RTC TrailBlog : ews

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Fayette, Henry, and Wayne Counties, Indiana

Jake Lynch — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about April 26, 2013, Norfolk Southern Railway Company filed for the abandonment of a total of 1.49 miles of disconnected track in Fayette, Henry, and Wayne Counties, Indiana. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-290 (sub-no. 326x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is June 10, 2013. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing, or view a clearer version of the map here.

Both of these individuals are knowledgeable about state laws and resources and may be able to assist your community with this rail-trail project. Also, you may want to contact the abandoning railroad to add your name to their service list.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: RTC's Web site may provide valuable tools as you plan for a rail-trail, including how-to manuals, the Trail-Building Toolbox, our Publications Library and the Trails & Greenways Listserv for trail advocates and professionals. These resources can be found within the "Trail-Building" section of our Web site. If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly, you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community. For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact Eric Oberg at eric@railstotrails.org or visit www.railstotrails.org/ourwork/wherewework/midwest/contact.html.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Outagamie County, Wisconsin

Jake Lynch — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:07:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about February 28, 2013, Wisconsin Central Ltd. filed for the abandonment of 1.1 miles of track within the city of Kaukauna in Outagamie County, Wisconsin. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-303 (sub-no. 40x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is March 30, 2013. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Etowah County, Alabama

Jake Lynch — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:40:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about February 13, 2013, Alabama Great Southern Railway Company (AGS) and Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia Railway Company (TAG) -- both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Norfolk Southern Railway Company -- jointly filed for the abandonment of 4.25 miles of interconnected track in Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If these corridors are suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroads using STB docket numbers AB-290 (sub-no. 335x) and AB-290 (sub-no. 340x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridors; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroads. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is March 15, 2013. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroads may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridors. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for these two corridors. More information on the rail corridors, including several maps, can be found in this filing.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Calhoun County, Alabama

Jake Lynch — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:30:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about January 30, 2013, Norfolk Southern Railway Company filed for the abandonment of 1.81 miles of track in Anniston, Calhoun County, Alabama. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-290 (sub-no. 334x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is March 1, 2013. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Fulton County, Illinois

Jake Lynch — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 18:30:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about January 4, 2013, BNSF Railway Company filed for the abandonment of 14.5 miles of track between Farmington and Dunfermline within Fulton County, Illinois. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-6 (sub-no. 486x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is February 3, 2013. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Mercer County, New Jersey

Jake Lynch — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:31:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about December 14, 2012, CSX Transportation Inc. filed for the abandonment of 1.67 miles of track in Ewing Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-55 (sub-no. 724x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is January 13, 2013. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact Carl Knoch at carl@railstotrails.org.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Branch and St. Joseph Counties, Michigan

Jake Lynch — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 16:00:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about September 19, 2012, Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company filed for the abandonment of 19.37 miles of track between Coldwater in Branch County, Michigan and Sturgis in St. Joseph County, Michigan. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Pickens County, South Carolina

Jake Lynch — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:32:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about September 7, 2012, Pickens Railway Company filed for the abandonment of 8.5 miles of track near the cities of Pickens and Easley in Pickens County, South Carolina. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in McKinley County, New Mexico

Jake Lynch — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:00:00 GMT

On or about August 30, 2012, BNSF Railway Company filed for the abandonment of 5.11 miles of track near Gallup, McKinley County, New Mexico. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-6 (sub-no. 485 x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is September 29, 2012. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

Union Pacific to Abandon Rail Corridor in Polk County, Iowa

Jake Lynch — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:30:00 GMT

On or about August 06, 2012, Union Pacific Railroad Company filed for the abandonment of 5.8 miles of track near Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-33 (sub-no. 310x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is September 05, 2012. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: RTC's Web site may provide valuable tools as you plan for a rail-trail, including how-to manuals, the Trail-Building Toolbox, our Publications Library and the Trails & Greenways Listserv for trail advocates and professionals. These resources can be found within the "Trail-Building" section of our Web site. If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly, you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community. For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact the National Office of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Pocahontas County, Iowa

Jake Lynch — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:32:00 GMT

On or about August 3, 2012, Union Pacific Railroad Company filed for the abandonment of 1.95 miles of track in the city of Laurens, Pocahontas County, Iowa. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-33 (sub-no. 304x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is September 02, 2012. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: RTC's Web site may provide valuable tools as you plan for a rail-trail, including how-to manuals, the Trail-Building Toolbox, our Publications Library and the Trails & Greenways Listserv for trail advocates and professionals. These resources can be found within the "Trail-Building" section of our Web site. If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly, you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community. For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact the National Office of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Photo courtesy of www.TrailLink.com

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Cook County, Illinois

Jake Lynch — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:30:00 GMT

On or about July 23, 2012, Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad Company filed for the abandonment of 1.59 miles of track in Cook County, Illinois. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now.

A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-314 (Sub no. 5X). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad.

