically”. He’s had that camp at least 5 years. I see no end I sight, and I knew him well, from Beaver River, many years before that. And here’s one thing I know very well..when a friend or a stranger needs help he is there. And you usually don’t even have to ask. And you never have to pay him. How’s that compare with Scott or Rusty? They don’t help any one for free!! Pay them now, and/or pay them later.
Tom speaks for all of us who don’t speak out, a lot for fear of retribution, but things are sure getting louder now aren’t they! And make no mistake there are many of us, and we do not want a road!!!!

If they did come up with viable answers to questions like - Who would care for the road? - and other logistical items, this is pretty simple. Let the property owners vote on it. Everyone there now knew what they were getting into from the start, and that was remote access! I do not own property there, but its remoteness is the only reason I do go to Beaver River. There's nothing quite like it anywhere else.

NO ROAD WANTED BY THIS RESIDENT OF BEAVER RIVER STATION, AND TOWN OF WEBB TAXPAYER!!!
Beaver River Station is a beautiful entity because of its "remote" location. Why destroy the last land locked Hamlet in NY, there is no relocating to another, so if you fancy a road, there are so many other locations in the state that have plenty of roads. People have survived up here, visited up here for how long and "now" need a road? People who live here do so by choice! I know I do, and I do not want a road! People who visit do so by choice! I do not understand why outsiders are so concerned, if they do not like the fact there is no road to Beaver River Station...then do not come here! There is no mention of the other businesses up here, there thoughts and opinions and how they would be affected. I would like to see a truley non bias article based on hard facts and opinions of ALL the property and business owners of Beaver River Station as well as Town, County, DOT, and State Representatives to explain the actual need, and cost to build and maintain, as well as the enviromental impact.
Who will pay for this? I know I do not want to? People of the town?, County?, State?
To the Town Of Webb, Herkimer County, NYSDOT, and the Great State of New York, this taxpayer wants NO ROAD!
Please, NO ROAD!

It is a questionable stream of thought to consider the Thompson family operation as a hardship. Businesses don't stay open if they can't turn a profit. You're patronage to their establishment is why they are in business. They sell what you will buy.
Connections you say? For many years, the Thompsons were able to "run" Beaver River due to their political connections. Maybe you are not aware of the whole story...
I for one and thankful that more community members are speaking out and going to bat for Beaver River.
Maybe you should take some time to review the mission statement of the Beaver River Property Owner's Association:
"To band together the citizens of this community who are interested in helping safeguard the future of Beaver River to develop and promote a universal appreciation of the isolation of Beaver River and protect it against any change as it now exists in its isolated state."
I don't believe the wishes of one family should take precedence over the wishes of a community.

It sure is fun to play guessing games about who wrote what on here, but honestly, no one has any idea. I certainly don’t and it’s likely that I’ve met most of you personally. So let's not bother trading accusations back and forth. It’s a waste of time.
Every property owner in Beaver River bought/built their camp with the full knowledge that there was no road access and, unless someone misled them, little prospect of ever getting any. Given the inevitable increase in property taxes that would result, as well as the many income sources the Thompsons would surely lose if they got their road (seeing as how they’re the only year-round game in town for many services), it does beg the question as to their true motives.
As for the July 4th “festivities”, the description (elsewhere on here) was pretty accurate. Between the parade as well as gun fire, firecrackers, cannons (at all hours) and more, a good number of camp owners would tell you they stay away from Beaver River on holiday weekends. Most of the folks in Beaver River are good people, who only want to go to camp for a quiet weekend in the woods and some beach time with friends and family on the Flow. It’s unfortunate that a badly behaved few have given all of us an undeserved law-skirting reputation. The DEC and local law enforcement deserves its share of the blame for letting the situation get so far out of hand in the first place. For years they looked the other way, even when they knew what was going on.
On July 4th weekend 2008, a complaint about the cannons led the DEC ranger to investigate the illegal (no permit) fireworks being set off while he was in town. (He could hardly ignore the noise now, could he?) While he was making arrests, someone did indeed vandalize the DEC boat moored at Grassy. Officially, no one knows who did it. Unofficially, well…the word is it was unlikely to have been a “harassed camper” on the Flow. Regardless, this plus a couple more childish stunts on the part of a few, put Beaver River back on the DEC’s to-do list. Problems with the dock(s) permit at Grassy, parking in Stillwater, and the mooring of the Thompson barge (Stillwater/6 Mile landing) were the fallout.
It is the opinion of many that the Thompsons want out of Beaver River. Maybe if I was in their position, I would too. However, I find it hard to believe that they couldn’t sell for a good price to the right buyer while featuring Beaver River’s isolation as a unique asset. We’re all getting tired of the constant pot-stirring. Even as a taxpayer, I sometimes wish the State would simply offer the Thompsons a buyout so they would just leave; the State could then resell their properties to people who would appreciate isolated Beaver River as the unique place it is.

