MAY 2004 ATT NEWSLETTER

Hi Friends of the American Tobacco Trail,

This is your reminder about the monthly meeting of the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Meeting (TRTC) coming up this Monday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Woodcroft Professional Building at the intersection of Fayetteville Rd. and Woodcroft Parkway in south Durham.
 
We are scheduled to have a special guest in Tanner Weeks, who is a recently joined the Durham Parks and Recreation Dept. as a Park Designer. He'll hopefully have preliminary designs for the future ATT and Herndon Park parking area at Scott King Road. We look forward to his presentation.

We'll also 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.

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 . 
 
TRTC Says Goodbye to Thad and Betsy Howard

Former TRTC Vice Chair, Betsy Howard and husband, longtime TRTC Board member and trail boss, Thad Howard, will be leaving us and the Triangle in June for a new job opportunity in Memphis, Tennessee. We will miss them both.

Thad Howard Has Worked Hard to Build the ATT

I first met Thad back in April of 1998 at a workday to clear downed trees and brush on the Eagle Spur. Thad joined us as part of a crew to clear this little known, but very much appreciated, rail-trail which we hope someday to be a part of the Durham and Triangle trail system. An active member of the local conservation community - I think he was then/or later became Chair of the local chapter of the Sierra Club -Thad told us then that he wanted to build trails that people could use now.

He made good on that goal by working to obtain a grant from the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) to clear trees, trash and brush, improve and rebuild drainage, fill in holes, install fences and traffic control bollards, and make other improvements in order to get a three mile-long portion of the trail from Massey Chapel Road to the Chatham County line, open years sooner than it normally would be without volunteer help. Folks were already using this future trail. He felt that they should be able to use and enjoy it safely and have it look nice as well.

Thad led the charge to organize, plan, host and lead workdays each 1st and 3rd Saturdays, that continue to this day. Thad utilized the DOST grant to obtain supplies such as gravel, culvert, bollards and kiosks, along with necessary equipment to chip trees and move gravel and dirt. He worked to write and facilitate plans, agreements and needed easements with both the City and County of Durham, as well as the Corps of Engineers and Wildlife Resources. TRTC obtained needed insurance to support these efforts.

After spending most of the Fall of 2001 clearing and cleaning this three mile long trail, the project was set back to below "Square zero" with the ice storm of that December. More pine trees were down and covering the trail than when we started. Still, this portion of the trail was open for use within two weeks of the storm, beating for cleanup any other significant trail or greenway in the Triangle.

This portion of the American Tobacco trail is now essentially complete, with only a little work remaining. Durham will finish the trail with a granite screening surface, and more substantial drainage improvements and signage when funds become available. TRTC is committed to maintaining and managing, if needed, this section of American Tobacco Trail until Durham is ready to take over management of it.

Thad also worked to construct a trailhead on dontated property at the Fayetteville Road bridge over the ATT. TRTC had obtained, or thought we had obtained this property, as well as a major grant to develop it into a parking area. Due to many challenges that I won't go into, this project is now back to the planning and final design process. We are delighted that Durham Parks has just verbally agreed to accept this property when we are complete in its construction. We will continue our construction of this parking facility, as soon as plans are approved by the City of Durham.

Among many other passions, Thad has also served on the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission, as well as has been chair of Durham Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission. These organizations too will miss him.

Betsy Howard a Treasure

Betsy Howard has also had a major role in TRTC's success in her years of service. Betsy did much needed research, organization and compilation of the status of our grants and projects that were in process. With a lot of recent turnover, our grants and project records were in not in good shape. Betsy compiled them into an easy to follow format so we could see what we had, so we could see where we needed to go.

Betsy also patiently served as our Vice President for four years. She was a voice of calm and reason in some occasionally heated discussions. She encouraged us not to jump into projects without thorough research and planning, and to take care of ourselves with adequate insurance, waivers and other safeguards. She helped me look at things in new ways and a different perspective. I'm grateful to her many insights, skillful interpretation and contributions over the years.

