"Concerned" clearly hasn't spent much time around PLA property, where there has always been a strong and embraced presence of young volunteers. (The founders were practically teenagers, for god's sake!) While Alameda County may own the grade, this organization turned a dusty trail of rotting ties into a world-class tourist railroad, and they have every right to be protective of what they've built. Thanks for your assessment, though--it will be given the consideration it deserves.