Let me preface this comment by stating that I am not Tom Calhoun. Many have commented on the unfair treatment that the Thompson family has had to endure over the past year. Few are aware of certain facts. Firstly, the Thompson family had virtually monopolistic access to the railroad for many years. Their permit was pulled because they abused the rules and transported hazardous materials on the rails, among other reasons. The family has a habit of ignoring the law. For example, they have built a dock for their ferry boat on DOT land at the big culvert with no permit. They transport customers in non-inspected, uninsured buses while the drivers have no commercial license to do so. They land their barge on forever wild land instead of the town road. They run the rails on the off season in uninspected, inlicensed, unpermitted hyrail vehicles. In fact, they have always done exactly what they wanted to, regardless of the law. Would any other business anywhere in the state be allowed to flout the law in such a manner? I highly doubt it.

The Ironic part is, people like Tom that voice their opinion the loudest about no access actually have there own road. They drive SUVs directly to their camp via the Adirondack railroad.

There is only one person in Beaver River who refers to the camps as cottages, and that is Scott Thompson. Now who do you think wrote that previous post? The VAST majority of camp owners DO NOT WANT A ROAD!!!!

I find it remarkable that Tom Calhoun (Posted By: On: 12/20/2010, Title: Profit vs Preservation) feels that he can speak for anyone but himself. Tom has routinely (see the letter read in Council in Dec meeting) spouted this anti-Thompson and anti-access rhetoric. Let us make is clear - Tom Calhoun speaks for no one but himself. Tom does not even own property in Beaver River - he rents a place periodically. But he goes around Beaver River like he owns the whole place. If you have trouble are Beaver River - you do not go to Tom Calhoun, you go to Scott or Rusty Thompson. Tom tell us the REAL reason you want to avoid more access! Dont tell us your imagined reasons for the Thompson's wanting it. You have remained very silent on your own motives. I have a good guess though. The property values in Beaver River are about 20% of the rest of the region - solely because of the lack of access. If we get improved access, the property values go up, and then you will never be able to afford a place at Beaver River. That is the real reason, isn't it.

I take exception to the "Silent Majority" letter. As a property owner at Beaver River, I believe that I speak for the majority when I say that we need better access. I would very much like to have better and safer access to my cottage. For those of you who are concerned that a road will give Beaver River all the hussle and bussle of Big Moose, just relax. A road to Beaver River will not significantly change the character of the place. It will be a long dead end road to a small town. If you do not need to go to Beaver River, you are unlikely to be on that road unless you are VERY lost. However, having that road would mean that we would have access to ambulance, fire and police. Delivery of propane and other supplies would be direct and not via a barge. If you forget something at the store in Old Forge, you can look to a short two hour round trip instead of a four-five hour round trip. If a road was available, then our family would go to our cottage during Novermber and December when the ice is thin and the snow variable. We could have Christmas there or New Years. The same is true in April and early May when the ice breaks up. Now, I am not complaining that Beaver River is the worst for limited access... nor would I sell my cottage. However, I would enjoy the opportunity to go more often. And, I think the businesses in Old Forge and Stillwater and others in the area would definitely benefit from more customers and a longer season.