TRTC's and the Triangle's loss is Memphis's gain! We'll miss Betsy and Thad. Thank you both for your many contributions to Durham and Triangle trails, greenways and open space over the years.

In Memory of Wendy Olson

Hillsborough and the Triangle lost longtime trail and environmental activist Wendy Olson last week due to injuries sustained in an auto accident. Wendy was a personal friend whom I had the pleasure to work and serve with on the Triangle Greenways Council. Wendy also served TRTC by performing pro bono engineering and hydrology study work on our Massey Chapel Road south (ATT Phase E) project as well as our Chancellors Ridge Parking facility project.

Wendy worked hard for trails in her beloved Hillsborough, as well as for trails throughout the Triangle. Last Fall she organized a meeting of Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro planning staff and advocates to discuss ways of connecting the Chapel Hill Greenway System to the American Tobacco Trail and Durham Greenway system.

She was a primary mover of the Hillsborough River Walk project, as well as a Triangle Greenways Council project to connect the Durham Forest trails to the trails along the Eno River. Both trail projects, when they are completed, will owe a lot to her skills and dedication. They will indeed be her legacy. It is now up to us to make sure they come to reality.

Those of us who knew Wendy Olson, aready greatly miss her. We send our thoughts and prayers to her husband Brian and to the rest of her family.

Chatham Trail Walk Scheduled for May 8

On behalf of the the Chatham Recreation Advisory Board,  Bill Bussey (that be me!) will be leading a walk on the future American Tobacco Trail in Chatham County on May 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of the ATT and O'Kelly Chapel Road. We'll walk up and back approximately 1.3 miles north to the still undecked Northeast Creek Trestle. Depending on interest, we may hike south from O'Kelly Chapel after the first hike.

While this is intended to show the Recreation Advisory Board and Chatham county staff and officials this portion of the ATT and the progress being made on it, the public is invited. Please contact Bill Bussey or Tracy Burnett at 919-542-8252 to RSVP so we know how many will join us.

To get to the trailhead. From NC 751, turn east on O'Kelly Chapel Road just south of the Durham County line. Go 1.75 miles east on O'Kelly past one Rosemont on the left and Old Chatham Golfcourse on the right. You'll see the trailhead at the top of the hill on the curve. Please email Bill Bussey for specific directions from  Durham, Raleigh, Pittsboro, Cary or anywhere else.

Poll Results

The results of the poll at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/attnews/ regarding the upcoming "Buy a Board" fundraising program to raise matching funds to deck the trestles in Chatham County are in. As many of you know, funds raised with such a "Buy a Board" program will go to raising a match for any grants used to deck the Northeast Creek and Panther Creek trestles; or if not needed for that, other physical trail construction needs. Check out the polls section at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/attnews/polls

In the final results, $50/board led with 5 votes, followed by $20 at 2 votes, and $30, $40, $60 and $100 at one vote each. Check this out now at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/attnews/polls

Unless you are already a member of this group, you may need to sign up to see the photos or participate in the poll. Just go to the site and follow the directions. Let me know if you have any questions.
 
National Trails Day is Saturday, June 5th 

TRTC is joining Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 5th. We'll be moving cut trees and brush that were cut south of O'Kelly Chapel Road by Steve Lund and a host of others in workdays earlier this winter. This will help build and open the ATT for informal use in Chatham County. We have a limit of 50 folks at this event so please RSVP early as indicated below.

Meet at REI between 8:30 and 9 a.m. at their Durham location 6911 Fayetteville Rd. Suite 109 in the Renaissance at Southpoint Shopping Plaza across Fayetteville Street from the Streets at Southpoint Mall. We'll work until 1 p.m.

However, there will be some working after 1 p.m. so if you want to make a day of it, bring your lunch! There may also be other primarily ceremonial festivities at ATT trailheads in Durham and in Wake County. Stay tuned for more details!

We'll carpool to the worksite from REI. Please confirm your anticipated attendance with Heather Phillips or Customer Service Staff at the Durham REI at 919-806-3676 or the Cary REI at 919 233-8444.

