[TRTC-news] American Tobacco Trail News for January 2005
Bill Bussey
billbus at gte.net
Mon Jan 3 13:44:31 EST 2005
Hi Friends of the American Tobacco Trail,
Happy New Year!
Hope your 2005 will be a great one!
This is your last minute reminder about the monthly meeting of the
Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Meeting (TRTC) coming up Monday,
January 3, (that is tonight!) at 7:30 p.m. at the Woodcroft Professional
Building at the intersection of Fayetteville Rd. and Woodcroft Parkway
in south Durham.
This is your first American Tobacco Trail News since October. There have
been a number of things happening since then. We'll be discussing
progress on both the Southern Section of the ATT that we are maintaining
and managing for Durham, as well as the trailhead parking facility we
are constructing on Fayetteville Road. We'll also discuss other progress
on the ATT and our other activities.
We hope you can make it to the meeting.
*Quick Note
*
Please note we are now utilizing an email list server run by our website
provider, www.RTPNet.org <http://www.rtpnet.org>. You can easily remove
<http://rtpnet.org/mailman/options/trtc-news> yourself from this list
serve by following the link at the bottom of this message. Or you can
contact me at billbus at gte.net as well.
Also, we know that this is the second time you've heard from us in the
past week or so. Just after Christmas, we sent out our 2004 Progress
Report and Annual Appeal. For those of you who have responded to that
Appeal, THANK YOU! If you haven't, then there are links from here you
can do so!
A lot of the information here is stuff we didn't have room for in that
overview of our activities. So you'll find a lot of new stuff here, as
well as an update on some material from previous ATT News'.
*1st Stop: www.triangletrails.org
*
If you haven't already been there be sure to check out the Triangle
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website at: *www.triangletrails.org *. You
can join TRTC <http://www.triangletrails.org/MEMBERS.HTM> or make a
contribution via PayPal
<https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=americantobaccotrail%40earthlink.net&item_name=Triangle+Rails-to-Trails+Conservancy&cn=Comments&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US>
here right now.
Webmaster Curt Devereux <mailto:devereux at gte.net> has recently put up a
page with Directions to locations
<http://www.triangletrails.org/DIRECTIONS.HTM> of where to access the
ATT on trail workdays. He'll be putting up a page of regular trail
access points as well. This is part of our new Volunteering
<http://triangletrails.org/VOLUNTEERS.HTM> page. He'll also be putting
up links to the previous four of these ATT News as well, though they
aren't up yet! Check out the News <http://triangletrails.org/NEWS.HTM>
page at www.triangletrails.org for more info and the latest news.
*
American Tobacco Trail Set to Receive Funding in Federal Omnibus
Spending Bill
*According to Susan Howard of Representative David Price's office, the
ATT will receive just under $1M in the Federal Omnibus Spending Bill,
apparently signed by the President on December 8, 2004. I'm not sure
about the signing, as this signing is from a press report from December 9.
Ms. Howard notes that funds for the ATT would be distributed by NCDOT
and perhaps other state agencies. They probably become available locally
toward the middle of 2005. We'll keep you informed about this as we
gather more news.
We hope that Durham and Chatham counties will agree to split these funds
in an equitable manner between themselves. While we support Durham's
desire for additional funds to complete a "better than bare bones"
bridge across I-40, and for completion of the trail to the county line;
we also hope that at least some of these funds will be used for at least
one major ATT project (a bridge deck perhaps?) in Chatham County, in
which other than for TRTC's clearing and maintenance efforts, have not
yet started construction at all. You can rest assured that TRTC will
assist in any way we can in this effort.
Representative Price has also requested additional funding for the
American Tobacco Trail in the upcoming 6 Year Transportation Bill. This
bill has been postponed several times already with funding carrying on
at previous years levels. We hope that the 109th Congress passes this
bill and the President signs it in an expedient manner.
*TRTC Volunteers Continue Work on Parking Facility*
*/And the walls came down!/ *TRTC volunteers continued construction work
on an ATT Parking facility on Fayetteville Road, about 3/4 mile south of
the Streets of Southpoint Mall. We completed demolition and hauling away
of one major and two minor structures and continued removal of a lot of
trash and junk on the site. A significant amount of material, including
brick, cement blocks and wood was recycled from the demolition, and will
be hopefully used at the site and other places on the ATT.
