[TRTC-news] American Tobacco Trail News for April 2005

[billbus at gte.net]

Hi Friends of the American Tobacco Trail,

Spring has Sprung! This is your last minute reminder about the monthly 
meeting of the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Meeting (TRTC) 
coming up Monday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Woodcroft Professional 
Building at the intersection of Fayetteville Rd. and Woodcroft Parkway 
in south Durham. All are welcome!

We'll be discussing progress on both the southern Section of the ATT 
that we are maintaining and managing for Durham, the 3.5 miles of trail 
we maintain and manage in Chatham, 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'll try to keep 
the meeting short so folks can get home to watch the basketball game!
 
We hope you can join us.

*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.
   
*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&currency_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. This page works for directions to trail access 
points on O'Kelly Chapel and New Hope Church Roads in Chatham County, as 
well as the Scott King Road Trailhead in southern Durham.

He'll be putting up a page of regular trail access points as well though 
this is not yet up. This is part of our new Volunteering 
<http://triangletrails.org/VOLUNTEERS.HTM> page. He's also put up a page 
with links to previous American Tobacco Trail News 
<http://www.triangletrails.org/ATT-ARCHIVE.HTML> as well.  Check out the 
News <http://triangletrails.org/NEWS.HTM> page at www.triangletrails.org 
for more info and the latest news.

*American Tobacco Trail Funding in Six Year Transportation Bill *

Representative Price has secured key federal support for the American 
Tobacco Trail in the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users 
(TEA-LU) which we've referred to in previous newsletters as the 6-Year 
Transportation Bill. According to a release from Congressman Price's 
office 
<http://price.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=7229>, $2 
million has been secured by Price  for the ATT in Chatham and Durham 
counties.

This bill has been postponed several times already with funding carrying 
on at previous years levels. This bill is a biggie and has still not 
passed through the House-Senate conference committee which hammers out 
the final bill, nor has it been signed by the President. However, with 
the announcement, chances are good that this funding will stay in place. 
Stay tuned for more info.

We hope that the 109th Congress passes, and the President signs, TEA-LU 
to include sufficient and increased funding for alternative and muscle 
powered transportation projects like the American Tobacco Trail.  
Offering safer and greater numbers of linked muscle powered 
transportation facilities will help to reduce pollution from travel and 
commuting, and increase the level of physical fitness, not to mention 
bring neighbors together.
*
American Tobacco Trail Set to Receive Funding in Federal Omnibus 
Spending Bill

*We have found out a little more about the ATT receiving just under $1M 
in the Federal Omnibus Spending Bill, apparently signed by the President 
on December 8, 2004. 

We've heard from several sources that the funds for the ATT would be 
evenly split between Chatham and Durham counties. Ms. Howard of 
Representative David Price's office <http://price.house.gov/> 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. This is great news because we'd like to see actual construction of 
the ATT in Chatham county.
 
*TRTC Volunteers Honored by Volunteer Center of Durham *

TRTC members Frank Bennett, Dan Clever, Curt Devereux were honored for 
their hard work on the American Tobacco Trail and for TRTC at the annual 
Volunteer Center of Durham Volunteer Recognition Banquet 
<http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/vcd/events/VolunteerRecognition/keyrec.html#What> 
held March 10 at the Durham Mariott.

Frank shares Trail Boss duties with Curt on the 3-mile section of ATT in 
southern Durham that TRTC has cleared, and continues to maintain and 
manage for the Durham Parks and Recreation Dept. It is because of their 
efforts, along with other volunteers, that this section of trail is 
*open now* for public use instead of being closed until Durham can 
properly manage it.

Frank also keeps our meeting minutes and is heavily involved with all 
TRTC activities.

Curt is the webmaster for TRTC's website <http://triangletrails.org/>. 
He worked to design the look of the site which is widely respected as 
THE source of information about the American Tobacco Trail. It is linked 
to by sites from all over the world. Curt is also involved in all 
aspects of the ATT and TRTC.

Dan is TRTC's Treasurer. Dan has gone the extra mile to maintain our 
financial records in a professional and complete manner. Dan is also 
very much involved in all aspects of ATT clearing, maintenance and 
upkeep, as well as in all TRTC's activities.

We are delighted and proud to have the services of Frank, Curt and Dan, 
who also serve on our Board, recognized by the Volunteer Center of 
Durham. Durham and indeed the entire Triangle is better because of their 
efforts. Thanks Frank, Curt and Dan!

