In Ulster County, More Trails, Less Rails

  |  August 27, 2014
catskill mountain railroad

Some changes are afoot with the Catskill Mountain Railroad, thanks to the Ulster County Legislature. Last week, they passed a policy that calls for the conversion of the section of the Ulster Delaware railroad into a trail running from Kingston to the Ashokan Reservoir. The rail, however, would remain intact from Mount Tremper to Phoenicia. All of this is set to take place once the CMRR’s lease with Ulster County expires in 2016. Not surprisingly, according to an article from the Daily Freeman, members of the CMRR were present at the meeting and upset by the vote. Others like representatives from the Ulster County Trails Committee were elated. This rail-to-trail plan is part of a larger scheme to connect the Walkway over the Hudson to the Ashokan Reservoir with trails. “This project will create a world-class Ulster County tourism attraction that positively impacts economic development, community access and public health,” stated Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. What are your thoughts on the rails to trails policy?

About Kandy Harris

Kandy is a writer and musician/music teacher living in Saugerties, NY.

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