Railroad? Trail? Why are people fighting each other?
Converting the rail line into a multi-use corridor (hike, bike, snowmobile, train) will create unlimited possibilities for backcountry recreation, camping, and even lodging.
Dick Beamish, in his Viewpoint [“Confronting history on 2 wheels,” January/February 2015], argues correctly that the rail corridor has great historic value, conveniently forgetting, however, that the most historic thing about the corridor is the train ride itself.
Wilderness advocates may cringe at the idea, but for outdoor recreationists and others, the chance to develop a rail-and-trail system that would create easy access for all to remote areas of the Forest Preserve—areas not accessible to the general public by road—is indeed a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
And if you’re worried about finding the money, forget it. If Adirondack interests are unified the financial resources will be found. It’s a matter of will.
This is a case where something for everyone means everyone wins.
Carl Hoffman, Rochester