*TRTC Makes ATT Presentation before Chatham County Commissioners

*On March 7, TRTC President Bill Bussey made a presentation about 
regional and Chatham County progress on the American Tobacco Trail to 
the Chatham County Commissioners 
<http://www.co.chatham.nc.us/CountyCommissioners/CountyCommissioners.htm> 
at their Monday work session. Over 1100 volunteer person hours, plus 
over $1200 in donated materials and supplies have been spent by TRTC and 
other volunteers on the ATT in Chatham.

We are requesting that the commissioners approve $100,000 already in 
county coffers from the county recreation exaction fee, for match funds 
which may be needed for the ATT, in their 2005-06 Capital Improvements 
Budget.

You can help 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 thanks for 
doing 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.

These two bridges over Northeast and Panther Creeks could be privately 
funded as well. Private funds could speed up their construction 
dramatically. If you, your company, organization or foundation is 
looking for a legacy project with potential naming rights to be enjoyed 
by thousands a year for years to come, please contact us 
<mailto:billbus at gte.net> and we'll put you in touch with the appropriate 
people.

*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.

*TRTC Info Table at Cisco Systems, Durham Healthy Kids Day, and Others*

TRTC hosted an information table at the Cisco Systems 
<http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/rtp.html> Health Fair on a rainy 
March 16. We met with many Cisco staff who wanted to learn more about 
the American Tobacco Trail.

TRTC hosted an info table at the Durham YMCA 
<http://www.ymcatriangle.org/Downtown_Durham.aspx> Healthy Kids Day 
celebration on April 2, at the Downtown Durham Y. It was neat to meet 
the many kids and adults who use the ATT on a regular basis, as well as 
encourage those who haven't to get out and walk, run or ride on the trail.

TRTC President Bill Bussey will be giving a presentation on the ATT and 
TRTC to the Durham Chapter of the National Association of Women in 
Construction <http://www.nawic.org/> meeting coming up on April 7 at the 
Spartacus Restaurant in Durham. Bill met with their organization Board 
in late February.

TRTC will also be setting up information table at the upcoming Wake 
County Earth Day 
<http://www.wakegov.com/county/parks/harrislake/Programs.htm> (bottom of 
page!) at Harris Lake Park in April 23. This event will run from 10 to 3.

We also hope to share a table with the Durham Open Space and Trails 
Commission at the Durham Earth Day <http://www.durhamearthday.org/>, 
also on the same date. We'll be doing our best to be in two places at 
once! If you want to help staff our table and learn more about the ATT, 
please contact Bill Bussey <mailto:billbus at gte.net>.

TRTC is also looking forward to hosting an information table at a 
GlaxoSmithKline <http://www.gsk.com/index.htm> staff health fair on 
Wednesday, May 18.

*Take Part in the Great Human Race 
<http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/Ghr.htm> in Durham April 9 at Mile 0 
of ATT in Durham*

TRTC is one of the registered nonprofits 
<http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/vcd/events/GHR/agencies.htm> 
participating in the Great Human Race 5K Run and Walk 
<http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/vcd/events/GHR/walk.htm> in downtown 
Durham next Saturday, April 9 starting at 8 a.m. at the American Tobacco 
Complex at Blackwell and Willard Streets across from the Durham Bulls 
Athletic Park and right up the street from the American Tobacco Trail 
Mile 0 in Durham. The race itself begins at 9:30.

Come on out and sign up to help the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy 
<http://www.triangletrails.org/> build the American Tobacco Trail. When 
you sign up for the race or walk 
<http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/vcd/events/GHR/walk.htm>, say you are 
walking or running for the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Raise 
funds for TRTC by getting your family and friends to sponso 
<http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/vcd/events/GHR/walk.htm>r you as you 
walk for TRTC and the American Tobacco Trail. All funds raised for TRTC 
will go to help maintain the American Tobacco Trail in southern Durham.

For more info, check out the Great Human Race website 
<http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/Ghr.htm>. For assistance and more 
info, contact Marti Dreyer <mailto:marti at thevolunteercenter.org> at the 
Volunteer Center of Durham at 688-8977 x23 or Carmen Westbrook 
<mailto:carmen at thevolunteercenter.org> at 688-8977 x22.

*Wake County American Tobacco Trail Workday A Big Success!

