Cprr Wrote:
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> The cost of removing the track, getting the stuff
> out, grading or even paving the ROW into a trail
> will be millions. The cost of maintaining this
> from landslides, floods, and the marijuana farmers
> will cost even more. Can not wait for the first
> legal action when someone hiking gets hurt, or
> shot.

Here in Southwestern Pennsylvania, we have the Great Allegheny Passage which uses former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie and Western Maryland Railway rights-of-way to form a continuous trail linking Pittsburgh, PA with Cumberland, MD. In Cumberland, it links with the C & O Canal Towpath for a connection to Washington, DC. The trail has been an economic boost for many communities which were in decline even when the railroads were still active. I've biked portions of the trail and look forward to biking more sections in the future.

The eastern most section of the trail parallels the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. If the ex-C & O 1309 is successfully restored (admittedly a huge if), the trail will offer some wonderful railfanning opportunities not available to automobile users.

A section of the trail also offers some great railfanning opportunities just south of Pittsburgh near Port Perry where Norfolk Southern and the Union Railroad cross the Monongahela River.

Here's a link to the Great Allegheny Passage website:

Great Allegheny Passage