To the editor:

My grandfather E.J. Martin settled in Big Moose after working on building the Adirondack Railroad in 1892. I am a third-generation Big Moose native. I started Big Moose Yamaha in 1976 and built the business into one the largest snowmobile dealerships in New York state. I do know snowmobilers.

If the rail-to-trail project is to be done from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid, it only makes economic sense to continue it to Big Moose. The cost to refurbish the tracks from Big Moose to Tupper Lake is far too costly for the taxpayers to bear. The economic benefit of a groomed snowmobile trail all winter to Tupper Lake and communities north would be enormous. These communities would see economic growth and job creation as it would give them a second tourist season. Old Forge area snowmobilers would have access to a safe corridor trail to the northern communities and would visit by the thousands. Snowmobilers are not afraid to spend money on goods and services that they want. This economic impact would be immediate, even with minimal snow cover. Rails to trails from Big Moose north should be mandatory, not a dream.

Thank you,

Philip Martin

Vice president

Big Moose Yamaha

Eagle Bay