Letter to Editor about Rails to Trails proposal in Oriskany
Dear Editor,
It is put forth to the public that this is a Rails to Trails project. I would like to share with you the definition of rail to trail that I received from the State Trails Office.
“Railtrails are defined as multipurpose public paths created from former railroad corridors. These paths are generally flat or gently sloping, making them easily accessible and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Railtrails are ideal for many types of activities–depending on the rules established by the local community–including walking, bicycling, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. “
Well, okay, what’s wrong with that?
The definition continues.
“So, these paths are separated from everyday vehicles to increase safety and in most cases allow only non-motorized traffic (with exceptions for utility and maintenance vehicles or snowmobiles where local regulations allow). “
Back to the proposed trail.
Right smack in the middle of the 26 miles is over five miles of state road. Yes, it was once part of the railroad but it has been a state road since the 1960s. People live along this road, there is only one way to access this road, and it has all of the normal kinds of traffic that one would expect in a residential area.
The State Trails Office response includes this statement: “We do not know of any rails to trails (railtrails) that allow for regular vehicle usage, and do not believe those are compatible uses.”
The road in the middle of the 26 miles is Rt. 817/Old Rail Road. There is barely room for two vehicles to pass in most areas and is only one lane wide in others. If a trail can be constructed to meet the definition given, by separating a path from vehicular traffic, well, fine. If it cannot, please do not call it part of a railtrail system. Do not refer to it as such and do not advertise it as such. Can you imagine a family wanting to go for a nice ride on a trail and finding that they have to deal with vehicles and a face full of dust? This is a matter of transparency and public safety. The public deserves to know the TRUTH of the matter.
Sincerely,
Vickie Graham Botetourt county Resident
( Editors note Graham read this letter to the Board of Superviors at April 25th’s regular meeting.)
The state declared it a road over 50 years ago. That decision has let it develop to the point where it is today, as a road not a railroad bed. Sure that’s what its history is, but that is not “what it is” any longer. It’s no different than claiming any road in Virginia as a multi-use trail. Poor judgement to do so by VDOT or by any government officials. Let people use it as any other road, but don’t allow tourism to claim it as a trail.
I wholeheartedly agree! I’m all for trails, but after seeing these particular roads, it’s clear to me that there are single lane parts of it that cannot be altered to share as a trail. To do so would put everyone in harm’s way. That’s not even addressing how dangerous it would become to have that much traffic on the shelf ridge roads to get to it. Especially with no cell service or internet on much of the mountain.
I agree with Jim’s comments, above completely. And I support the “DeRail the Trail.org” movement. A group of common citizens standing up for their rights and freedoms against government officials who violate those rights, thinking they can take whatever they want to further their own political aspirations. 😡
The proposed trail will would also close access to over six miles of National forest road access between Oriskany and New castle. That means NO hunting or dog training on National forest land. Three of those miles that run threw Oriskany are deemed Emergency exit during flooding and eliminates Fire and Rescue service access as well as mail service getting into Oriskany.