This is your last minute reminder about the monthly meeting of the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Meeting (TRTC) coming up tonight, Monday, August 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the Woodcroft Professional Building at the intersection of Fayetteville Rd. and Woodcroft Parkway in south Durham. Sorry for this being late. There is a lot going on and I wanted to get something out for the first time in awhile.

We'll have further updates on the Phase E of the ATT project we are working on in southern Durham, new work on the future ATT in Chatham county, as well as other news. See below for updates of each. We hope you can make it to the meeting.

Do note that due to the Labor Day holiday, TRTC will probably not meet in September. This is general practice for us.

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 . 
 
National Trails Day REI-TRTC Chatham ATT Workday A Major Success

TRTC joined Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) in celebrating National Trails Day on Saturday, June 5th. Over 70 folks from as far away as Michigan moved "bucket brigade style," hundreds of cut trees and piles of brush that were cut south of O'Kelly Chapel Road by Steve Lund and a host of others in workdays earlier this winter. Others tried to keep up with "Chainsaw Monster Steve in clearing more logs and brush from the trail. Others worked north of O'Kelly Chapel Road. Participants were treated to T-shirts and refreshments provided by REI. This all helped build and open the ATT for informal use in Chatham County. This was the Triangle REI's largest National Trails Day workday ever.

Thanks to Heather Phillips at REI in both their Cary and Durham stores for working to organize this great event. See our Photos Gallery for pictures.
For more information on National Trails Day and for other National Trails Day events go to the American Hiking site. Click on North Carolina to see local events. We'll be doing something again somewhere next year.
 
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 , Durham Open Space and Trails Commission, NC State Adopt-A-Trail Program and National Recreational Trails Fund.

The City of Durham and Wake County have received major funding from the Federal Transportation Enhancements Program administered by the NC Dept. of Transportation Bike/Ped Division. TRTC is grateful to both of these organizations for helping to build the American Tobacco Trail.

Mower Purchased from Carolina Tarwheels Grant

Thanks to a grant from the Carolina Tarwheels Bike Club, TRTC recently purchased a riding lawn mower to maintain the ATT in southern Durham and in Chatham counties. If you've been out on primarily the southern Durham portions (but also less often in Chatham too) of the ATT recently you'll notice that the grass is nicely cut even during this time of high grass growth. Thanks To "Lawnmower Man" Cotten Tyler for cutting these miles of trail. For years, he has diligently used his own mower to mow the area primarily north of Scott King Road. With the new mower, he has been able to expand his horizons and get south of Scott King and into Chatham County. Cotten says the mower "cuts like a dream." TRTC wishes to thank the Carolina Tarwheels for their significant grant which made this possible.

Tarwheels Need Volunteers for Bikefest

Though Registration for the hugely popular Carolina Tarwheels BikeFest 2004 on Saturday, August 14, starting at the courthouse in historic Hillsborough is now closed, volunteers are still needed for the many jobs needed to host this 1000 cyclist event.  Check out this link for more Volunteering info. This is a great way to get to help out cycling in the Triangle. The Tarwheels have been very supportive of the American Tobacco Trail and TRTC; contributing not only funding, but Board members as well in the guise of David Connelly and Steve Lund and others.  Heck, you might even make a few new friends and see some places you've never seen before!

Construction Contract for Phase II of the ATT in Wake County Awarded

At their July 12th meeting, the Wake County Commissioners awarded the construction contract for Phase II of the ATT to Central Builders Inc. of Rocky Mount. Construction is set to begin in 60-120 days. This section will run from the current end of the trail at Wimberly Road about 1.75 miles north to a new trailhead on White Oak Church Road. This facility will be equipped with composting toilets and equestrian and bus parking. In addition, the contract also includes a composting toilet for the existing New Hill-Olive Chapel Road Parking area. These additions will be very much welcomed by all trail users.

ATT in Wake is Open and Going Strong
 
Unless you've been under a rock somewhere, most of you know that the first 3.5 miles of what will be about 7 miles of ATT in Wake county (and 22 miles of total trail) is now OPEN . If you've been waiting to see one of the Triangle's newest greenways, what are you waiting for! Spring and Summer are the BEST time to visit this beautiful trail.
 