You can also confirm your attendance with Bill Bussey of TRTC at billbus@gte.net or 919 545-9104. If you want more specific information, including direct directions to the trailhead, contact Bill as well. Do note that parking is limited at the trailhead, so it would be best to carpool from REI if possible.

Plans are to move by dragging and hauling, sectioned trees, limbs, brush that were cut up and stacked (sometimes!) earlier this year. We may be doing some more cutting with hand saws and loppers. However, with summer in full force and the forest surrounding the trail at its peak density, it will be more difficult to move this brush than it was in the winter.

What to Wear and Bring

Be sure to wear long pants, a lightweight long sleeve shirt, work gloves and suitable footwear. You should remain dry unless there is rain that day. However, you might want to hike down to Panther Creek and hop across on the sandbar if if the water is low. Ticks are very bad out on the trail so you might want to bring tick repellant (Permethrin), and possibly mosquito repellant. Sunscreen.is good anytime you are outside this time of year.  As in any trip on a trail bring along some water, and a snack if you like. REI will supply bagels, water, perhaps juice and other lightweight snacks. You will also receive a symbolic Trails Day T-shirt as a thanks for your participation.

If you have them, feel free to bring loppers or small hand saws with your name on them. If you don't have them, or don't want to bring them, then don't! There will be plenty of simple hauling and loading to do!

If you have a preferably older pickup truck that you don't mind loading brush and wood into and driving on a fairly rugged offroad trail, please let either Bill or Heather know. We may can use it that day.

Participate at Own Risk

Please note that all those taking part in this workday participate at their own risk. Participants will sign multiple waivers! REI, TRTC, any other organizers, all land managers, or anyone else participating in or in any way connected with the organization of this workday are not responsible for damages to any gear, equipment or any personal injury. We'll work safely or we won't work at all.

So make your plans now for our National Trails Day event in cooperation with REI. 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.

If You Can't Work -  Walk, Roll or Ride Somewhere!

If you can't make this workday, please get out and walk, run, hike, ride or roll on a convenient trail or greenway. While you are there, please pick up at least one piece of trash, stick or brush. If everyone picked up something and properly disposed of it, we'd have the cleanest trails around!

TRTC Can't Do It Alone

I'll add that TRTC and other 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.

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.

Plans are underway for the 2nd Phase of the ATT to be put out for bid this week.. This section will run from the current end of the trail at Wimberly Road about 1 1/2 miles north to a new trailhead on White Oak Church Road. This facility will be equipped with composting toilets and equestrian and bus parking. It will be a nice facility that we all can be proud of.

Keep in mind that Spring and Summertime is a great time to see this section of the ATT for the first time. Later this month and possibly into early June, be sure to check out the blackberries growing in abundance over portions of the Wake and Chatham sections of the trail. Get 'em before the birds do!

The trail surface in Wake is composed of granite screenings, which is a 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 5:30 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 new 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 or hiker 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

Southpoint Crossing Shopping Center Still Supposed to Install Bike Racks

Still no word from The Regency Centers  http://regencycenters.com/  manager of the Southpoint Crossing (Kroger) Shopping Center, about installing bike racks at the cener. We'll keep you informed.

We hope the Regency Center folks are still planning on installing bike racks at Southpont Crossing.  For the many cyclists who access this popular shopping center on the American Tobacco Trail from points such as Woodcroft, Hope Valley Farms, Fayetteville St. area, or even downtown and points off the trail; having bike racks available for the upcoming Spring, Summer and Fall prime trail use seasons will be a blessing!

TRTC and no doubt others have been working to try to get bike racks installed at this shopping center, in particular since it is at a unique location on the ATT. Apparently only one of Regency Centers properties - in Maryland - offered bike racks for their customers. We sincerely hope that Regency Centers management will follow through with this installation. We are delighted that they are seeing the importance of accomodating cyclists in particularly this heavily cyclist utilized facility.
 