We'll continue to clean and clear the brush from the site. Our next
major step is to hire a grading contractor to grade the site and build
the parking area.
*We need help of lots more folks and volunteers* to help clear the brush
around the grounds as well as other parts of the project.
*Scouts and other volunteer groups are especially welcome and needed! *
Thanks to a grant from the National Recreational Trails Fund
<http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/trails/grant.html>, and assistance
from the Triangle Greenways Council, <http://www.trianglegreenways.org>
which owns the property, TRTC <http://www.triangletrails.org> is
constructing this 12-vehicle parking area for public access to the
American Tobacco Trail. The facility will allow for equestrian and pet
access, but will be too small for equestrian trailer parking. When
completed, it will be donated to the City of Durham Parks and Recreation
Dept. for use by the public for years to come.
A grant from REI <http://rei.com/> will allow us to connect this
facility to the ATT with a short bridge.
This will be an important project for TRTC over the coming months.
Please come out and help us out any way you can. Your monetary
contributions or contributions of time will help us complete this
project sooner.
*Construction of Phase II of the ATT in Wake County Underway*
Construction of Phase II of the American Tobacco Trail in Wake County is
nearing completion. Most of the trail is complete, but is not yet open.
Construction on the parking facility at White Oak Church road is
underway, and barring bad weather, which has delayed construction;
should be complete by March. The new restroom facilities will not be
complete until after April or so.
This section will run from the current end of the trail at Wimberly Road
about 1.5 miles north to a new trailhead on White Oak Church Road. This
facility will be equipped with composting toilets and equestrian and bus
parking. Also being constructed are composting toilets for the existing
New Hill-Olive Chapel Road Parking area. These additions will be very
much welcomed by all trail users.
Wake County Parks ATT Manager Tony D'Amico said late last week that both
the trail and parking area north of Wimberly Road are construction zones
and thus *not open for use*. They have not yet been turned over to Wake
County by the contractor. He says for your own safety, *please do not
access* the White Oak Creek parking area, or the portion of the trail
between the Wimberly Road trailhead north to the future White Oak Church
Road trailhead, while under construction.
Hours of operation in Wake County are daily 8 a.m. to an hour before
sunset. Right now, the ATT closes about 5:00 p.m. Check the sign upon
entering the parking areas to verify closing times. If the gates at the
trailheads are closed, the trail is closed.
Also, please be sure to check out the trail information kiosks just
installed at the trailheads. Here you'll find information to make your
ATT experience more enjoyable.
For more trail information and comments, contact the American Tobacco
Trail manager, Tony D'Amico <mailto:Tony.D%27Amico at co.wake.nc.us> or
Debra Bradsher <mailto:Debra.Bradsher at co.wake.nc.us> at 919 387-2117
Parking and Trailhead Access Areas in Wake County
There are two trailhead parking areas on the Wake County portion of the
ATT. The principal parking area is off of New Hill-Olive Chapel Road,
two miles south of US 64. From Raleigh, Cary and points east, go west on
US 64 to the NC 751 traffic light. Turn left or south onto New
Hill-Olive Chapel Road. Go two miles, crossing a bridge over Beaver
Creek. Just past the bridge, see the blue Wake County Parks sign, turn
left into gravel drive and go through the gate. Note closing time sign
at entrance. If gate is closed and locked, trail is closed.
This trailhead is the largest trailhead currently planned and is
designed to handle equestrian, bus and personal vehicle parking.
>From Durham and points north, go south on NC 751 to the US 64 traffic
light. Go straight through the light go two miles to the gravel drive on
the left shortly after the Beaver Creek bridge.
>From Pittsboro, Jordan Lake and points west, go east on US 64 to the
NC 751 light. Turn riight or south, go two miles to the gravel drive on
the left shortly after the Beaver Creek bridge.
>From the South, take US 1 to the New Hill/Harris Lake Park exit. Go
north on New Hill-Holliman Road to the intersection of Old US 1. Go
straight onto New Hill-Olive Chapel Road approximately 3 miles, crossing
the New Hope Valley RR tracks. About a 8/10 mile beyond the tracks, turn
right into the gravel drive which leads to the parking area. See the
Blue Wake County Parks sign. If you cross the Beaver Creek bridge you've
gone too far.