Keep in mind that Summertime is a great time to see this section of the ATT for the first time. Since a lot of the trail here is shaded, it is generally cooler than the roads or less shaded greenways.

The trail surface in Wake is composed of granite screenings, which is easy on the ankles, yet firm enough to accomodate a variety of users. Hikers, runners, road and off-road cyclists, equestrians, and those in wheelchairs are welcome to use the trail. Sorry roller bladers! No motorized vehicles please! Be sure to follow the rules on the signage that is available at trail entrances. Please be respectful of your fellow trail users, the trail itself and the natural areas you are accessing.

Hours of operation are daily 8 a.m. to an hour before sunset.  Right now, the ATT closes about 7:30 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 or Debra at 919 387-2117 Email:  Tony.D'Amico@co.wake.nc.us
 
Parking and Trailhead Access Areas

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.

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. You might see some horse dung in the tunnel under US 64. It has been suggested that a broom be left there for trail users to sweep it out if they feel the need.

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@co.wake.nc.us , or me, billbus@gte.net and I'll pass it on.

Keep in mind that 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 - 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.

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 for 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.

Beware of Ticks

Ticks seem to be especially bad this year. Grassy areas of the trail are more prone than other areas as hotbeds for ticks. However you can still enjoy the ATT if you take precautions.

* Wear light colored clothing or socks to make it easy to spot ticks.
* Wear high-top shoes or boots.
* Check yourself and your partners regularly.
* Use Permethrin, the same active ingredient that is also used in Duranon™ and          Permanone® It is the active ingredient in hair lice shampoo and flea and tick dip.
This is a repellant that you spray on clothing ahead of time and let it dry before wearing. It will even last through at least two washings!  Compared to DEET, which is used primarily as a mosquito repellant, Permethrin is somewhat less toxic to people and animals. However, like all chemicals, keep it out of eyes, mouth and ears, and wash hands after applying. You can find it in most drugstores and camping supply stores.

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

The most frequently asked question we get at our recent information booth and tables at Festival for the Eno, at the Durham Earthday and recently at Whole Foods Market in Durham 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!

However, last week Kim Douglass of Durham Parks and Recreation reports 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.  Though funds are in place for a "bare bones"  Corten 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, 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.

Adopt a Park and Trail Program
 
Durham Parks and Recreation now has an Adopt a Park and Trail program which allows groups and individuals to help care for Durham parks and trails by doing what you are probably already doing! If you or your organization enjoys the satifaction of making things better for your fellow citizens, you might want to find out more about the Adopt-a-Park and Trail program at:
http://www.ci.durham.nc.us/departments/parks/aap_brochure.pdf

TRTC Continues Construction of Phase E 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 and Curt Devereux .
    
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.

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 work and emergency 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 has started and will continue through the winter. It is beyond the scope of this email 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. All you need to bring is work gloves, a snack and water. If you have some tools that you want to bring, please check with the contacts below.

Please contact Frank Bennett  Hm. 919 851-3992, Curt Devereux Hm.919-544-3948, or Bill Bussey at Hm. 919 545-9104 for more info on Trail workdays.

Good Articles on the American Tobacco Trail

Here is an article from The Cary News on the American Tobacco Trail.

Here is a PDF link an interesting article on the ATT from the Newspapers in Education Program.
http://www.ncpress.com/Foundation/Trails/baccobw.pdf

Let us know if you see any other interesting articles on the ATT.

ATT Construction Funding Part of Transportation Bill

Let me note that US Representative David Price has been working hard to get funds to complete the ATT in southern Durham and Chatham counties. We thank Congressman Price for he and his staff's efforts to fund the completion of the ATT. We cross our fingers that the current Federal Transportation bill, HR 3550, is passed with funding for the ATT intact. It will be a great day for the entire Triangle when the entire ATT is complete!