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
 
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 Boss, Frank Bennett
 
If you have not been out to this portion of the trail lately, the first thing you'll notice is the new information kiosk and trash cans at the trailhead at Scott King Road. These were constructed and installed by Will Renfrow and his team of fellow scouts of Troop 461 of Durham as part of his Eagle Scout project. Will planned, designed and managed the construction and installation of the kiosk and trash cans.

If you hike or ride north of Scott King Road you'll also notice some new split rail fence installed by Ken Langdon for his Eagle Scout project. Ken and his team installed almost 1000 feet of fence in two areas to make the trail safe for users. Ken wishes to thank, his scout team, TRTC volunteers and Fred Herndon, who graciously donated his time and tractor to drill the many fence holes needed for the fence installation.

TRTC is honored that these Scouts have chosen the ATT to do their project. The community will greatly benefit from them. While the fence project was largely paid for with a grant to TRTC from the Durham Open Space and Trails Commission, TRTC matched $250 for Will's kiosk project. Your TRTC membership dues go toward this and other worthwhile projects.

Working under a grant from the Durham Open Space and Trails Committee, and led by Thad Howard and others, volunteers are 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, Dan Clever Hm. (919) 286-3827, or Bill Bussey at Hm. 919 545-9104 for more info on Trail workdays.

Good Article on the American Tobacco Trail

Here is a link to an interesting article on the ATT from the Raleigh News and Observer.

http://www.triangle.com/outdoors/tio/story/993633p-6990537c.html

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 bill is passed with funding for the ATT intact. It will be a great day for the entire Triangle when the entire ATT is complete!

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. Thanks to the efforts and leadership of Steve Lund, we have hosted seven major workdays in which between 10-40 helped cut, clip and clear the future ATT of trash, trees, limbs and brush.

We have also done many more informal workdays with much smaller groups. Traffic control gates are now being installed at three road intersections in Chatham County. These six gates should be fully up in the next month or so. However, we still need funds to purchase gravel to fill mud holes, funds or tractor 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.

Our next trail workday in Chatham will be on National Trails Day on June 5. See the paragraphs on this above.
  
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  or Steve Lund.

Calling on all Scouts!

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

See the paragraphs above for info on the Trail Hike on May 8 and National Trails Day workday on June 5.
 
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.

Wake News
 
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  .

TRTC was honored to set up our booth at Wake County Earth Day held at Harris Lake Park. We met lots of folks who had been on the American Tobacco Trail and many who had not. For those of you we met then, and are new to this list, Wecome!

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.

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.

Buy A Board To Start Soon

We are gearing up for a "Buy A Board" program to raise matching funds to deck the Chatham County trestles. Though we hope these bridge decks will be paid largely with grants, there will probably be matches needed for these grants. This program's purpose is to raise matches for any grants. If a match isn't needed, then funds raised in this program will go directly toward building the ATT in Chatham County.

In this program, you'll be able to symbolically purchase one or more of the approximately 200 boards which will deck the bridges. You can have a small, approximately 2" x 3" plaque attached to or near the board, with your name, your family, friend, or memorial to a friend or loved one. You will be able to choose which board you want from a map of either the Northeast Creek or Panther Creek trestles.

Plans are still in the works for this project. Dave Alsobrooks who has graciously donated his talents to this project and has drawn some neat art for this project. He is just waiting on me for copy text!  We are also currently testing an inexpensive (so the most possible money goes toward the grant!) plaque design to see if they can hold up to the elements and actual trail use. These plaques will probably not be managed or replaced if destroyed, damaged or worn, so we want them to last as long as practical.

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!

Triangle Greenways Council Website Again Up and Running!

Due to popular demand,the Triangle Greenways website is again up and running at:  www.trianglegreenways.org. The site has several maps of Triangle area greenways that I'm sure you'll find informative. Yours truly is the current webmaster and is working hard to learn how to manage a website! If you are interested in being the webmaster for this site, I'd be delighted to talk with you about it. The site is now being hosted at www.RTPNet.org .They were a great help in setting up our site and domain. I recommend them highly.

Remove Me
  
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