I am writing to encourage the public and government officials to support the preservation and continued operation of the north end of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

Some have said the upcoming 2016 season may be the last for the northern end of the line. I strongly disagree with this idea and urge the community to appreciate what a gem of potential the railroad is before it is too late. History is ripe with examples of destruction of beautiful historic properties in the hasty name of progress. One great example is the destruction of the original historic Pennsylvania Station in New York City, which everyone now wishes was never destroyed. Let’s not repeat our own Adirondack version of that here.

It’s probably fair to say that most will agree the railroad had a positive impact for the area this past year. Despite a later start, ridership was good, and with the addition of the popular Rail Explorers, there was a lot of good media coverage about the railroad like never before. Clearly it was a good season, and good seasons should be built upon.

There’s no doubt the railroad and Rail Explorers’ rail bikes offer something unique for the Adirondack visitor. Those two offerings are really another arrow in the tourist quiver for the Tri-Lakes community, which everyone knows is tourist dependent. Why would you decide to offer two less reasons to come visit the area? You already have trails and snowmobiling. Why give up rail, an entire mode of unique transportation, when there are two businesses taking care of it working hard to serve your community?

If you keep the rail in place, as has been the current plan, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad and Rail Explorers can continue to grow. Imagine how much further along the railroad would be if it had not been incredibly shackled to a measly 30-day, revocable operating permit year after year for the last 20 years. How can you plan or invest (or even attract investment) with that sword looming overhead? I’d say they have done remarkably well considering the circumstances.

And it’s not like we can’t enhance the trail situation still. Plenty of side-by-side rail and trail potential has been identified. For the areas where there are gaps, the train can act as a link, an “Adirondack rail link” connecting the Tri-Lakes and all the beauty it has to offer.

In regard to scuttling the recent plan for a parallel trail from Saranac Lake to Lake Placid, I think that was premature. With my past work for the railroad, I have seen the plans and know the alignment. Much of the grade for a trail is in place. Where there are wetlands or narrow places, come up with better solutions! For example, a boardwalk on piers or a prefab metal arched pedestrian bridge lifted in place spanning sensitive areas. People love to transverse those structures! With a can-do attitude and creative thinking, it should be much more affordable and interesting as well. It would be a hit with the community and the railroad could bring one-way hikers and bikers back if they choose, generating business and interest for everyone. Surely this would be a hit with young families! And the Ray Brook station would make a great bike-train stop!

If you have trouble visualizing the railroads potential, I urge you to read the article about the successful Rocky Mountaineer in the February 2016 Trains Magazine. The incredible popularity of that long-distance day train in Canada is exactly what is possible in the Adirondacks. A day trip on an attractive charter train from New York City and Utica to Lake Placid via the Hudson and Mohawk valleys into the breathtaking Adirondacks would be a big draw! The metro New York market is large and full of potential. Let the railroad bring that economic activity to Lake Placid and all of the Tri-Lakes. Let them spend a day and a couple fine evenings in town. Trips like this are already being done elsewhere in this country. I work for a commuter railroad in Denver where I see classy private rail excursions arrive and depart regularly. People clearly love to ride special excursion trains. Lake Placid is a perfect destination for these trains.

I believe it is possible for the railroad to do well in the Adirondacks. I see a seasonal charter day train on a regular weekend schedule bringing visitors from the city. I see a local excursion/shuttle train in season daily, linking the Tri-Lakes. And I see a popular Rail Explorer rail bike excursion, all of which ties together the Tri-Lakes in a special way. Let’s take it a step further; adding a railroad headquarters and even a maintenance shop in perhaps Tupper Lake will create interest and create needed skilled employment. Could a small steam train sometime be added in the mix? Look at the extremely popular Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire or the Durango & Silverton Railroad in Colorado, and imagine something similar in the Tri Lakes. I ask you – why not? It would be a terrific attraction. If it can work in their town, it can work in yours; there is no logical reason against it. Yes, it will take time to develop, but everything good does. All I know is this: With the rails in place, all of this is completely possible. Without the rails, none of it is.

It is often said, if you can dream it, you can have it. A successful Tri-Lakes-focused rail operation that connects the communities, connects trails, operates and preserves historic rail infrastructure and supports ALL local business is already happening! Just let it continue to grow! Finish what was started! Support it, and it will in turn support you by attracting and creating healthy economic tourist activity. And the best part is that it will preserve your legacy, your great Adirondack history. And what’s more, it’s fun to ride!

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Pete Snyder lives in Denver, Colorado, and several years ago was operations manager for the Adirondack Scenic Railroad’s Lake Placid-Tupper Lake Division, living then in Saranac Lake.