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Governor Hoff asked for specific recommendations for use of the State of Vermont's railroad right of way north of Burlington. In addition to proposing development of a Champlain Pathway with a string of recreation areas, the authors recommend the following steps which could be taken immediately.
It is recommended that the feasibility of the sheltered harbor potential of the railroad right of way be immediately studied, site plans drawn up, and development moved forward. The pathway should be authorized at once. By 1966 every suitable building now in existence along the right of way should be equipped with toilet. facilities. Those which are of sufficient size, such as the one at Alburg, should be used as historical museums or hostels. It is also recommended that citizens interested in the history of the area be asked to assist in developing material for presentation of historic interpretations to tourists.
In 1963 there was no picnic use of Grand Isle State Park, and Sand Bar turned away large numbers of would be day-use visitors. There were no tables left. Picnic, facilities should be provided along the pathway for the summer of 1966.
Staff must be hired to develop, maintain, and properly administer the pathway. We recommend that a parkway superintendent be hired who has a degree in recreation management. This person would supervise a crew which would be responsible for creating, improving, and maintaining the attractions in the area, Self-guiding nature trails could be established by July 1966.
In the Mud Creek area in Alburg a start could be made toward developing a multiple-purpose recreation area. Buildings used for the railroad might house the beginning of a museum depicting early settlers way of life and early history of the area. Good parking space is available. A trail could be developed to connect various points of interest, The roadbed leads to and through a marsh which is the home of a number of interesting birds -- the hooded mergansers, young wood ducks, rails, gallinules, mallards, blue-winged teals, and black ducks. There would be good wildlife viewing here for the nature lovers behind a curtain of trees.
Another significant nature area with the rerouting of highway 8 in South Hero, would be the development of a roadside park area; again, with self-guiding pictures of the birds and other wildlife of this prime marsh area.
In the planning of the road in South Hero we recommend that a sheltered harbor marina development be considered.. Plans for highway project F028-1 (4) should accommodate this planned marina. This planning should be undertaken immediately.
We recommend that by June 1966 the Champlain Pathway be cleared of trees where necessary and suitable signs erected so the vacation traveler can reach it, park, get out of his car, and visit the area without trespassing, Such improvements would cost only a small amount.
It has been suggested that parcels of land included in the state's railroad right of way purchase could be sold to private individuals without.affecting the development of the right of way as a Champlain: Pathway. This is not. so. It is the finding, of this team that if any state owned land in Grand Isle County is sold, it will adversely affect the development of a Champlain Pathway,. A pathway for bicycles, hiking, or horses will require a number of acres in addition to the railroad bed. Some acreage lies beside the roadbed. These lots will be required for picnic areas, sanitary facilities, parking lots, Adirondack shelters, tenting areas for hikers and bikers, plantings for nature study and wildlife cover, open space to preserve views, and a few other possible uses. The sale of any state acreage in Grand Isle County before a Champlain Pathway recreation plan is drawn up will jeopardize development of many significant and even critical facilities required in a comprehensive recreation development plan.