Please email US Representative David Price and tell him that you want him to do all he can to find funding to finish the American Tobacco Trail. His Transportation Staffer is Susan Howard which is where they will eventually go to. Tell him that you'd like him to do all he can to find funds quickly - maybe outside the Transportation Bill - to help insure that the American Tobacco Trail bike and pedestrian bridge over I-40 is more than the "bare bones" CorTen steel variety. Triangle residents, I-40 commuters and ATT users deserve more than a "bare bones" bridge over an artery serving almost a hundred thousand vehicles per day.

Another key player is US Representative Howard Coble, who is on the House Transportation Committee. Please feel free to email  Legislative Assistant Robbie Boone who actually sits in the the Transportation Committee meetings (boooring!) and tell him to do all he can to ensure the American Tobacco Trail in Durham and Chatham counties keeps its funding in the Transportation Bill.

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!
    
ATT Workdays in Chatham County

TRTC has been hosting semi-regular workdays in which we clear and clean the future ATT in Chatham County. Including the very successful National Trails Day workday with REI (see above) more than 100 people have contributed over 1100 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 help here!

With hot weather and full undergrowth upon us we have cut back on the scheduled second and fourth Saturday's in Chatham County. However, we will be scheduling these periodically from time to time on an as needed basis. We have a separate trail workday list which you can email trtc-volunteers-owner@rtpnet.org to join. 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 want to help at these workdays, find out where the trail goes or want more info, please contact Bill Bussey 

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 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 if you are interested in getting your Boy or Girl Scout, or other youth group involved.

Thanks to Old Chatham Golf Club

We'd like to thank Brian Powell, Superintendent at the Old Chatham Golf Club and his Senior Assistant Rick Henderson for their generosity in allowing us to store some of our equipment on golf course property. This has really helped our work efforts on the trail in the O'Kelly Chapel Road area. In talking with Brian, I was impressed with how much he, his staff, management and members of the Old Chatham Golf Club are concerned about the environment and want to make the Club one of the most environmentally friendly and supportive in the country. We thank them for their support of the American Tobacco Trail and look forward to working with them in the future.

More Chatham News
 
With this progress it is critical to keep those cards, letters and emails to Chatham County Commissioners in order for them to see the need to support the ATT with planning and other funding. For the commissioners names and addresses see our website at http://triangletrails.org.

Also, please contact Congressman David Price and tell him you want him to do all he can to complete the American Tobaccco Trail as soon as possible. The two trestles over Northeast and Panther Creek's need to be decked in order to complete the ATT.

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@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 and County Manager 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 rather than later.

Your Membership is Very Important

Your tax deductible membership 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 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!, 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 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 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.

Another Way to Help TRTC and Build the American Tobacco Trail

For those of you who are Food Lion shoppers, and who have a Food Lion MVP card, we ask that you go to the Food Lion website and enter your MVP card number in the Food Lion Shop and Share program as instructed. TRTC will receive a portion of your total grocery purchase. This is a painless way to help TRTC build the American Tobacco Trail. It does not interfere with any promotions offered by using your MVP card. You also do not have to buy any MVP products to participate. All you need to do is have the cashier scan your registered MVP card with every purchase, no matter how small.

To sign up, please go to the following link: http://www.foodlion.com/shp_lssstart.asp

Click on Register MVP Cards. Select Add MVP Cards. You will not be able to do this if you are using a Netscape or Mozilla browser. (I'm in that boat!) In this case, either switch temporarily to Internet Explorer or phone them at the number given. You can also obtain an MVP card at the site. To find TRTC, at Select State box, select NC. At the Select City Box, scroll down to Durham. We are headquartered in Durham. At the Select Organization Box, scroll down or Follow the prompts to scroll down to Triangle Rails-to Trails Conservancy. 

This isn't the most intuitive site in the world. Call the number if you have any questions. Also, I'll be happy to help out as well.

Let me billbus@gte.net know if you have any questions or comments.
 
Sign Up Now For The Triangle Greenways Council 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@yahoo.com and type "subscribe" in the subject line.

Thanks, and we look forward to informing you about Triangle Greenways!
 
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If you'd like to be removed from this list, please email Bill Bussey at billbus@gte.net or 919 545-9104. You can also use this address 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@gte.net
919 545-9104