*On Saturday March 19, 22 volunteers from TRTC 
<http://www.triangletrails.org>, the Jordan Lake Trails Conservation 
Association <http://www.jordanlaketrails.org/>, the Volunteer Center of 
Durham <http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/> and others cleaned and 
cleared the new 1.3 mile long Phase II section (see below) of the 
American Tobacco Trail in Wake County.

Over five tons of trash ranging from scrap paper, bottles and cans, to 
junk televisions, ranges and refridgerators were cleaned from the ATT 
and adjacent areas. Several old trash dumps were completely removed, bag 
by bag, by the volunteers. The trail is virtually spotless! Thanks to 
everyone who helped. Also thanks to Wake County Parks staff who hauled 
most of it all away!

*Construction of Phase II of the ATT in Wake County Almost Complete*
 
Construction of Phase II of the American Tobacco Trail in Wake County is 
nearing completion. The trail itself is open 1.3 miles from the Wimberly 
Road Parking Area north to the not-yet-open White Oak Church Road 
Parking Area. To access this newest section of the ATT, park at either 
the Wimberly Road Parking Area or the New Hill-Olive Chapel Road Parking 
Area.

The White Oak Church Road Parking Area is still not open due to weather 
related construction delays. The gate to the parking area is currently 
gated and locked, so for your own safety, *please don't try to access 
this parking area yet.* It should be open by the middle of April. The 
new restroom facilities will not be complete until the middle of April.

Hours of operation for the ATT in Wake County are daily 8 a.m. to an 
hour before sunset.  Right now, the ATT closes about 7 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 <http://www.wakegov.com/county/parks/atc/default.htm> 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
*
Programs on the ATT in Wake*
 
Wake County Parks is offering several neat programs 
<http://www.wakegov.com/county/parks/atc/programs.htm> on the ATT during 
April and May. These programs are suitable for the entire family. There 
is a modest charge for each.

TRTC applauds Wake County Parks and Recreation Department 
<http://www.wakegov.com/county/parks/default.htm> for offering programs 
on the American Tobacco Trail. We encourage other parks and recreation 
programs in the Triangle and elsewhere to offer programs such as nature 
appreciation and bird walks, trail safety and etiquette and others, on 
trails and greenways, just as they offer programs in their other park 
facilities. Trails and greenways are open to everyone and offer many 
opportunities for organized programs.
  /
/Directions to Currently Open Wake ATT Trailheads

There are two trailhead parking areas 
<http://www.wakegov.com/county/parks/atc/directions.htm> on the Wake 
County portion of the ATT. Here is the Wake County Parks link to 
directions <http://www.wakegov.com/county/parks/atc/directions.htm> for 
both.

The principal parking area is off of New Hill-Olive Chapel Road, two 
miles south of US 64.  This trailhead is the largest trailhead currently 
planned and is designed to handle equestrian, bus and personal vehicle 
parking.
*
*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.

We'll post directions to the new White Oak Church Road Parking Area in 
the May ATT News.

*No Roadside ATT Parking in Wake County*

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/>, Whole Foods Market 
<http://wholefoods.com/stores/durham/index.html>, 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.
  
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 is now a group of primarily equestrian volunteers who are 
patrolling the ATT in Wake on a regular basis. These volunteers are 
spending time off their horses so that all of us can better enjoy the 
trail. 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 and urban 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?, Is it hot?) - and enjoy the American Tobacco 
Trail for the experience and treasure that it is.

The "outside" aspect of the ATT was brought home to me personally 
yesterday when I was riding on the ATT in Durham. Because of the 
wonderful trees enveloping the ATT north Solite Park, I didn't see the 
approaching threatening clouds moving in from the west until I crossed 
Fayetteville Road into Solite Park.
The clouds began to look more ominous as I dropped by to chat with good 
friend Sid Smith 
<http://www.newsobserver.com/print/saturday/other/story/2253842p-8633675c.html> 
at his Bike Rental store at the park. <http://www.ttbikes.com/>

When I told him I was parked back at the Durham Freeway (across from the 
Durham Bulls Athletic Park) trail access point, Sid said that I would 
certainly get rained on during the ride back. He offered a spare jacket 
which I readily accepted as I was wearing only a polo shirt. Sure, 
enough, shortly after starting north, the rain and winds came. It even 
started sleeting slightly. I wasn't alone as I passed several cyclists, 
walkers and runners coming from the opposite direction. I told them to 
head for the shelter at Solite Park. I managed to find and crouch under 
a dump truck in the parking lot of Hillside High School, until I heard 
thunder nearby. I figured then it was best to be a moving target and get 
a little damp than to be sitting on wet ground surrounded by a large 
hunk of metal!