The other parking area on Wimberly Road is designed for only personal
vehicle parking because it isn't large enough to safely accomodate
equestrian trailers. If you want to park your equestrian trailer please
go to the New Hill-Olive Chapel Road trailhead.
To access the Wimberly Road trailhead from Raleigh, Cary or points east,
take US 64 west to Jenks Road on the right. See the Citgo convenience
store at this intersection. Go 1/3 mile (mileages are approximate) to
the first left. Turn left onto Wimberly Road. Go approximately 1 mile
passing the Cary-Apex Water Treatment plant, and crossing the White Oak
Creek bridge. The trailhead is located on the right.
>From Durham and points north, go south on NC 751 to the US 64 traffic
light. Turn left onto US 64. Go approximately two miles to Jenks Road on
the left. See Citgo convenience store. Follow above directions.
>From Pittsboro and points west, go east on US 64 to the NC 751 light.
Go approximately 2 miles past the light to Jenks Road on the left. See
Citgo convenience store. Follow above directions to trailhead on
Wimberly Road.
Please do not access the trail by parking on Goodwin Road or Olive
Chapel Road. The Goodwin Road crossing is in a neighborhood and the
trail is adjacent to a driveway used by several families. If you park on
the driveway or the trail, you will be towed, as well as make a lot of
people unhappy. Olive Chapel Road is a heavily traveled, fairly high
speed, narrow road where there is no formal parking area. It is
hazardous to get in and out of your vehicle here alongside the road.
Please use the above mentioned parking areas which are conveniently
located, safe and dedicated to trail use.
*TRTC Can't Do It Alone*
TRTC and other governmental organizations working on the ATT have
received grants in the past from Carolina Tarwheels Bike Club
<http://www.tarwheels.org/> , Durham
<http://www.ci.durham.nc.us/departments/clerk/boards.cfm#durham_open_space>
Open Space and Trails Commission
<http://www.ci.durham.nc.us/departments/clerk/boards.cfm#durham_open_space>,
NC State Adopt-A-Trail Program
<http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/trails/grant.html>*, *Triangle
Community Foundation <http://trianglecf.org/>, REI <http://rei.com/>
and* *National Recreational Trails Fund.
<http://www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/trails/grant.html>
The City of Durham and Wake County have received major funding from the
Federal Transportation Enhancements Program
<http://www.enhancements.org/> administered by the NC Dept. of
Transportation Bike/Ped Division.
<http://www.ncdot.org/transit/bicycle/default.html> TRTC is grateful to
both of these organizations for helping to build the American Tobacco Trail.
*
*
*TRTC was Whole Foods Market Community Spotlight Organization in October
*We were delighted and honored to be Whole Foods of Durham's Community
Spotlight Organization for October. Located at 621 Broad Street in
Durham, Whole Foods Market
<http://wholefoods.com/stores/durham/index.html> invited TRTC to set up
a display map and provide other information on our activites during the
month of October. They set up collection boxes at each checkout stand
so folks could donate their spare change to TRTC. This was very
successful. Thanks to all of you who contributed.
TRTC has been setting up ATT and Durham Greenways information tables
once per month this summer and fall at Whole Foods Market in Durham.
We've met and gotten to know many of you here, as well as offered the
latest info on the progress of the ATT. We've also been encouraging
folks to use the ATT and other great greenways and trails throughout
Durham and Triangle.
The Triangle Trails Conservancy is grateful for Whole Foods Community
Liaison Tammi Floccare for giving us these opportunities to share with
our community our maintenance and trail management activities and to
promote the use of the American Tobacco Trail and other greenways in the
Triangle.
We welcome those contributions which we'll use to continue our
construction, maintenance and management activities which have opened
the ATT in southern Durham and Chatham counties for *safe public use
NOW* instead of having to wait three or more years for the governments
to build, open and manage the trail.
Shared Use Trail Etiquette
While many of you know to say a quick hello when meeting or passing
fellow trail users, a lot of you may not have been on greenways or
trails used by horses.
The key thing to remember is that "Wheels Yield to Heels. Bicyclists and
other wheeled users yield to those on either two or four feet! Hikers
should yield to equestrians. If you aren't sure what to do, stop, and
let the equestrian pass. Feel free to ask the horse rider what you
should do. Most folks riding horses will gladly chat with you about
their mount.
