Dear Editor,

The recent article on the Annie and Mary Rail Trail leaves us to ponder what John Murray has planned for the landowners along the railroad right of way. He states that “the NCRA has the right of way for railroad purposes only.” This is correct, and across some parcels the NCRA has forfeited its easements through non-use. Murray continues by adding, “Through rail banking, the NCRA would temporarily abandon the railroad.” This action could allow the railroad to be used for other purposes and Murray adds, “By rail banking you give the locals the ability to make that choice.” It sounds as if Murray is trying to clear the way for eminent domain to be used to procure a trail easement without actually saying those words.

Chris Neary’s focus on determining what interest the NCRA has in the railroad right of way should be helpful. What we do know is across much of the Annie and Mary Railroad right of way, the NCRA has no legal rights to build a trail.

Kurt Kernen

Arcata