This is in response to point one of Hope Frenette’s Guest Commentary of Nov. 28, “Many reasons to build the trail.”

“The tracks are supporting two businesses. Wow!”

Mrs. Frenette is correct that even with “outmoded and underutilized” tracks, which should have been upgraded years ago, two businesses were still able to thrive between Lake Clear, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Many jobs were created and tens of thousands of passengers transported for shopping, dining and sightseeing. Many of the riders came from out of state for their excursions. Also, operating expenses such as diesel fuel, volunteer lunch vouchers, shuttle bus and driver, and sundry purchases go directly into the local economy.

With the train running from Amtrak in Utica through the Tri-Lakes to Lake Placid, ridership will easily triple, with visitors from all over the United States.

Mrs. Frenette also made mention of an alleged “400 businesses that have already stated their preference for a trail.” TRAC (Trails and Rails Action Committee) has been involved with trail design in and alongside the railroad corridor (TRAVEL CORRIDOR) since Jan. 13, 2013. Our first meetings were in Tupper Lake, held at Tupper Lake Supply and Next Stop Tupper Lake. At that time, a trail along the tracks and connection to an IP log road were discussed along with the possibility of connection to Fish Creek and Rollins Pond campgrounds. The IP road section was walked with some of these committee persons and state Department of Environmental Conservation representatives. There was discussion of how a trail could be constructed adjacent to the logging road and avoid wetlands along the tracks.

These evolved as TRAC’s Trail Section I of our TRAC Manual between mile 113.64 at the train station to mile 115.69, or 2.04 miles of trail consisting of 43 cross-sectional drawings and photographs. This trail involves simple construction with some adjacent brush and tree removal, 70 feet of chain-link fence, one 18-inch-diameter culvert extension and minor to moderate excavation, all within the corridor right of way. Trail Section II is off corridor from mile 115.68 to mile 118.29, following the Deer Pond logging road. Subsequent trail sections continue to Lake Clear and on to Saranac Lake with close work with Ray Brook DEC in planning.

Mrs. Frenette refers to “a public asset like our TRAVEL CORRIDOR (emphasis added) should be used to benefit as many businesses and people as possible.” TRAC agrees 100 percent. This is our mainstay; everyone of all ages and abilities will benefit. A win-win, track and trail.

Also, Mrs. Frenette and the authors of the “Proposed Final Amendment” seem to be confused as to the definition of a TRAVEL CORRIDOR. The railroad itself, not its right of way, is what is designated to the TRAVEL CORRIDOR classification on State Land Master Plan pages 49 and 116. On page 49 is listed “Designation of TRAVEL CORRIDORS (emphasis added): The application of the TRAVEL CORRIDOR definition results in the designation of approximately 1,200 miles of TRAVEL CORRIDORS of which approximately 1,100 are highway, 120 miles make up the Remsen to Lake Placid railroad.” Page 116: “TRAVEL CORRIDORS – railroad lines – Remsen to Lake Placid, 122 miles.” TRAVEL CORRIDORS are for mass transportation like cars and trains, with ownership under the state Department of Transportation. The 1996 Remsen-Lake Placid unit management plan on Page 53 states, “the description of the TRAVEL CORRIDOR (emphasis added) classification in the APSLMP refers to the railroad right-of-way in terms of mass transit situations similar to roads and highways rather than a recreational facility.”

There are no restrictions to provision of a trail along with the railroad in the corridor. This would maintain the classification of TRAVEL CORRIDOR and provide a win-win for all parties.

If 33 miles of railway were to be removed from this TRAVEL CORRIDOR, 33 miles of TRAVEL CORRiDOR, by definition, would also be removed.

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Daniel C. Mecklenburg lives in Tupper Lake and is a Trail Committee member of the Trails and Rails Action Committee as well as a volunteer with the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.