Henderson County Rail-Trail Advisory Committee |
A meeting was not held in October. The next meeting is scheduled for November 9, 2022. |
Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board |
By Matt Revis |
Conception to Construction
The Brevard/Transylvania Ecusta Trail Advisory Board convened on October 26th in a meeting delivering examples of significant progress toward the beginning of design and construction. Rebecca Robinson of Conserving Carolina noted that bids on removal of the trestle over Davidson River are due soon. Award of this contract should occur by the end of this year. Target date to finish this project is the end of February 2023 to avoid any interference with the beginning of trout season. In addition, engineers funded by the FLAP (Federals Lands Access Program) grant will soon begin detailed design work for Trail construction in Transylvania. Necessary collaboration with engineering design on the Henderson County side will assure that the entire stretch of the trail through the two counties will remain consistent in look and accessibility.
Paul Ray (Brevard Planning Department) noted that the NSFLTP (Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Project Program) grant proposal has been submitted. Approval of this grant would provide significant funding toward completion of the Trail, and Mr. Ray anticipates approval. Reasons for this confidence include less competition from other proposals and a favorable funding match ratio of 60%/40%. Brevard Planning is a co-applicant with the NC Department of Transportation and Henderson County. This represents the first proposal that officially documents collaboration between the two counties covering the entire trail length. Clark Lovelace (TDA) mentioned that the TDA Board supported the grant with $1M and that future contributions for specific purposes were possible.
Mr. Lovelace and Wilson Hooper (City Manager) discussed the need for the Trail to not only provide recreational outlets for residents and visitors but to offer a reliable option for commuting. Citing from the NSFLTP proposal, “When complete, the 18.8-mile Ecusta Trail will dramatically improve regional mobility choices in Henderson and Transylvania counties, making it possible to access Pisgah National Forest, as well as schools, parks, social services, employment, and shopping destinations, by walking and biking.” Board discussion concluded that design of trail access and signage should entice visitors to explore further into Brevard and other attractions in Transylvania County.
Billy Parrish (Blue Zones Project) presented the results of research he and John Ditillo had recently completed regarding potential trailheads, also known as parking and access points. After their original survey, they decided that multiple smaller access options are better than one or two large trailheads. Benefits of smaller trailheads include simpler designs, lower physical impact, and lower cost per access point. Multiple access points can also balance visitor and resident use, avoiding congestion and spillover into adjacent properties. The Advisory Board agreed with this theory.
Mr. Parrish described several potential access spots, most located on property already owned by the city. Options include focusing on the area where the Ecusta and Estatoe Trails will connect near the Mountain Industrial Park, Ecusta Road, and the City Sports Complex and Activity Park. Easy access in this area is favored by Mayor Copelof who stated, “If you have a major recreation center and a new major recreational amenity (Ecusta Trail) – don’t they belong together?” Oskar Blues Brewery has offered cooperation with potential trailheads in this area as their parking is regularly used by bikers.
The Board reviewed next steps to continue progress on Trail development. A lobbying plan to support the NSFLTP proposal is one step. In order to maintain excitement and involvement within the community, a future meeting with adjacent property owners will be scheduled when the engineers finish Trail design work. |
November Fundraising Events |
The Dream is Becoming a Reality |
We hope you make this year’s Giving Tuesday (November 29) your opportunity to support the Ecusta Trail. |
November ET Events |
Henderson County R-TAC Meeting November 9, 2022 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/bc-rtac ____________________________
Brevard Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting
Open to the public. Meeting at City Council Chambers. |
Trailing Thoughts |
A Salute to Military Cyclists and All of Our Veterans |
By Thomas Keating |
The month of November is widely associated with military veterans and their service to the United States. This month we would like to extend a heartfelt salute and our gratitude to veterans and their families and share some history of the military and their bicycles.
Historians have reported that the earliest military bicycles were introduced due to rapid advances in tire and bike frame designs and were adopted by armies throughout the world in the late 1800's. In Europe, bicycle infantry battalions, reconnaissance units and even medical detachments relied upon bicycle transportation in WW I and to a lesser degree in WW II. More recently, Ukrainian “electric cavalry” units have successfully adapted e-bikes for scouting and anti-tank missions in the on-going war with Russia.
Closer to home, recent developments by the U.S. Army's research agency have spurred design innovations for an e-bike designed to deploy with special operations units of the United States such as Navy SEALS, Army Rangers and the Marine Corps Raiders. A tactical e-bike developed by Montague Bikes of Cambridge, MA features a compact foldable design that can be lashed to combat vehicles and air-dropped, or, using a specialized harness, strapped to the backs of deploying paratroopers.
Throughout the world bicycles have served the military for tactical missions and garrison operations. For military bicyclists and all veterans, we salute your service and thank you and your families for your sacrifices in the defense of our Country. |
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