If you meet a trail visitor on horseback while they are crossing a
bridge, or while they are in the tunnel, stop and let them completely
cross or exit before you enter or cross.
While many horses are fine in confined spaces with others, some may not
be as comfortable in proximity to strangers on/in these places. Slow
down and wait a few seconds and let them clear. Everyone will enjoy the
trail a lot more. Don't forget to say hi to the rider!
If you overtake a horse, cyclist, walker or runner from behind, make
verbal contact with the trail user."On your left" will generally do it.
A quick "thanks" after passing is always a good idea.
If you come across park staff or volunteers doing work on the Wake
County or southern Durham portions of the ATT, first, catch their
attention, and indicate you want to pass. For your safety, stop until
they give permisson to pass. They may have to move or stop what they are
doing to allow you to safely pass.
This is particularly true when the workers are working with motorized
machinery. They may not hear your approach because of the noise of the
machinery they are operating. If they don't see you, wave your arms a
bit until they acknowledge your presence and motion you to pass.
You'll no doubt see some horse droppings on this portion of the trail.
Step or ride around it just as you do the occasional fallen branches or
mud puddles. The trail surface is a minimum of ten feet wide, and
sometimes more than that (we measured!) so it is easy to find room to go
around it.
Keep in mind that unlike dogs, cats (and people!) droppings, horse
droppings are plant based. It will go away quickly after a rain.
There are now a group of primarily equestrian volunteers who are
patrolling the ATT in Wake on a regular basis. Sometimes they will be on
their horses and sometimes not. Their job is to remove horse dung from
the trail surface, pick up the occasional litter, answer questions about
the ATT and help serve as additional eyes on the trail. They wear
distinctive blaze orange vests with "Volunteer" printed on the back and
will probably have a dust pan in their hands!
Please thank them for their service. Don't forget you can help too by
packing your trash out and picking up and packing out at least one piece
of trash, removing a fallen limb or kicking away some dry dung, on your
trip to the ATT.
Of course, if you see anything of interest, or have any comments or
questions feel free to contact ATT Manager Tony D'Amico at
Tony.D'Amico at co.wake.nc.us , or me, billbus at gte.net and I'll pass it on.
*The American Tobacco Trail is Outside*
/*Duh!*/ Every effort will be made to keep the ATT clean and safe by
staff and volunteers. As an ATT user, you can do your part as well by
taking your trash home with you and respecting your fellow trail users.
However, do note that part of the experience of a rural trail, and for
being outside in general, are the occasional horse droppings, downed
limbs, rough weather and bugbites. Take precautions for the things you
can - like bug and tick bites, hydration and the weather (Is it
drizzling? Is it cold?) - and enjoy the American Tobacco Trail for the
experience and treasure that it is.
Trail Etiquette Continued
Bring along a friend to enjoy the trail with you.
The ATT is only open during daylight hours.
Say hello or at least offer a nod to fellow trail users. We've found
that folks who use trails are about the friendliest folks around.
Don't use the ATT at night because unless you are a licensed hunter, it
isn't open.
Bring along a cell phone if you have one.
If you see any suspicious behavior, contact 911 or Tony D'Amico at 919
387-2117
Don't leave valuables in parked vehicles.
Don't carry much cash or valuables with you.
Bring water with you. Currently there is no water available at trailheads.
Stay on the trail.
Take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Seven miles from end to end, and
back, can take an hour and a half on a bike, and three hours or more on
foot. On the paved ATT in Durham, it is a 13 mile round trip! Add
another 3 miles if you do the Riddle Road Spur! If you aren't
experienced or in shape yet for these hikes or rides, do a shorter trip,
and save the rest to explore later.
Remember, the more we use the American Tobacco Trail and other greenways
throughout the Triangle, the safer they will be. Crime doesn't like crowds.
Also, the more we use the ATT and other area greenways, the better shape
and fit YOU will be!
Again, we encourage all trail users to bring along a plastic grocery bag
to pick up trash when using the ATT or any trail in the Triangle. Put a
few in your daypack. You'll find trash cans located at many trailheads
on the ATT in Wake county and in Durham. If everyone *picked at least
one piece of trash *on their visit to the ATT, the ATT would soon be
*spotless*. Please keep the ATT clean and green.
