A news release announcing the filing of an amended Unit Management Plan for the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor did contain an unexpected portion: a quote from Adirondack Railway Preservation Society President Bill Branson, supporting the plan. The society oversees the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, which operates on the state-owned tracks. A successful lawsuit filed by ASR in 2017 prevented the previous state plan to remove the tracks from proceeding.
“This extraordinary investment assures the ability to extend accessible passenger rail excursion and scenic services, and their related economic development benefits, to Tupper Lake and the northern region of the Adirondacks. The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society and its large body of riders, volunteers, and supporters look forward to continued initiatives supporting the success of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad,” the release quotes Branson as saying.
Branson has yet to respond to a Trains request for comment.
The decision in the 2017 case rested primarily on the definition of the corridor as being intended for use by vehicles or trains. There were also concerns about historic preservation of the railroad and related structures, and questions about whether the state owned all the of the land in question.
In 2018, the Adirondack Park Agency changed the definition of travel corridor to include a rail trail. The new proposal includes construction of signs and exhibits in the area where the tracks will be removed, explaining the railroad’s historical importance in the area. The tracks were once owned by New York Central.
There may also be some tracks or structures left in that area, which could be converted for other uses, such as warming stations for those using snowmobiles, according to the plan.
The plan, which can be found on the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website calls for the Tupper Lake-Lake Placid section to be transferred from the Department of Transportation to the DEC for development. The remaining portion would remain under DOT’s oversight.
The portion from Tupper Lake to Big Moose Station will be rehabilitated to support passenger rail service, the plan says.
“Connections to existing trail systems on neighboring public lands will be established, and facilities such as engine houses and fueling facilities will continue to be supported where necessary.”
There will be public hearings on the proposal on Dec. 3, 4, and 5 in local communities. Written and email comments will be accepted until Dec. 20, and should be addressed to: John Schmid, Natural Resources Planner, NYS DEC, 626 Broadway, 5th floor, Albany, NY 12233-4254, AdirondackPark@dec.ny.gov.