The point is that bad weather can strike at any time. The American 
Tobacco Trail is fairly unique among rail-trails in that many parts of 
it are delightfully surrounded - and even completely enveloped - by 
trees and shrubs. Thus, you may not see bad weather until it is on top 
of you. Be aware of the forecast and conditions and be prepared.

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. These are soon to come in 
Chatham! 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'll be 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 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 begun moving again. Apparently, the NCDOT Bicycle-Pedestrian 
Division will be the "Lead Agency" at DOT on this project. Next stop is 
the City of Durham lawyers to look over the agreements necessary. That 
may take awhile! However,  we'll let you know as the process moves forward.

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.
  
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 slightly 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 over a thousand folks per month. During all 
weekends and most afternoons, the along the road parking area at Scott 
King Road is lined with vehicles, including equestrian trailers.

*Please Leash Your Dog on the ATT in Southern Durham

*Due to some recent complaints and concerns, we are now asking that 
trail users on the ATT between Massey Chapel Road and the Northeast 
Creek trestle in southern Durham please keep their dogs on a leash. 
Signage to this effect is now in place. While this rule has always been 
effect in all Durham and Wake County Parks - not to mention pretty much 
any park in the world! - it has been pretty much overlooked on this 
southern Durham portion of the ATT due to a comparative small number of 
trail users with dogs.
 
However, with increasing trail use by walkers, runners, walkers and 
runners with dogs, bike riders and equestrians, we are requiring that 
dog users maintain control of their dogs at all times by keeping them on 
a leash, unless no one else is around. Use common sense here and 
continue to enjoy the trail with your pet.

*TRTC's Trail Work in Perspective

*TRTC maintains, manages, makes safe for public use, /*over 6.5 miles*/ 
of American Tobacco Trail in southern Durham and Chatham counties. This 
is more than the combined greenway systems of Apex and Morrisville. It 
compares with the Cary Greenway System 
<http://www.townofcary.org/depts/prdept/greenway/gwylist.htm>. (I'll add 
that like the ATT in southern Durham and Chatham counties, Cary 
Greenways do not yet have any dedicated off-road parking facilities!) 
This 6.5 miles is also the length of the completed paved urban American 
Tobacco Trail in Durham.

If not for TRTC's efforts, and your contributions 
<http://triangletrails.org/MEMBERS.HTM>, these 6.5 miles of trail in 
Durham and Chatham counties would *not be open at all*, nor would they 
be open for more several years in the future.

Over a thousand folks per month happily use the ATT between Massey 
Chapel Road and the Northeast Creek trestle. We see these numbers 
continue to increase. This past weekend, the Scott King Road trailhead 
had as many as 18 vehicles parked alongside the road, with over eight 
there on a constant basis. A growing number of trail users are using the 
Chatham County sections as well. We do this on a completely volunteer 
basis with very little financial or staff help.

*The Job Being Done*

At the risk of tooting our own horn, when you use the trail I think 
you'll see we do a darned good job of it! The trail gets mowed. Holes 
and ruts are filled. Trash is emptied regularly and is never 
overflowing. User conflicts are resolved. Equipment and trail 
infrastructure is maintained and cleaned. Questions are answered. 
Questions and concerns are fowarded to the appropriate trail owners and 
managers. Signage is posted, and a host of other needed activities are 
performed. TRTC volunteers do these things because local governments 
aren't prepared to do them.

To the average trail user, these efforts are invisible and seamless. If 
you haven't visited these sections of trail yet, do so. Follow the 
directions listed elsewhere in this message. I think you'll be 
pleasantly surprised.

As is usually the case with volunteer ventures, most of these duties are 
performed by a small number of individuals who devote a lot of time, 
over many years, to keeping the ATT clean, clear and safe. These are the 
folks you see the links to in this message. There are many, many more. 
All deserve our thanks!

Thus, your financial contributions 
<http://triangletrails.org/MEMBERS.HTM> and volunteer contributions 
<http://www.rtpnet.org/mailman/listinfo/trtc-volunteers/> are *vitally 
important!* If nothing else, get outside and use the American Tobacco 
Trail and other trails and greenways this late Winter and Spring. If you 
see trail workers, or have to dodge a vehicle, tractor or mower on the 
trail, give them a word of thanks. Know that they are working hard to 
offer you and the rest of the Triangle something very special.

