A core issue in the environmental lawsuit that will
be filed against the NCRA once it certifies the EIR
is the requirement to evaluate the effects of operating
trains in the Eel River Canyon.

The environmental groups are not interested in stopping
freight south of Willits. Their concerns have always been about
the Eel River Canyon.

John Williams may have realized that he's not going to
live to see freight operations north of Willits. However,
the EIR is legally required to address it unless a more
specific binding commitment is made to give it up.

This could be the first step in resolving the wars.
John will get his freight trains operating and the environmental
organizations will band together to create one of the longest
rails-to-trails conversions in the U.S.

Should this come about, I predict, it will become one of
the great tourist destinations providing economic stimulus
and opportunities to the town that would provide associated
services.

Everyone on this forum should applaud the efforts of the NCRA
and environmental organizations to sit down and
negotiate an end to the NWP wars.