*TRTC Opens A Store*
Speaking of stores, a great way to help the American Tobacco Trail is to
purchase ATT and TRTC logo items from our new store. Please visit
http://www.cafepress.com/trtc and check out the items we have listed
there. These are made and shipped to order. I ordered a golf style
shirt, a license plate frame and a sticker and am very satisfied with
the quality and service. I'm ordering more soon! On neat feature added
is that you can easily track your order on the site. We hope this will
be of service to our members and trail users. Show your pride in the
ATT! Please let us know what you think and feel free to suggest any
items you'd like to see at our store.
If you or your organization would like to get a shop at your own, please
check out the home page of the site. Please access the information site
at : http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/storeref.aspx?refby=trtc and tell
them you heard it from TRTC.
*Durham News
*
*Durham Trail Maps
*There are new maps of the ATT and other Durham Greenways available
online for printing and download at the Durham Parks website:
http://www.ci.durham.nc.us/departments/parks/trails.cfm
*I-40 Bridge Project Update* /*
*/
The most frequently asked question we get at our recent information
booth and tables at Festival for the Eno
<http://www.enoriver.org/festival/>, at the Durham Earthday
<http://www.durhamearthday.org/> and recently at Whole Foods Market in
Durham <http://www.wholefoods.com/stores/durham/index.html> is: 'When
will they finish the ATT (or Bike/pedestrian) bridge over I-40?" Our
answer - two years, though I've been saying that for the past four years!
The last *update* we have is that the process to begin planning for this
bridge is currently being held up in the offices of the NCDOT. We aren't
sure what department(s) of NCDOT are placing a hold on this project.
We'll let you know as soon as we do!
Kim Douglass of Durham Parks and Recreation earlier reported that Durham
Parks will finally initiate the process of planning and design for the
American Tobacco Trail bridge over I-40 soon with the delayed start of a
previously awarded contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff
<http://www.pbworld.com/default.asp>*. *Though funds are in place for a
"bare bones" Corten (rust colored steel) bridge, similar to the ATT
bridges over University Drive and Roxboro Street in Durham, it is hoped
that additional funding, such as those requested by US Representative
David Price in the next Transportation Bill in Senate/House conference
committee, or perhaps in the Omnibus Spending Bill, described above, can
be found to build the bridge in a more architecturally significant manner.
Durham Parks had been delaying starting this process in hopes of
receiving these funds soon. However, because this funding has been
delayed due to federal politics, there is no firm date on when/if they
will become available. With the already obtained grant funding needing
to be spent soon or risk losing it, Parks is starting the design process
now with two styles of bridges proposed. Plan A will either a "bare
bones" Corten steel bridge, with a Plan B being something a bit more
worthy of a crossing over the major artery of I-40.
TRTC feels it would be good to find additional funding for a better,
Plan B "architecturally significant" bridge over I-40. I've written
below on how to write our Representative Price on requesting funds
sooner. There must be other sources of these funds, perhaps private or
state, to make up the differene in the short run. Please feel free to
write or call if you have any ideas.
If all goes well, we should have an American Tobacco Trail bridge across
I-40 in the next two or three years.
*
TRTC Continues Construction of Durham South portion of ATT*
TRTC has been working on construction of the ATT from Massey Chapel Rd.
to the Chatham County line. Workdays are scheduled the *first and third
Saturdays* of each month. Meet at 9 a.m. where the future ATT crosses
Scott King Rd. in southern Durham County. For more information on these
workdays contact new Trail Bosses,* Frank Bennett
<mailto:FJB675 at hotmail.com>* and *Curt Devereux
<mailto:devereux at gte.net> . *
Working under a grant from the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission,
and led by *Thad Howard* and others, volunteers have been clearing trash
and brush, improving drainage, filling in holes, installing fences and
traffic control bollards, and making other improvements in order to get
this portion of the trail open sooner than it normally would be without
volunteer help. TRTC has written agreements with both the City and
County of Durham, along with insurance to facilitate this work.
The City of Durham is supposed to eventually take over the management of
this portion of trail when TRTC are finished with this construction.
