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

Victor's Proposal and Our Compromise

Victor's Proposal - A 10' crushed stone superhighway to replace an attractive and desirable foot wide footpath is being proposed by the Town of Victor.  They are recommending an 8' wide stone-dust trail, with one foot graded stone shoulders (that is - 10' in total of crushed stone)  area on both sides, for the Railroad Mills section, where currently there is a 1' wide footpath through a narrow linear meadow (photo at right).  The  Town's proposal will have a negative and substantial impact on the plants and animals and will likely  impact the wetlands along both sides of the trail. 

Victor's proposed plan would:
  • Eliminate ALL of linear meadow habitat that is used by birds and butterflies.  
  • Have the potential to harm NYS threatened plants and "special concern animals."
  • Eliminate the "wilderness feeling" and natural aesthetic value that many users comment favorably about. (See Trail Users)
  • Create a safety issue to both human and animal users by encouraging increased bicycle speeds (proposed trail is rated for 15 mph) on the narrow corridor.
  • Open the door for motorized vehicles and horses, despite rules to the contrary, as has occurred on other completed parts of the Auburn trail.
Victor's plan is NOT what current users 
and the majority of the public want to see in the 
Railroad Mills Special Environmental Area.


 

Our Compromise - The Coalition recommends, instead, that the Town preserve RRMSEA, and highlight it as a unique natural destination for its residents and visitors.  The trail should not be widened more than the 3' width that is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Coalition offers the volunteer services of its experts to work with the Town Supervisor to get an exception from the grant administrators to treat RRMSEA differently and work with the Town to develop the area into a showcase destination for nature preservation and interpretation.
  • Assist with Environmental Assessment
  • Provide expertise to help develop Design Exception
  • Create Interpretive Signs and Educational Programs
  • Make existing Website a Showcase for this unique asset to Victor
  • Trail Maintenance - mowing and invasive species control
This compromise will preserve the unique environment and its countless creatures.  It will allow current users and future generations to continue to enjoy Victor's little known gem.  We consider this a win-win proposition.


Read Our
offering Collaboration