Blue Lake hears latest Annie & Mary plans By Matt Kapko Eye Reporter The Arcata Eye March 18, 2003 Trails and Blue Lake walk hand in hand these days. At its meeting on Mar. 11, the Blue Lake City Council heard an update on the Annie and Mary Rail-Trail project and discussed the city’s trails. Project Coordinator Jennifer Rice of the Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) presented forthcoming trail options that are being studied through a grant. The Coastal Conservancy has provided a grant for an engineering study to look at alternative routes, ownership of the corridor, and preservation in the interim trail. The North Coast Railroad Authority, which owns the Arcata and Mad River rail line (also known as the Annie and Mary), is only supporting the trail for temporary use, as it plans to eventually restore service to California’s first functioning railroad. Strategically placed at the eastern end of the line, Simpson Timber Co. benefited from the rail service for years and is not interested in seeing a multi-use trail dead end in its property. Alternative routes Rice presented a trio options that RCAA is exploring in attempts to avoid the Korbel portion of the line. Essentially the trail will have to dead end elsewhere or be converted to a loop. The options include: a dead end at the levee, use the existing corridor and manipulate it to a loop through the levee, or terminate the trail in town and connect it with city trails. Response to each alternative, either pro or con, has been almost even, Rice said. In the case that the levee is used, nearby residents have voiced concerns with being completely encircled by recreational use. Council feedback Mayor Dave Nakamura said, “In general people like loops,” but added there would difficulty in dealing with any use of the levee. “The title issue is a big one,” Rice said. RCAA recommends that those who contest ownership of the corridor do a title search. In the East and Midwest there are tens of thousands of rail-trails that go through agricultural lands, she added. However, if the corridor continues to not be used for a significant amount of time, the adjacent landowners could begin making claims of ownership to adjacent sections. City Councilmember Brian Julian acknowledged the conflicts of interest, but said he would like to see the loop around the levee. City Councilmember Sherman Schapiro said he would like to see the loop in the business area of downtown. Nakamura concurred, saying “It’s definitely the path of least resistance.” RCAA plans to have a draft study prepared in the coming weeks. Annie & Mary update The most expensive part of the trail project will be the structures, namely the bridge and wooden trestles in the Glendale portion of the corridor. The main water line of the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District crosses over the bridge, and the district continually has problems with maintenance, Rice said. At present, funding for construction of an interim trail is looking grim. Rice remains optimistic in face of the challenge. She says there are numerous funding opportunities that still need to be explored. Blue Lake trails The City Council is working to implement a specific guide of rules for use of trails in Blue Lake. The trails are on city-owned property and the council is working hard to avoid liability. The council passed a resolution on policy and regulations regarding the city’s trails. City staff was instructed to place signage prohibiting unauthorized motor vehicle use at numerous entrances to the city. Julian noted reservations with signage “overkill.” He supports signs, but noted the cost. “We’re also looking at an ongoing expense if they’re vandalized.” Home