However, we have recently learned that TRTC will probably be managing
this ourselves on at least an informal basis until the trail is built by
Durham. *Your membership and donations will help us keep this three-mile
stretch of trail open for folks in the rapidly growing southern Durham
area. Your donations also help us on the 3.5 mile section in Chatham
County too!*
A *BIG THANKS* to everyone who has helped with this effort. Your hard
work helps to s-t-r-e-t-c-h very limited grant funds. Though sometimes
with the rains it is a bit muddy in places, we have made a LOT of
improvement on the drainage of this portion of the trail. Over 20 tons
of trash have been removed in this area as well. It is open during
daylight hours and used by many.
*For Your Safety...*
Please don't park directly in front of obvious trail or greenway
entrances, in front of trail bollards or gates or where the greenways
and trails obviously cross the road. This can prevent emergency and work
vehicles from entering or exiting the trail if needed.
Also, the future ATT south of Massey Chapel Road accesses NC Wildlife
Resources managed gamelands near the intersection of Massey Chapel Road
and lands surrounding Northeast Creek. The ATT in Wake County also
accesses NC Wildlife Resources managed gamelands. Hunters utilize the
future ATT to access these gamelands.
Hunters, hikers and other trail users can all use the ATT together,
however, it is recommended that everyone take appropriate precautions,
follow any posted signage, stay on the trail unless hunting, and be
aware of potential hunting in this area. Hunting season will continue
through the winter. It is beyond the scope of this newsletter to
describe the hunting season, rules and regulations. For more information
on hunting please go to: http://www.ncwildlife.com .
*How to Help*
If you want to help with this project we start at 9 a.m. at the trail
crossing at Scott King Rd. on the *first* and* third* Saturdays of each
month. As mentioned above, we'll be doing a lot of work at the ATT
parking area on Fayetteville Road, about 2 miles from the Scott King
Road crossing this summer. If you don't see anyone at Scott King Road at
9 or 9:30 on Saturday morning, come on up to Fayetteville Road, where it
crosses over the ATT about a mile south of I-40, and you'll probably see
us there.
We'll also be working on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays this Fall on the ATT
in Chatham County. Meet at the trail crossing of O'Kelly Chapel Road at
9 a.m. If you have any questions, contact the folks below.
All you need to bring to any workday are work gloves, a snack and water.
Stay for only an hour, or for more than an hour. We need you as long as
you are able. If you have some tools that you want to bring, please
check with the contacts below.
Please contact *Frank Bennett <mailto:FJB675 at hotmail.com> * Hm. 919
851-3992, *Curt Devereux <mailto:devereux at gte.net>* Hm.919-544-3948, or
*Bill Bussey* <mailto:billbus at gte.net> at Hm. 919 545-9104 for more info
on Trail workdays.
*I'd rather be Riding on the American Tobacco Trail!*
Please get out and use the ATT and other area greenways and trails.
Enjoying our trails and greenways not only helps your health, it
demonstrates to municipal staff and elected officials and leaders that
these facilities are needed and appreciated.
While you are on the greenways, why not carry along a plastic grocery
bag and pick up at least one piece of trash. If everyone picked up at
least one piece of trash on their greenway visit, our trails and
greenways would be spotless!
*Chatham Update*
*Great News from Chatham County!
*
Chatham County Parks and Recreation Director Tracy Burnett reports that
the ATT is budgeted for $100 K in Chatham County's Fiscal Year 2006
budget. These funds would be used to match grants as needed to construct
the American Tobacco Trail in Chatham County. While these funds are
subject to the budgetary process and would have to be approved by the
entire Board of Commissioners, this does represent another commitment
from Chatham County for the American Tobacco Trail.
With this progress it is critical to keep those cards, letters and
emails to Chatham County Commissioners
<http://www.co.chatham.nc.us/CountyCommissioners/CountyCommissioners.htm>
in order for them to see the need to support the ATT with planning and
other funding. Tell them thanks for the budgetary funding, and urge them
to continue their support for the American Tobacco Trail. For the
commissioners names and addresses see our website at
http://triangletrails.org.
Also, please contact Congressman David Price
<http://www.house.gov/price/Email_David.htm> and tell him you want him
to do all he can to complete the American Tobaccco Trail in Chatham as
soon as possible. The two trestles over Northeast and Panther Creek's
need to be decked in order to complete the ATT. The trail itself in
Chatham needs to be constructed and signage installed. Unlike Durham and
Wake counties, Chatham doesn't have the large urban constituent base or
lobbyists to ask for his support of Chatham County projects. Thus, your
letters, emails and phone calls thanking him for he has done and asking
him to do all he can for particularly Chatham County, carries
significant weight here.
