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The state's purchase of the Rutland Railroad right of way north of Burlington presents the people of Vermont with a unique opportunity. To grasp the opportunity, a choice must be made. What level of development is desired?
Do we want to sell the railroad right of way in bits and pieces and continue recreation development on the basis of past programs?
Do we want to maintain the railroad right of way intact so it will provide the green string on which we can thread a series of recreation areas and so develop an attraction which will have a significant economic impact to the area?
Do we want to go all the way and plan the development of Grand Isle County as well as neighboring shores as a large scale regional park with appropriate controls and facilities?
The state has the right of way and it has funds to purchase additional land; the decision must be made. Do we wish to plan for past needs and levels of development? Do we wish to plan for future demand and future higher levels of recreation activity? Do we wish to plan an attraction which will compete with national parks and seashores and large scale developments in the United States and Canada to draw tourist and new residents to this corner of the country? On this decision hangs the future economic development of Grand Isle County as well as the future facilities for the citizens of Grand Isle County and Vermont to enjoy the water, land, scenery, sky, and natural phenomena of the unique Champlain Islands.
While the authors are unanimous in recommending that the state proceed to further investigate and organize in the direction of developing a string of recreation areas tied together by a Champlain Pathway, it should be remembered that this is only one of many levels of development and combinations of development. As interest develops, alternative levels and combinations should be considered.