We would always start the day with a 2-3 hour round of “Mountain Golf” complete with appropriate refreshments and libations. Nearing high noon it is time to line up the annual parade, complete with marching units, floats and the Beaver River Fire Truck. The “marching units” are large groups of revelers, made up of equal portions of BR residents and visitors. The floats are an odd assortment of dilapidated BR vehicles interspersed with outside vehicles, brought in by one of the three BR businesses. The fire truck was purchased by one of the three businesses in Beaver River Station. It came to us only after it became obsolete (it did not meet the state and federal regulations for fire equipment) from a Rome area volunteer fire company. The parade then precedes on the parade route, up and down the Town roads, sirens wailing horns blasting through the wilderness silence. The parade always culminates in a monstrous melee of a water fight! More “Refreshments and libations” follow! The remainder of the after noon is filled with a raucous celebration punctuated with liberal cannon reports and the staccato cadence of fire crackers and of course more libations! Then as night begins to fall preparation are undertaken for the dazzlingly beautiful pyrotechnical display which is also sponsored by “one of the three businesses” in Beaver River Station. The wondrous fire works are positioned on the TOW causeway so as to afford the best viewing by the customers and employees of the business. Even the “Stained Glass Princess” takes a much needed respite to enjoy the spectacle. After the last report of the display the celebrations and libations continue until the wee-small hours of the morning. This is an accurate description of Independence Day previous to July 4 2008. The same scene has been repeated each year since with the exception of the lack of the fireworks display and the loss of the fire truck however the bright spot is that the fire truck has been replaced by a similarly out of compliance unit. I’m sure the new “old” unit is at the ready to assume its celebratory duties. Now doesn’t this sound just like any other small close knit Community anywhere else in the good old US of A? To quote the late great Bob Marley “ Bad boys bad boys whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

The commentator before is NOT correct. There's no proof the vandalizing of the Ranger's boat was camp owners. Considering the Rangers were out on the flow enforcing there too it could have been anyone who saw them enter Grassy. There were lots of campers on the flow, boaters and people fishing. Yet it HAS to be one of us who own a camp there?
Prove it, if you're so sure. Amazing how those who keep claiming it was a Beaver River property owner who did this never offer up proof by telling Rangers who did it: pretty much proof they don't know. And one 4th of July's frivolity doth not make a whole town a town of "outlaws."
Over the years children in the larger region have been caught riding the trails with bikes, drinking, doing drugs, vandalism and other assorted questionable activities. None of these town are crime-less. Does this make Old Forge, or Inlet, or Eagle Bay places populated by "outlaws?" Of course not. Are there underage children riding in Beaver River sometimes? Yes, as there have been in other areas.
The painting of Beaver River as a town of outlaws, hooligans and Dodge City has been a favored way to slander residents: permanent and seasonal, for many years. Some who do so would like nothing better than to eliminate the last railroad town only of any size in the Dacks. This kind of squabbling may bring just that. And I find those Beaver River locals who love to use those kind of arguments are not always so pure themselves, yet they think their differences with others in town more important than Beaver River itself. So sad.
Even if an access road were to bring a lot of regular patrols through the area: unlikely, those who ask for it and get what they want may not be as pleased with the results as they think they will be.

that fireworks thing happened 4 years ago. cops were called about noise. and they been there on a call since. it's not a town of hoodlums!!

The commenter before is Correct- during a recent July 4th, a large amount of illegal fireworks were seized, along with cannons form certain families in Beaver River. Also during that same incident, and forest rangers boat was vandalized. One only has to be there a few minutes in the summer to see 10 year olds wizing around on ATVS. ( Which are not permitted in the TOW)

Reading at least one comment on this topic I would think I have had cannons pointed at me and Butch and Sundance gunning for me every time I go to my quiet, peaceful, cabin in Beaver River. Not so. I have been an owner for many years and visiting since the 60s. Do the kids get a little crazy sometimes? Sure, just like kids in Old Forge and elsewhere.
I also wonder if "better" access will do much. I know that patrols of the area from Big Moose to Stillwater are occasional, at best. It's a big area and police patrol where they can, when they can, as as best they can. There may be good reasons some want more access, and good reasons why some don't, but painting us all as outlaws is not only unfair, but simply put: untrue. And it only sets us against each other.
And... cannon"S?"
Please, let's argue our differences without painting everyone: even the children, with the same brush one might John Dillinger, an out of control, maniacal, Mario Andretti or homicidal mad men with cannons.
I've spent a lot of time in Beaver River. It's not accurate. Not even close.

Beaver River has the tendency to become a community of outlaws at certain times (Children speeding on atvs, fireworks and cannons at all hours of the day. Better access would help law enforcement, allowing for a more tranquil environment. I think because of the fact there is limited access, some folks think anything goes.

