Put it to a vote? Where? Surely you don't mean in the Peoples' Republic of Arcata; the collectivist City that tried to outlaw corporations eight or nine years ago. You may be correct that Humboldt County’s self-appointed intelligentsia would never publicly admit that democracy is an acceptable answer to their concept of green despotism. In recent years, elements in Eureka and Arcata, and environs, have been bastions of eco-nihilism, promoting agendas that are antithetical to every principle that made -- and keep -- this country strong. However, the issue has been voted on many times in many places; for example: the Legislature and Congress have voted to reopen the railroad; the Humboldt Bay Port Commission voted to reopen the railroad; many local governments and Councils of Governments along the line have voted to support reopening the railroad; and, except for Marin County, the County Supervisors have voted to support reopening the railroad. The issue has been voted on and the results have been consistently clear.

Refugee is right. Public ownership conveys no right of public access (Ever want to try out that little, last-stop room for the condemned at San Quentin?). Nevertheless, you are also right that no one is going to be prosecuted – at least not until somebody gets hurt. If, as a result of trespasser activity, there should substantial property damage to railroad property and/or someone is injured, or worse, then you can absolutely expect the NCRA, and maybe even the Feds (perhaps depending on what was damaged or who was hurt), to be looking to prosecute for criminal trespass, at a minimum.

Real or alleged shortcomings of the owner have no bearing on the standing of the railroad right-of-way or the law. Regardless of any individual opinions with respect to the merits of the goal, there is a statutory mandate from the State to reopen the railroad. Until and unless the statutes change, the NCRA is lawfully bound to reopen the railroad.