My name is Richard Welsh and I am the Executive Director of the NationalAssociation of Reversionary Property Owners. Since 1987 NARPO has represented property owners throughout the United States who own land abutting railroad rights of way. Most of our issues come to the forefront when rail trails are proposed on an abandoned railroad ROW. Interestingly, NARPO has found that over 85% of railroad ROWs are owned by the abutting property owners–not the railroads–due to easements that therailroads signed back in the 1800s. This proposed rail trail of the Joseph Branch has a different history but its proponents are saying similar things about this trail as we’ve heard others claim throughout the years and across the nation.

A rail trail sounds great until the other ramifications of having trails abutting or near your property become known. NARPO has tracked crimes on rail trails for over 30 years now. Just in the past few years, we have documented over 650 rail trail crimes, not counting numerous trespassing and minor altercations between property owners and trail users. If time allows, NARPO would be glad to send the thumb drives containing these numerous trail crime articles to the Chieftain editor for his perusal.

Think about this when you are wondering if this rail trail is everything it is advertised. Turns out there might be more than you’re bargaining for.

Richard Welsh — NARPO

Bellevue Wash.