This quote: "it would allow the town to work together with the State DOT, state senators, and the Lyme Timber Company" really says is that the TOW and New York State (the taxpayers) can pony up the dollars for a study and the construction of a road to Beaver River so one self serving family can retire and have easy egress on their way out of town.

I would love an easier way to access Beaver River. Owning and maintaining a powerboat is difficult to begin with, and then when you factor in the rock pile-laden Stillwater Reservoir, it can get dangerous. I can see why some vacationers that visit their cottages a few time a summer would like the challenge. Although to those families that live their year round, I can most certainly see their point in wanting more reliable access.

Norridgewock aside, Everybody has a great time in Beaver River, whether they are there to party or fish or just to relax. And the reason is simply the unique isolation that Beaver River affords them. There is no place else that can offer what Beaver River offers. What a down right shame it would be to destroy that in the name of money. The former commenter was absolutely right. The tax payers of the Town of Webb DO NOT OWE THE THOMPSONS A ROAD TO RETIREMENT!!!!!!!

As a cabin owner in Beaver River I enjoy the limited access this town provides. I and many other owners do not want a road but since we are the silent majority it seems that the Thompson Family takes over these issues and provides many comments.
Part of the draw for the Norridgewock is that it is harder to get to and in a more wilderness setting. The Norridgewock website goes out of its way to promote the remoteness of Beaver River.
I do understand the business side of adding the road for the increased business potential to the Norridgewock and how it might make this facility more marketable to outside hotel chains. But considering the majority of the owners in Beaver River come to Beaver River because of the remote location I hope it stays that way. I and many other owners, dare I say the majority; do not want a road into our community.

I have been up that way quite a few times to visit the Norridgewock, and have a great time every time, I hope they get the support from the TOW. This buisness has been been there over 100 years.

The previous commenter mentioned "no bid illegal contract to maintain that road like they do now(when ever they feel like it)." Does the town of Webb know about this??? It doesn't seem to this reader that this could be true.

love it. as with all things beaver river, no one gives two seconds thought to wether it's legal or not--just do it anyway. guess that would have to change if they got their illegal road. maybe not. maybe town of webb would give those folks another no bid illegal contract to maintain that road like they do now(when ever they feel like it). doesn't any one in the north counrty care about legalities? just sad really.

So, the previous commentor thinks there should be a comprimise that involves giving the Thompsons everything they ask for. HUH? Where's the comprimise in that. And as for making more money, think about it! If there was a road they would be giving up the boat taxi, the river boat and the lucrative ferry business. The only reason they are willing to do that is because they would be selling out to retire. Wish the tax payers in the TOW would buy me a retirement too, how about you?

Seems to me, that there has to be some sort of resolution to both sides. Those who have slaughtered Norridgewok with their words, and those who have expressed concern for a long lasting, obviously popular area, should come together to find an resolution to this dilemma that pleases both sides. If there is easier access to the area, the patrons wouldn't think twice about returning, and those who haven't had the pleasure would be more inclined to visit, thus bringing more business to Norridgewok. That brings more revenue to the owners who couldn then afford fees or taxes put in place by the new access providers for the purposes of land usage and maintenance. Just seems like it's not that big of a problem if everyone works togather. Also, it would make regulating things such as gas, proper use of land etc more easily monitored. Seems like a win-win situation to me.

Calhoun seems to know whats best for everyone, wow...

