Rail to Trail Update: On November 14 I attended a meeting in Pickstown, where the main concern was how to raise up to ten million dollars. I shared my concerns including: because of the rough terrain, they will need to have farmers sign easements, the state has 100' right-of-way and there is no way they can build this trail and stay within this 100' right-of-way. I was told they would deal with this issue later.

When the wind park was built north of Avon the first priority was to have farmers sign easements. This should be the same priority of the R&T promoters.

The lawyers from St. Louis are still contacting landowners; do not sign your name to any papers. If this was a legitimate deal, lawyers from South Dakota would be involved. One last word, don't trade for a new bike yet.

Ed Van Gerpen Avon