*Chatham Recreation Advisory Board Awards Grant to TRTC*
In a further demonstration of commitment to the American Tobacco Trail,
the Chatham County Recreation Advisory Board in the Fall awarded TRTC
grant funds for up to three gates for additional trail crossings in
Chatham County.
*ATT Workdays in Chatham County begin again for Winter
*TRTC will start up 2nd and 4th Saturday workdays in Chatham County
starting this month.
Want to know more? We have a separate trail workday list which you can
email trtc-volunteers-owner at rtpnet.org to join. You can find We'll keep
those on this list informed of workdays in both Chatham and Durham counties.
If you can drag a limb or heft a log, we need you. You only need work
gloves and appropriate clothing, water and snacks. If you have a chain
saw and want to use it for the ATT, please let us know. If you want to
help at these workdays, find out where the trail goes or want more info,
please contact Bill Bussey <mailto:billbus at gte.net>
Last year TRTC <http://www.triangletrails.org> hosted semi-regular
workdays in which we cleared and cleaned the future ATT in Chatham
County. Including the very successful National Trails Day workday with
REI on June 5, 2004, more than 100 people have contributed over 1200
person-hours to clip and clear the ATT of trash, trees, limbs and brush,
as well as remove trash and junk piles, fill holes and do some grading,
mowing the trail surface
We have also done many more informal workdays with smaller groups.
Traffic control gates have now been installed at three road
intersections in Chatham County. However, we still need funds to
purchase gravel to fill mud holes, funds or tractor grader donations to
grade and level the trail surface, cut and move downed trees, among
other things. Your tax deductible contributions
<http://triangletrails.org/MEMBERS.HTM> help here!
TRTC is working with Chatham County Parks to develop a Memorandum of
Agreement about possibly constructing and maintaining on approximately
three miles of American Tobacco Trail in Chatham. Your membership
<http://triangletrails.org/MEMBERS.HTM> and donation dollars will *help
us a lot* here in Chatham. Stay tuned...
*Scouts! Where are You?!
*
Working on the ATT is an excellent Boy or Girl Scout, or youth project.
As described in the mention of the kiosk and fence construction above,
projects on ATT make excellent Eagle Scout projects, or other community
service project, that will challenge youths to grow in their leadership
and organization building schools.
The ATT is a community resource that will be enjoyed by generations to
come. We welcome youth groups to come help build the American Tobacco
Trail. Even if your group can spare only a morning or an afternoon, we
need you. We can arrange something that will not only help the American
Tobacco Trail, but make your group feel good about their accomplishment
as well. Please contact Bill Bussey <mailto:billbus at gte.net> if you are
interested in getting your Boy or Girl Scout, or other youth group involved.
*
More Chatham News*
*
Wake News *
See LOTS of information above. Trail Volunteers have been organized. For
more info on this contact Wake ATT Manager Tony D' Amico 2112 County
Park Dr. New Hill, NC 27562 919 387-2117 Tony.D'Amico at co.wake.nc.us
<mailto:Tony.D%27Amico at co.wake.nc.us> .
FYI, Tony says the ATT is receiving over 1000 visitors per month, even
during in the winter months. Many of these trail visitors are
equestrians. These are solid numbers and really demonstrate the need for
more rail-trails like the American Tobacco Trail.
Please feel free to write the Wake County Commissioners
<http://www.wakegov.com/general/commissioners/default.htm> and County
Manager <mailto:dcooke at co.wake.nc.us> to ask staff to purposefully work
with Chatham County and TRTC to connect both the Wake and Chatham
portions of the ATT as a natural surface trail *sooner* or *NOW* rather
than later.
*
Your Membership is Very Important*
Your tax deductible membership <http://triangletrails.org/MEMBERS.HTM>
contributions and donations help us match grants and pay for projects
that help build the American Tobacco Trail. Because of City of Durham
requirements we had to purchase more insurance for our trail workdays.
Unfortunately insurance is a fact of life when doing almost anything
these days. We just got the bill for insurance the upcoming year. Yep,
just like your own personal or property insurance, it went up a
substantial amount.