Well I guess I would have to agree with the Thompson family views too, that is if I were faced with a slowly failing business with virtually no future generation to past it down too. It would be entertaining to see how quickly their property would go on the market (at the expense of all the other Beaver River camp owners giving up everything that brought them to the community to begin with) wait a minute its been for sale before....anyone interested??? Lets face it...there's one? maybe two children that would be next in line to take over the business and I can't see them devoting the time or energy it takes to run the family lodge (particularly when the only child that has expressed any interest in running the business is establishing a family with a permanent residence in Lowville). If I didn't have a retirement that I could rely upon or any "real world skills" that I could fall back on and contribute to the everyday working environment then yes I too could see their point, I mean really...they have run a business for 5 generations in an environment that is by all means ignored by the DEC, Town of Webb, NYS, and any other governing agencies that you can think of including law enforcement, actions without consequences.....hmmm sure makes running a business awfully easy/profitable! Think about it....they can do whatever they want without any repercussions. CAN YOU???? Can you run a business without properly licensing vehicles transporting the general population with no necessary certification? I don't think so. How about running the rail system (that they are so against) without proper insurance, permits, inspections, etc..and on top of all that loaded with propane, gasoline and diesel fuel...homeland security where are you now!!! If that were you or me would be locked up behind bars! So why the exception? Can you permanently park your unlicensed vehicles on state owed land without permission? oh...you can't huh...well better yet try it! See how many fines/tickets will be on your windshield provided it will still be there if they, the state, haven't already towed it away. Hmmmm, How about parking a raft, that you wouldn't even take a step on for fear of failing through, on state owned land with a leaky 500 gal plus gasoline fuel tank right in the open view of the ranger station!!!!! HEEEELLLLLLLLOOOOOO DEC are you out there???? EPA????? In my industry that wouldn't fly. Pretty sure if you spilled a little gas into the water filling your own boat at the docks you would feel some sort of responsibility or guilt of the matter...or maybe that's just me. Its a sad situation up there when one individual wants to change a place for their own financial gains. Where in this country can you put yourself in the middle of the remote wilderness to take a step back and remember a time without electricity, cell phones, email, the internet and all the other "necessities" that we all have in the everyday rat race life and that we are forever looking to break free from....where? It sickens me to think of any other Beaver River than the one I've come to love, live and explore. Scott Thompson you need to think about the community that your family business has profited from for so many years and the impact on the same community that you claim to love so much and take the selfishness factor out of it. Who would want to patronize a business that has built itself for nature lovers on the pure beauty of the Adirondacks when in all reality you are actively destroy its very existence for years to come. Your actions not only influence your business but robbing the public's enjoyment of Beaver River and the Stillwater Reservoir. Personally will not condone these actions and I suggests everyone needs to look deep inside themselves and you will know whats right and whats wrong for everyone. If you remove profit, greed and selfishness what it is "right" is obvious.

The last time Mr. Thompson raised this issue of a "jeep trail" (in 2007), the Town Board addressed it with the following resolution:

Res. #56, Beaver River overland Access
On a motion offered by Councilman Rivet, seconded by Councilman Hansen, the following resolution was ADOPTED by roll call vote:
Councilman Hansen, Aye
Councilman Ross, Nay – Agrees with the people about no overland access, but does not agree with any further consideration in the long-term future.
Councilwoman Harrington, Aye
Councilman Rivet, Aye
Supervisor Moore, Aye
Ayes –4, Nays –1
RESOLVED to dispense with any further consideration by this Board regarding the Draft resolution or road accessing Beaver River.
The same Express article included the following: "Attorney Frye made some comments on the Beaver River Draft resolution that the Supervisor read at the last Board meeting. He has reservations about the Board getting involved. There are many questions, who maintains the road, who would be allowed access and he believes the Town cannot legally do it. Supervisor Moore suggested that the Board consider the advice from the Attorney prior to taking any action."

As property owners in Beaver River, we have noticed that as the access has become more difficult the character has changed. Fewer of the families come and when they do it is less often, as it is often dangerous to travel and unsettling to be so isolated. Sometimes it seems the people who are currently willing to make the treck are not the average families of the past who's children enjoyed the privilege of time in the mountains and returned with their own children to share this wonderful childhood experience.

Giving any agency within NYS the power to revoke a permit that directly impacts a business that has been around for over 50 years is wrong. Why is it that this business has been using the tracks and water forever but now because of reasons beyond their control these past uses to gain entry are no longer permitable!!!!!!! Elected officials need to start helping this family period. How about the reason stated in this article for not renewing the permit, " increase in use beyond what was allowed", are they serious? Are they for real when they are really saying to many customers are showing up to use the service. Aren't elected officials supposed to help new and old business's succeed? I personally feel this business should have all past ways of entry grandfathered in and then protected in order that this nonsense ends.

What the state, and in my opinion some well connected individuals have put the Thompson's through is reprehensible and needs to stop. This family for over 50 years have provided a service with a hardship to themselves unlike what most people would even consider in this day and age. The shear pleasure their hotel provides to so many is immeasurable and it is time to start supporting these people in order for it to continue. I would hope everyone that has ever been to Norridgewok and enjoyed their meals,lodging and company will start being heard and put an end to what a few well connected people have been able to do.