*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 late Winter and 
Spring 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.

*Workday on Eagle Spur a Huge Success!
   *
On March 13, ten TRTC volunteers cleared a number of downed trees that 
had fallen along this 2 1/2 mile fairly rugged old rail bed which dead 
ends at Jordan Lake.Starting at the Stagecoach Road trail terminus, the 
group cleared three major and about ten minor downed tree blockages as 
well as repaired the Wildlife Resources Commission trail entry gate. The 
weather was perfect, and the crew was great! Thanks to all who did this 
great work in reopening this trail for trail users as well as hunters.
  *
**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!
    
*Have you Walked, Run or Ridden on ALL of the American Tobacco Trail in 
Durham?

*As mentioned above, I had the pleasure of visiting with Sid Smith, 
owner of Tobacco Trail Bicycle Rentals <http://www.ttbikes.com/> 
yesterday. In our chat he noted that many of his customers riding the 
ATT did not venture north of the Fayetteville Street crossing, which is 
right down the road from NC Central University, because of safety concerns.

Part of the reason for trail users concern may be a scary looking 
apartment house to the west of the trail, just north of Fayetteville 
Street. There may be other areas of concern in this area as well, but 
mostly folks seem fearful of this crossing, so they don't go beyond it. 
This is too bad because they are missing a lot!

Sid feels that this portion of the ATT which runs north from Faytteville 
Street to downtown, is the among the most scenic on the trail, 
particularly this time of year. I completely agree! This section of the 
ATT runs through older, established neighborhoods in which the 
surrounding trees completely surround and envelope the trail (as 
described above!). The dogwoods and spring flowers will be blooming in 
the coming days and weeks ahead as the leaves bud and spring back into a 
green splendor. Also, just about the best view of the Durham skyline can 
be seen just north of Enterprise Street on this section as well.

I know of no safety or security concerns or similar problems ever from 
trail users in this area north of Fayetteville Street. Within sight 
distance of this crossing there is a Durham Police substation, a new 
Food Lion, and numerous shops, a bus stop, as well as homes, schools and 
churches. This is a vibrant neighborhood! I noticed several new shops 
had recently opened in my ride yesterday. Because of the all the 
activity, trail users shouldn't have worries when in this area.

Like anywhere else on the trail, on sidewalks or any public place, it is 
a good idea to walk, run or ride with a friend. It simply is a lot more 
fun that way. You can enjoy the ATT much more with a friend. Parents 
should keep within sight of their kids - hard as that may sometimes be 
when they are racing ahead on their bikes!  If you feel uncomfortable in 
an area - any area - just keep moving.  Follow the Trail Etiquette 
guidelines mentioned above and at www.triangletrails.org 
<http://triangletrails.org/ATT.HTM> .

*Fayetteville Road Parking Area Work Continues

*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 a 12-vehicle parking area for public access to the American 
Tobacco Trail on Fayetteville Road about a mile south of Southpoint 
Mall. 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.
 
*ATT Workdays in Chatham County

*TRTC is running 2nd and 4th Saturday workdays in Chatham County right 
now through April.

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 and a half 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.
 
* Wake Stone Joins TRTC Corporate Partners List

*We are delighted that Wake Stone <http://www.wakestonecorp.com/> has 
joined the ever growing list of companies who have made in-kind 
donations to the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Mr. Jeff Mann of 
Wake Stone donated 2 loads of gravel to TRTC's trail maintenance and 
management projects in southern Durham and Chatham counties. These 
donations came at a *very opportune* time as we really needed this 
gravel to fill in both long term and more recent ruts and holes on the 
trail so that they can be used safely by trail users.

Thank You Jeff and Wake Stone for your generous contribution.

If your company can help TRTC with an in-kind or even cash donation, 
please contact <mailto:americantobaccotriail at earthlink.net> us
 
We welcome these and all 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 four or more years for the governments to 
build, open and manage the trail.

*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 effort.

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 $35, 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&currency_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 delivers:

*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.

Or to subscribe yourself go to our new Greenway-News listserve 
<http://rtpnet.org/mailman/listinfo/greenway-news>  page.

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 use this contact info for 
more info. You can unsubscribe by following the links to 
http://rtpnet.org/mailman/options/trtc-news.

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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