The joint state task force of state Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Transportation has recommended the installation of a world-class rail trail connecting the Tri-Lakes area, from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid, along with extended tourist train service connecting Utica to Tupper Lake. This proposal will end the 48-year closure of much of the corridor while providing for an increase in visitor traffic and a much-needed stimulus to our regional economy.

On reviewing the Proposed Final Amendment to the 1996 Remsen-Lake Placid Unit Management Plan, I believe the proposal to be in conformance with the travel corridor classification, as defined in the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan. The decision for the Adirondack Park Agency is whether the plan supports the construction of a 34-mile recreation trail on the northeastern end of the corridor and extension of the tourist train on the 45 miles of corridor from Big Moose to Tupper Lake.

The proposal, in my opinion, conforms to the guidelines and criteria of the State Land Master Plan because:

* The natural resources, both physical and biological, are preserved.

* This proposal does not require significant alterations to the corridor’s designation on the National Register of Historic Places. The integrity of the corridor, with its historic structures of bridges and stations, are preserved. Interpretive signage could also provide insights into the significant role of the rail corridor in Adirondack history.

* There is nothing in the current proposal that precludes future decisions about the corridor. Creating a rail trail would actually enhance that segment’s readiness for reconstruction to a modern rail-and-tie system in the unlikely event this becomes the desired regional option. Demand for the restoration of regular rail-service is unlikely based on the current ways people travel and the absence of any foreseeable demand for freight service along the corridor. (This conclusion is based on my experience as director of Corning Incorporated Materials Engineering organization, where we established manufacturing and transportation infrastructure for critical materials.)

* Should manufacturing and the need to transport goods and people ever arise, the current rail structure would have to be rebuilt and refurbished to modern standards to accommodate safe, higher-speed service. The state could easily make the decision to install modern ballast, ties and rails at some future date. A recreation trail on the corridor creates a better base for reconstruction than the current rail-and-tie system, which would have to be removed before a modern rail system could be installed.

* As you make your decision, please consider that 80 miles of the 120-mile corridor are, at best, minimally accessible. There has been no regular passenger service north of Big Moose and south of Saranac Lake since 1967 and only sporadic, seasonal tourist-train operations between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. The State Land Master Plan notes that “scenic vistas from these travel corridors are relatively rare and their protection and enhancement are important.” This proposal would greatly increase public access to the corridor, at no harm to the physical, biological and scenic resources, while enabling greater public appreciation and enjoyment of the scenic vistas and natural beauty of the Adirondacks.

Recent rail bike experience on the 6-mile section between Saranac Lake and Lake Clear has demonstrated the interest in bicycling on the corridor. Consider how often the 34-mile section between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake would be used when access is free and bicycle riders can enter and exit the trail at any time, without having to adhere to the fixed schedule of a rail bike operation. The users – including walkers, hikers and those in wheelchairs, the young and old, the fit and infirm – could enjoy these natural resources with much less environmental impact than a tourist train through the corridor.

To summarize, I do not perceive any conflict with the State Land Master Plan in removing mostly unused rails to accommodate more travelers, so long as the corridor remains used for travel. Please join me in supporting this big step forward for the Adirondacks.

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Melinda Ellis lives in Saranac Lake and is co-owner of Gear-To-Go Tandems, a tandem bicycle business.