RURAL NELSON MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH, 2005 RURAL NELSON OFFICE Conny Roussos opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. and we all introduced ourselves. Then he introduced Steve Martin, who was present to speak about the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail. Steve began by saying that the railway was built in 1915 for the purpose of logging out all the American chestnut trees that were dying because of the chestnut tree blight. The railway was built very quickly, and ran continuously from 1915 to 1981, the longest span for any small line in the country. He passed around a book titled "Sentimental Journey, which tells the story of the development of the railroad using lots of pictures. Steve said that BRRT is endeavoring to get it republished as there seems to be considerable interest in it. After the chestnut trees had been salvaged from the forests, the railway ended up carrying other kinds of freight, mostly minerals, and was rebuilt in the 1950's. In 1981 the railroad shut down, and was sold to another short railroad in Maryland. The owner decided to take up the track and use the rolling stock on his own railroad. Steve and his wife bought the right of way from Piney River to Tye River, to hold onto with the idea of some day having a trail go over it. They approached Amherst and Nelson Counties about a trail, but the counties had no money for it. Ten years later Congress passed a bill whose provisions could be used to help finance a trail through VDOT's Transportation Enhancement Act. The Sierra Club was interested in seeing it happen. Seven years ago a group formed a steering committee and started meeting to plan the trail. In addition to working on planning, this group also did the necessary work to open up the territory as well. In 1998 the steering committee worked to get the county permissions needed from both Amherst and Nelson County. At this point both counties gave $20,000 towards the project. The committee wrote to everyone along the trail. As of now they have received over $800,000 in grants. Steve guessed that they probably have invested 4,000 man hours in the project. There are five bridges along the span. In 2002 the first two-mile section was opened from Piney River to Roses Mill. The project is run by the board of their non-profit foundation. They have regular work sessions on the trail. They have had good help with the project from old railroad hands who have helped make it a community project. The cost of the project will eventually amount to approximately $1,200,000. The Martins are donating the right of way to the county. Their plan is to go all the way from the Tye River to the James River. To do this they would need to get an interrupted right of way from Westvaco. They have set themselves this goal. BRRT has had wonderful support from the Sierra Club and from many other local organizations. For Steve, one of the most rewarding parts of the project is coming to know so many interesting people who share a passion for old railroads and others who appreciate the beautiful territory this trail opens up to them. Steve said the board works hard and has fun. He urged anyone interested to come to its regular meetings. Among those who have helped them in their start up is the national Rails to Trails organization. Steve added that people seem to want to help maintain the trail, for example, there is seldom any trash on it. In reference to the next section being worked on now, they have contracted out repair of all the bridges, and are building one covered bridge. After the bridges they will work on putting gravel on the trail. They have done two miles and have five miles to go. Doug Coleman has a great program, with pictures, on all the old short railroads in Virginia. The further they go the more people get enthused about the project. He urged those who are acquainted with the project and approve of it to talk about it to those they know. He ended by saying that it is really beautiful country that the trail goes through. Anyone who would like to see the section they are working on now that is not yet open can call Steve and he will arrange it. The next Rural Nelson meeting is Wednesday, June 2 at 7:30pm at the office on Front Street. Respectfully submitted, Mary Buford Hitz ----------------------------------------------------------------- OF INTEREST: - The Nelson County Clean Commute Day event will be held at the Nelson Center, on Friday May 7th, from 8am to 2pm. Clean Commute Day is a statewide event promoting commuter alternatives to driving alone, such as carpooling, transit, bicycling and walking. For more information, contact Kristie Feggans at (434) 296-8861 or kristief@ridejaunt.org if you would like to help with the event. - Saturday, May 22, 2004 - North Branch School presents Bandfair II, featuring the Hackensaw Boys, Tazo, Kow Pi and more at the Rockfish Valley Community Center from 3 to 8 pm for an outdoor celebration of the arts and live music. (Rain or shine: If the weather isn't cooperative, we'll move indoors.) There will be food, arts and activities for the whole family. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and $30 for families - tickets at Anderson's Market and North Branch School. Proceeds benefit North Branch School. For more information call 540.456.8450. - The Oratorio Society of Charlottesville-Albemarle will present a Memorial Concert on Sunday, May 23 at 3:30pm at Old Cabell Hall auditorium on the UVA campus featuring Bach's B minor mass. For more information http://www.oratoriosociety.org. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kim T. Cash Field Officer Rural Nelson, Inc. P. O. Box 401 (622 Front Street) Lovingston, VA 22949 434.263.5000 Email: info@ruralnelson.org www.ruralnelson.org