To the Editor:
Some folks have hesitated to join www.theARTA.com, fearing the Old Forge to Lake Placid Corridor may be broken up if the rails were removed.Not true.
The 1996 State Land, Unit Management Plan, classified the land as a “travel corridor” with some variations. There were two main options: a railroad (needing a five-year review that has not happened) or remove the rails for a multi-use Recreational Trail. A UMP is essentially law. New York State has Fee Title (deeds) to the Corridor without reversionary clauses or easements. Even the Adirondack Council environmental group has been reported as stating they support the Travel Corridor classification with or without rails.
As a Recreational Trail, the Corridor would be 90 miles from Old Forge, and would support snowmobiling with very little snow cover, it would be the long connecting trail patrons of the area are seeking and would also create a new venue starting quite early in the spring with the Mt. Bike crowd.
How many rentals and housing starts result from Snowmobiling vs. Scenic Railroading?
Which amenity has more potential to create and maintain permanent local population and tax base??
Scott Thompson, Beaver River
