News & Events
PA Superior Court Opinion Supports AVLT and Armstrong Trail
AVLT and Armstrong Trail supporters secure major victory in decade long battle with adjacent property owners.
See Order and Opinion >>
Armstrong Trail Update >>
Press Release
After 14 long years, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has determined that the Allegheny Valley Land Trust (AVLT) is the owner of the railroad corridor that the organization purchased from Conrail in 1992. AVLT, Armstrong Rails to Trails Association and the individually named defendants were very pleased to hear that the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Pennsylvania Superior Court which also held that the former railroad corridor was “railbanked” and that it did not revert to the adjacent property owners. The lawsuit brought in 1995 by bordering property owners challenged AVLT’s private rail banking of the railroad corridor, sought to have the Courts declare that the property had been abandoned by Conrail and also sought monetary damages. In its decision the Supreme Court affirmed Superior Courts’ decision that a “proper railbanking was accomplished here”. The Court went on to hold that AVLT affected a proper railbanking when it assumed all of the obligations required by the National Trails Systems Act. The Court went on to hold that the property rights of the bordering property owners have in no way been changed by the railbanking and that they are not entitled to recover damages.
The Allegheny Valley Land Trust is pleased to announce that the entire Armstrong Trail in Armstrong and Clarion Counties, with the exception of the Brady Narrows Tunnel, is now open for public use that is consistent with Armstrong Trail Rules and Regulations. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit and others who have obstructed the general public’s use of the Armstrong Trail will be contacted and asked to voluntarily remove all barricades and/or signs that may indicate to the general public that any portion of the right of way is not open. AVLT will strive to be a responsible owner and will take into consideration requests from neighbors while working with our local, state, and federal government partners to further develop currently uncompleted portions of the Armstrong Trail. You may read the entire decision of the Pa. Supreme Court on line by visiting the following website:
http://www.aopc.org/OpPosting/Supreme/out/J-118-2008mo.pdf
Ron Steffey
Executive Director
Allegheny Valley Land Trust
Adopt-a-Trail Program
The Armstrong Trail is currently has about 30 miles of Trail, in various stages of development, to maintain. To increase responsible use and enjoyment, we need people to pick up litter, prepare the Trail for mowing by removing rocks and limbs, and prevent grass and weeds from taking over chipped stretches. Read More »
Upcoming Events
May 2013 ARTA Activities
Saturday, May 4, 9 AM - Noon Great American Clean-up
Meet at the parking lot of the Allegheny Mariner Restaurant in Kittanning to assist with litter clean-up on miles 47-48 and beyond. Gloves, bags and water provided.
On or before May 9 Armstrong Day of Giving
Donate by mailing a check to the trail office at PO Box 77, Kittanning Pa, 16201 so that it arrives no later than May 9. Make checks out to ACCF (Armstrong County Community Foundation) and date the check May 9. In the memo line write ARTA so that your donation is credited to the trail organization. Donations can also be dropped off at the ACCF office at 160 N. McKean Street, Kittanning on May 9. On-line donations can be made only on May 9. Go to the website ArmstrongGives.org and click on the Armstrong Rails to Trails logo.
ACCF will partially match all donations and the Allegheny Valley Land Trust has also agreed to provide a match making donated dollars go farther!
Monday, May 13, 6:30- 8:00 PM Monthly ARTA board meeting.
Kittanning Courthouse Annex, second floor, all are welcome.
Saturday, May 18, 9 AM - Noon Pine Creek Bridge redecking
Meet at the parking lot of Bernie Snyder Park (directions on the Armstrong Trail website). Bring hammers, goggles and gloves.
CHIP’N TRAIL Project
The Armstrong Rails to Trails Association (ARTA) and the Allegheny Valley Land Trust are excited to announce the CHIP’N TRAIL Project. The goal of the CHIP’N TRAIL Project is to provide trail advocates the opportunity to "CHIP IN" to purchase limestone "CHIPS" to "CHIP AWAY" the roughness on the missing links in the Armstrong Trail.
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