Because of greater than expected challenges with City of Durham
beauracracy, we are experiencing some additional costs related to our
construction of the Chancellor's Ridge trailhead. Your membership and
donations help that effor.
And funding for all Eagle Spur cleanups come completely from TRTC
memberships and contributions.
Right now work in Chatham, from gravel to fill mud holes to any truck
rentals to haul out downed trees is paid for with contributions and TRTC
<http://triangletrails.org/> membership funds. Insurance costs
$1,300/year, a load of gravel costs $250, a days rental of a chipper or
Bobcat is $250, a tank of diesel fuel costs $25, an information kiosk
costs $500-'$1000, brochures are 20 cents each. The list goes on...
Your tax-deductable (we're a 501 (c) (3) corporation ya' know!) cash and
in-kind contributions are very much welcomed to help us fund these
projects so we can continue our work to build the American Tobacco Trail
so you and everyone else can use it NOW.
Please note that the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is not a
chapter of, nor does it receive any funds or support from the national
Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC). RTC has offices in various states,
(unfortunately not, NC) but no chapters. If you join RTC, the Triangle
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the American Tobacco Trail receives no
funding, nor any help from them. While RTC puts out a great magazine,
and offers a nice website (of which we were the October Trail of the
Month! <http://www.railstrails.org/find/totm/archives/03-10.asp>, only
by joining or making contributions to TRTC can you help build the
American Tobacco Trail, as well as other rail trail projects in our area.
We hope you'll consider joining us as a new member, or renewing your
membership in TRTC. You can even now join or make a contribution online
via PayPal
<https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=americantobaccotrail@earthlink.net&item_name=Triangle+Rails-to-Trails+Conservancy&cn=Comments&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US>
at our site. So joining is easier than ever!
For a form to join the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy see our
website at www.triangletrails.org. Or send $25 for an Individual
membership, $35 for a Family, or a donation of any size, along with your
name, address, phone, Email, and Comments on a piece of paper to: TRTC
<http://triangletrails.org/> PO Box 61091 Durham, NC 27715-1091.
Thanks to the many who have recently joined and renewed their
membership! We are utilizing these funds to meet necessary expenses and
other important needs.
*Sign Up Now For The Triangle Greenways Council
<http://www.trianglegreenways.org> E-Newsletter*
Are you interested in greenways advocacy for the Triangle region?
Do you want to keep up with the latest developments regarding Triangle
greenways?
Would you like to know how to reach the key people in your community who
are working for greenways?
Every other month, TGC's E-Newsletter will deliver:
*The latest news on greenway programs in the Triangle region
*Volunteer opportunities
*Progress reports on greenway trails under construction
*Links to key organizations and individuals who support, build, and
promote a network of Triangle greenways
*Links to articles and reports about greenways
If you would like to receive the Triangle Greenways Council
e-newsletter, please send an e-mail to: trianglegreenways at yahoo.com and
type "subscribe" in the subject line.
Thanks, and we look forward to informing you about Triangle Greenways!
*Board Members for Worthy Trail Organizations Wanted
*If you've read this far, you must really care about trails and
greenways in the Triangle!
If so, you are a perfect candidate for the Board of either the Triangle
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy or the Triangle Greenways Council. If you
are interested in serving on the Board of one of these fine
organizations, or know someone who might be a good candidate, please
contact Bill Bussey <mailto:billbuss at earthlink.net>.
All we ask is that Board members attend most regularly scheduled
meetings. TRTC meets the first Monday of each month in southern Durham.
TGC meets the 4th Monday of each month in Raleigh, at The Healing Place,
near the State Farmers Market. Serving on one of these boards is a great
way to be of service to the community. We are accomplishing a lot and
working to make the Triangle better! Many of our members have gone on to
bigger and better things! We welcome your participation.
*
Remove Me
*
If you'd like to be removed from this list, please email Bill Bussey
at billbus at gte.net or 919 545-9104. You can also follow the links to
trtc-news at rtpnet.org at the bottom of this page. You can also use these
addresses for more information.
Whew! There is a lot going on! If you are still with me, thanks for
sticking through to the end. Hope you have fun with the links. Let me
know if I can answer any questions or in any way be of help. Thanks
again for all of your support. See you on the ATT.
Happy Trails,
Bill Bussey
President
Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
billbus at gte.net
919 545-9104
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