In Memory

We dedicate this website to Christine Sevilla.  Christine was a tireless advocate for preserving local habitats and wetlands.  She knew and loved this section of the Auburn Trail, even before it was scheduled for destruction.  Christine photographed it, wrote about it, and spoke at Town Board meetings  to preserve it.


RRMSEA Top 20 Trails

The Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area is featured in the new book "Best Easy Day Hikes Rochester" by Randi Minetor, Falcon Press.  

RRMSEA is chosen as one of the top 20 easy day hikes in the Rochester area. It is the only site listed outside of Monroe County - specifically because of its unique biodiversity and its ease of access.

On the Trail

Jack-in-the-Pulpit
(Arisaema triphyllum)







Coalition Statements

Our Presentation 
to the Town Supervisor
April 2009

To Victor Town Board
February 2009
 
Coalition Response
Our 21 Page Response 
to Victor's Proposal
November, 2008

to Victor
November, 2008
 
 April 2007
**Winter 2010 - Update**

Double Standards

In the first Auburn Trail project, planners used a great deal of discretion in meeting guidelines.  Significant exceptions were given with respect to ADA and safety.  

Read More:
A Sudden Change of Plans = More Environmental Destruction

Victor is now planning to build an even wider trail - a 10' wide,  swath of destruction right through the most scenic and sensitive environmental area.

This misguided plan will obliterate the existing linear meadow habitat and destroy the natural qualities that have been cherished by so many users.

Railroading of a Trail Project

"What should be an open process to consider suitable alternatives  has been misused to justify a predetermined outcome – a wide bike trail paved with stonedust."

Full Story:
Railroading of a Trail Project
On October 13, 2009 Victor's Town Board was told by their consultant, Fisher Associates, that it will be submitting this plan for design approval on the Town's behalf.  

The Town of Victor is moving  forward on this environmentally destructive plan, despite over three and a half years of public and written proclamations about their concern for the environment along the trail.  

"Protect the natural environment along the trail" was a published project objective for the entire public input process.    It appears the unstated objective is: "Destroy the natural environment along the trail...to build a road."

 
The trail drops off precipitously to wetlands on either side.
Compare other Trail Photos
This million dollar project is mismanaged and goes from bad to worse.  
The Town needs to remove the Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area from this project.  
The Town needs to stop spending taxpayer dollars on this poorly conceived idea.

Project Costs

Many residents are unaware of the project's cost to Victor taxpayers. 30% of project costs, up to a spending limit,  are not reimbursed. Nearly 1/5 of the trail isn't even in Victor - it's in Monroe County - but Monroe County taxpayers aren't paying a penny.

The real taxpayer cost of the two Auburn Trail projects is over $150 per household.

READ MORE about Taxpayer Costs




Other News and Updates
Winter 2010 

Victor must complete an Environmental Assessment (EA) to  meet the requirements of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act)
In response to the Coalition's documentation of threatened plant species, and the widespread  public outcry, the federal agency overseeing the project (FHWA) is requiring a more stringent review process (EA).  There will be a public hearing, and a chance to review and comment on the EA sometime this winter.


Our Presentation to the Town Supervisor, Offering justification for a narrower trail and partnership opportunities to showcase a jewel in Victor for community and educational enrichment.

 Counterpoints to Common Arguments

What others have Written

Website Award Winner
   New - Not an Ordinary Rail Bed  
Winter 2009 New York Flora Association article
hi-lighting and explaining the rich botanical diversity
along this unique section of trail.

Visit this unique environmental area
through our Website.

Who are the Users and the Numbers
  • The Trail is always changing, there is always something new to see in an area as diverse as this one. Beavers are in the area looking for new areas to work.
  • Visit the Trail at anytime;  you will see why it is valued by many as a destination, a special place to experience "nature up close."

*Check Back for Updates*
E-mail us to join our Updates List


"Awareness inevitably leads to concern."  Roger Tory Peterson
  

Learn about the unique environmental section of the Auburn Trail known as the Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area, an area rich in diversity.
 

Scenes from the Trail


See what Victor's proposed trail will look like
What can you do?

• Contact Project Planners and Administrators  - Let them know your thoughts
• Peruse this website to learn more about the Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area (RRMSEA).
• Visit the Trail in person or online - Google Map
• Send us an E-mail requesting that we keep you informed



Help us Preserve & Protect:

The Plants

That help create the habitat
  The Butterflies
...that use the habitat
 The Birds
 ...that use the Trail
The Turtles
...that nest in the Trail


For more information, please e-mail rrmsea@gmail.com