The Barnesville Area Rails to Trails Committee
has been formed to promote the conversion of the Barnesville area
abandoned railroad rights-of-way into recreational pathways and to
create multipurpose recreational trails in the area. The purposes
and objectives of this organization shall be to develop, maintain,
regulate and promote the abandoned railway corridor in the
Barnesville area as a public use multipurpose recreational area; and
to enhance and promote opportunities for recreation, economic
development, historic and environmental conservation, tourism and
alternate transportation opportunities through development of a
regional trail system.
The purpose of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is to enrich
America’s communities and countryside by creating a nationwide
network of public trails from former rail lines and connecting
corridors.
The proposed trail will initially be within town and will run from
the B & O Depot to the corporation limits on the west side of town.
Plans call for the eventual extension of the trail to the east side
of the village toward Bailey’s Mills. A simultaneous effort in
Guernsey County to extend a trail through Quaker City may join the
Barnesville trail in that area. The proposed trails are consistent
with other recreational trail programs existing throughout the State
of Ohio and endorsed by the Ohio Governor Bob Taft and the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources.
The proposed trails would also provide recreational and healthy
activities for citizens of all ages within the village. Grant
funding for recreation trial programs is available though various
sources. One major contribution to the project could come from the
Clean Ohio Fund. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will
administer the $25 million CORF over the next four years to acquire
property for land acquisition and the construction of recreational
trails.
The BARTC has been raising funds for the project and is actively
welcoming membership. “Membership could mean anything from active
participation to quiet support, all equally important,” said
Membership Chairman Sharon Hanse. “In these times when our small
town needs the encouragement of all who love it, we hope to provide
another reason for people to visit and a benefit for those dwelling
in Barnesville and the surrounding area.
Membership is open to any individual or organization which supports
the purpose of the Barnesville Area Rails to Trails Committee.
Membership categories include individual, family, senior and
student, contributing, sustaining, organizations and businesses and
life membership.
For more information about the project or to become a member,
contact BARTC c/o Barnesville Community Foundation P.O. Box 472
Barnesville, Ohio 43713.