According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is August 22, 2012. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor.

However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its website, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

Throughout the process, make sure local government officials and citizen activists are kept informed of the project's progress. We also recommend contacting your state trails coordinator or your state bicycle/pedestrian coordinator. Both of these individuals are knowledgeable about state laws and resources and may be able to assist your community with this rail-trail project. Also, you may want to contact the abandoning railroad to add your name to their service list.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: RTC's website may provide valuable tools as you plan for a rail-trail, including how-to manuals, the Trail-Building Toolbox, our Publications Library and the Trails & Greenways Listserv for trail advocates and professionals. These resources can be found within the "Trail-Building" section of our Web site. If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly, you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community. For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact the National Office of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Geneva, Coffee and Covington Counties, Alabama

Lindsay Martin (RTC) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:35:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

Recently, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) learned of an upcoming railroad corridor abandonment in your area. On or about July 20, 2011, Alabama & Florida Railway Company filed for the abandonment of 42.9 miles of track through Geneva, Coffee, and Covington counties in Alabama. The corridor runs between the towns of Andalusia and Geneva, and the filing states that the corridor may be suitable for trail use. We are providing you with this information so you may take advantage of the opportunity to develop a real regional asset - a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-1073 (sub-no. 0x). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is August 19, 2011. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.

The STB has imposed a $200 filing fee for all railbanking requests. Entities filing a railbanking request may request a fee waiver or reduction, and government agencies will receive an automatic fee waiver. Throughout the process, make sure local government officials and citizen activists are kept informed of the project's progress. We also recommend contacting your state trails coordinator or your state bicycle/pedestrian coordinator. Both of these individuals are knowledgeable about state laws and resources and may be able to assist your community with this rail-trail project. Also, you may want to contact the abandoning railroad to add your name to their service list.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE: RTC's Web site may provide valuable tools as you plan for a rail-trail, including how-to manuals, the Trail-Building Toolbox, our Publications Library and the Trails & Greenways Listserv for trail advocates and professionals. These resources can be found within the "Trail-Building" section of our Web site. If you take advantage of this information and other resources promptly, you will be well on your way to creating a successful rail-trail in your community. For more information, or if you decide to pursue railbanking, please contact the National Office of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

With Railbanking, Tweetsie Line Trail Project Steams Ahead

Lindsay Martin (RTC) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:35:00 GMT

By Lindsay Martin

When I started at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in 2009, one of the first Early Warning System notices I sent out was for a 10-mile corridor between Johnson City and Elizabethton in Tennessee. So I was especially thrilled when the city of Johnson City and East Tennessee Railway reached a railbanking agreement for the corridor, locally known as the Tweetsie Line. The nickname "Tweetsie" dates back to the early railroading days, referring to the sound of the trains' steam whistles.

Local officials view this rail-trail project as an enhancement to the area's tourism industry. In a recent news article, Johnson City Commissioner Jane Myron said, "I think [the trail project] is a great tourism piece...an economic development piece."

What's also exciting about this news is that the Tweetsie corridor is poised to be Tennessee's first rail-trail built on a railbanked corridor. Railbanking allows railroad companies and a trail management agency to preserve an out-of-service railroad corridor for potential future reactivation through interim use as a trail. There are currently rail-trails built on railbanked corridors in about 35 states, including the Katy Trail (Texas), the Flint Hills Nature Trail (Kansas), the El Dorado Trail (California) and the Carolina Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail (South Carolina).

Additionally, there are trail projects planned on railbanked corridors in at least three other states--and with this recent news about the Tweetsie Line, Tennessee makes four.

Photo of Carolina Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail from TrailLink.com.

Early Warning System: Oakland County, Michigan Corridor Up for Abandonment

Lindsay Martin (RTC) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:34:00 GMT

RECEIVE RAILROAD ABANDONMENT NOTICES FOR YOUR STATE VIA E-MAIL

On or about July 1, 2011, Michigan Air-Line Railroad Company filed for the abandonment of 5.45 miles of track in Oakland County, Michigan. The corridor runs westerly from Haggerty Road, ending just past N. Wixom Road. The filing states that the railroad wishes to "sell the right-of-way to an appropriate governmental entity for use as a recreational trail." We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

NEXT STEPS: If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. A "boiler plate" letter (found here) can be filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and the abandoning railroad using STB docket number AB-1053 (sub-no. 2X). Filing this letter does not commit its authors to acquire the corridor; it merely gives time to develop a rail-trail proposal and undertake negotiations with the railroad. According to the information we have received, the deadline for filing this letter is August 10, 2011. Even if this deadline is missed, there is probably still time to contact the relevant parties, since the railroad may have experienced a delay in filing all of the paperwork, or the STB may still have jurisdiction over the corridor. However, it is important to take prompt action. The STB posts all abandonment decisions and filings on its Web site, including the complete filing for this corridor. More information on the rail corridor, including a map, can be found in this filing.