Writer responds to concerns

To the editor:

Several people responded to my letter regarding the proposed Rail Trail from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake and on to Old Forge. Honest discussion based on facts is always good. I’d like to respond to some of their concerns and comments.

1. It would cause the Adirondack Scenic Railway to close.

Not So. THEARTA is advocating that the Rail Trail run to Old Forge and not any further. This means the Railroad could continue operation from Thendara south.

2. Not enough people are able to ride 10 miles on a bike.

Does this mean we close the trail to Bald Mountain because those same people can’t make it up the mountain, how about the 90 Miler, do away with that too—Of Course Not. Not everyone is interested in riding through the woods, but enough will to make it a destination and a ‘must do’ activity. It is a much more beautiful, leisurely, safe ride than on the road. The slow pace and safety of the ride will appeal to the older  generation.

3. The Economic projections.  

Benefits of something like this are always based on a lot of assumptions. I am nowhere near qualified to begin to make any projections. I will leave this to Rails-to Trails (Railstotrails.org) a national organization that has helped turn over 30,000 miles of abandoned rail lines into all—purpose trails, in all 50 states. This question always comes up and they have some answers based on actual trail usage. For example—The 63 mile Pine Creek Trail in Pennsylvania last year had 138,000 users and generated about $4 million in local revenue, the 32 mile Elroy-Sparta trail in Wisconsin had 60,000 visitors and generated about $2 million, the 20 mile Heritage Rail-Trail again in Pennsylvania had 350,000 visitors and generated about $3.6 million. These are not projections but actual numbers. What kind of revenue would be generated in the Old Forge area?

4. Snowmobiling will be banned.

Not So. The travel corridor  will continue under its own unit management plan (UMP). The classification of adjoining land will not affect the status of the corridor, with or without the rails. This is a form of ‘rail banking’.  If it ever becomes necessary to restore rail service, the corridor will be available for this purpose.

5. The track between Thendara and Saranac Lake is used twice a year.

One day in the fall to bring rolling stock to their winter home in Utica and one day in the spring to take it back to Saranac. This is about as “abandoned” as it gets. This rail corridor is administered by the NY DOT but is really owned by you, the people of New York State. My question is, how much revenue is the existing Scenic Railroad generating on those two days per year it runs a train from or to Saranac versus how much revenue a Rail Trail could generate all year long. How much pleasure are you or your family missing  by not being able to use this wonderful asset.

6. The Adirondacks are all about tourism.

All the agencies come to the same conclusion. The hard part seems to be what do we do about it beside ask Albany for money. Good tourism is having a lot of different things to do. Old Forge has a lot to do, from View to the Enchanted Forest/Water Safari. This could be one more piece in the tourism puzzle. This is just too good an opportunity to waste.

You might want to log on to THEARTA.org if you still have questions.

Doug Ralston,

Big Moose

Writer supports rails to trails

To the editor:

I write this letter to support the efforts of ARTA (Adirondack Rails to Trails Association).  I believe they have the best vision and goals to revitalize the communities within the Adirondack Park.

Contrary to a recent letter written from a Forestport resident, ARTA supporters are not Nature Nazi’s, but embrace the natural beauty that the Adirondacks have to offer and possess a dream to share this beauty with as many people as possible while at the same time boost the economy. What better way to experience the majestic mountains, nature-rich forests and pristine rivers that transverse along the rail-trail than to become one-to-one with what we have in our own “backyard”. A recreational trail would allow us to enjoy all this, on our own schedule, at our own pace, at any time of the year, without having to purchase a ticket. I also believe that this trail will promote a much needed healthy lifestyle for all who choose to use it, by offering a well groomed trail to accommodate biking, hiking, running, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  When you add other sports such as snowmobiling and horseback riding, imagine the economic benefits the connecting communities would incur. No longer would you see our neighboring businesses post “For Sale” signs, but instead they’d be posting “Help Wanted” signs.

As far as the environmental impact this would have on the region, this same trail is already an established snowmobile trail during the winter months and shows no sign of “wear or tear” to its surroundings. However, it should be noted it is not a very safe or reliable trail in its present condition as the rails pose a dangerous threat to the sled and its rider if there is not sufficient snow cover. The idea that we would loose the corridor to wilderness is very remote and ARTA is seeking legal and policy statements to that affect.

If you consider that Syracuse is developing a plan to invest $10 million to expand their intercity bike trail based on $133 billion that the bike industry contributes to the US economy a year, creating 1.1 million jobs and generating $17.7 billion in federal, state and local taxes; another $46.9 billion is spent on meals, transportation, lodging, gifts and entertainment during bike trips and tours (figures from www.bikeleague.org)—how could the Adirondack Park suffer? Not only is it environmentally safe, but also economically smart.

In conclusion, I feel the best scenario would be in the form of a compromise—the Adirondack Scenic Railroad should keep their train running from Thendara to Utica for those who enjoy the railroad experience and a recreational trail developed from Old Forge to Lake Placid for many more to enjoy and prosper from.

Respectfully submitted,

Gayle Seamon

Beaver River Station