NPS is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding the proposed extension of the Western Maryland Rail Trail from Pearre Station, Washington County, MD to the Paw Paw Tunnel area of the park, near Paw Paw, West Virginia. As part of that they've released four preliminary alternatives for the trail. These alternatives vary primarily in the distance the trail will be extended.
Alternative 4 (see below) builds the trail all the way to the Paw Paw Tunnel Access/Campground Parking Area. So really it is a matter of how much then can afford to do. Alternative 4 is the best option though.
The bad news is about the tunnels. It was already decided that the trail would bypass the Indigo Tunnel to preserve bat habitat. Now, they're considering bypassing both the Stickpile Tunnel and the Kessler Tunnel for the same reason.
Bypass options to avoid use of the tunnels and install bat gates are being considered because the tunnels provide habitat (called hibernacula) for many species of bat. Additionally, White Nose Syndrome (WNS) has killed more than a million bats in the Northeast United States. Human activities in the tunnels could cause stress to bats and increase the risk to spread WNS. WNS is a relatively new condition and the NPS in consultation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and United States Fish and Wildlife Service, will examine the potential effects of different options as it relates to the use of tunnels for the extension of the WMRT.
I'm no biologist so I can't tell you how legitimate a threat this is, but it would be a bummer to lose the tunnels as part of the trail. It would, of course, also be a bummer to kill all the bats. Even with closed tunnels, it would still create an interesting alternative to the C&O Canal Towpath and allow for some amazing views of the Potomac River on the 6 new crossings. But I vote for trails open if possible.
There are further options about parking locations and about crossover trail design from the WMRT to the C&O Canal towpath. I don't care too much about the former, but on the later I'd like to see the more direct options chosen as opposed to switchbacks. That's Option 1 on the east side of Indigo Tunnel and Option 3 on the west side (which has the most gradual slope and more paving, but probably does the most damage since it includes a retaining wall).
The comment period runs to August 15th, so if you have opinions, let them be known now. The whole process is to be complete by the end of the year.
One last tidbit
A separate study is being performed by the Maryland State Highway Administration involving widening the US-51 Bridge and creating a bike lane/path between the NPS Paw Paw Tunnel Access and the town of Paw Paw, WV. This project would provide for better pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between the C&O Canal NHP and the town of Paw Paw, WV. The study team will consider this improvement in the planning process for the WMRT Extension.
WNS is a hoax, foisted on us by liberal elite vigilantes from crime-ridden metropolises.
...
Tunnels are awesome. Bats are awesome. This is like finding out that eating ice cream kills kittens.
Posted by: Ron Alford | July 22, 2011 at 09:17 AM
My wife and I rode the Western Maryland Rail Trail for the first time from Big Pool to Hancock and back a few weeks ago. I was bummed that there weren't any of the old railroad tunnels on that stretch, but it was still a good time and a lot cooler by virtue of being in the shade. Next time, we'll do the stretch from Hancock to Pearre. I'm a big fan of the tunnels, but I understand if they get left out for the bats, though it would be nice if they'd leave one for bats and one for people, etc.
Of course, in true Copenhagenize fashion as practical urban cyclists, we were wearing normal clothes and no helmets — why would we need a helmet? They're aren't any cars! :) My wife refuses to bike in anything but dresses. Apparently, we were in the minority on that one with all the spandex and special biking clothes. :)
Tons of fun, though. Wish there was more to do or see in Hancock, as I think we ate in the one passable restaurant.
Posted by: Steve D | July 22, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Steve, did you check out the C&O Canal museum, about 1/2 mile to the south of town? It's small but pleasant. There's also the hokey fruit stand a little farther past the Park 'n Dine which has a plastic topographical map of the area mounted on the wall . . . and pie. Lots of pie.
It's really just a stop for those headed out to the North or West, or availing themselves of the nearby cycling and boating opportunities.
Posted by: Crickey7 | July 22, 2011 at 12:09 PM
I'm not too fond of tunnels myself. I don't even like that tunnel on the Capital Crescent Trail. I'd probably like this tunnel even less, with the bat guano all over the pavement.
I don't know if I'll ever ride out that way, but I wouldn't miss those tunnels if they are closed off.
Posted by: Michael H. | July 22, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Crickey7, yep, we stopped in that old plantation house on the canal, if that was the museum. But we didn't linger too long, as it was hot in there and we were hungry! I think the proper C&O canal museum is back toward Hagerstown somewhere. I remember passing a sign for it on the interstate either coming in or going out of Hagerstown from DC.
One of these days I'm going to bike to Pittsburgh on the C&O — in fashionable clothes, of course. :)
Posted by: Steve D | July 22, 2011 at 01:01 PM
I don't even like that tunnel on the Capital Crescent Trail
On days like today that tunnel provides a welcome, if too brief, respite from the 100 degree heat :)
Posted by: JeffB | July 22, 2011 at 01:02 PM
Jeff: or warmth in winter, or shelter from the rain. This summer you can feel the chill coming from a long way. Its very welcome.
Posted by: SJE | July 22, 2011 at 05:01 PM
The echoes are kind of fun.
fun.
fun.
Posted by: Crickey7 | July 22, 2011 at 05:22 PM
to lose even one of these tunnels to this would be a true shame whats wrong with the natural caves these bats have lived in for millions of years many of witch have not even been discovered by people ?
Posted by: r tobesman | July 22, 2011 at 09:48 PM
Michael would probably hate the tunnels on the abandoned PA Turnpike (which I've biked). One's over a mile long.
Posted by: Froggie | July 22, 2011 at 09:55 PM
you mean the LOST hwy those tunnel look cool
Posted by: r tobesman | July 22, 2011 at 09:59 PM
I hiked through the Indigo Tunnel several years ago. It would be totally cool to ride through it.
Posted by: Timothy J. | July 23, 2011 at 09:05 PM
I would love to go through that tunnel(indigo)I just hope that when(if) they do seal it up that in a few years then review the effectivness of the closure, then maybe the tunnels can be opend up and then what ever proposed options are went with will then be a series of trail loops
Posted by: r tobesman | July 24, 2011 at 01:55 AM
Personaly I want the trail to be built the way it was proposed in the begining ,but I am also very much on the side of any trail is better than no trail !! Also if the trail would be crushed stone rolled and dressed the trail could go much farther
Posted by: r tobesman | July 24, 2011 at 02:19 AM
Those intrested in the bridge and tunnel option should check out the carpendale rail trail project its very simalr to this project in that it too is part of the WM-west sub.It starts at MD jct.and runs to south cumberland not sure of overall lenth it has one tunnel (knobbly)now with lights and one bridge #9 potomac crossing . all the contract onfo is on public record should give a good idea of cost per bridge and tunnel (if used)keep in mind it was a (prevaling wadge job)and not all of this project should have to be that high of a scale wadge, although some may!
Posted by: r tobesman | July 24, 2011 at 02:45 AM
This is a fast developing story and we should try to keep this towards the top of the comment list!
Posted by: r tobesman | July 27, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Have all concerned sent in your letters answering the questionare and opinions section ?I think 8-15 is deadline!!
Posted by: r tobesman | August 02, 2011 at 11:53 AM
7 days left to respond
Posted by: r tobesman | August 07, 2011 at 03:19 PM