News & Events
Riding the C&O Canal Towpath
Five members of the Armstrong Rails To Trails Association and 2 family members enjoyed a 4 day ride on the Great Allegheny Passage, C & O Trail and Western Maryland Rail Trail June 27-30.
Pictured in photo from left to right: Dick Starr, Keith Allshouse, Phil Lenko, Carol Atwell, Mike Starr, Toni Henry and Marty Henry
Armstrong Rail to Trail Association (ARTA)
May Meeting Recap
05/03/2010
View a copy of the May Meeting Minutes
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
Additional Rail Corridor Purchased by AVLT
Allegheny Valley Land Trust has purchased a 48 mile railroad corridor that will extend from the Armstrong Trail in Clarion County to Brookville in Jefferson County. This railtrail will be for nonmotorized uses such as bicycling, walking and hiking. This corridor includes 38 miles along Redbank Creek and a 9 mile branch line that connects Lawsoham to the Sligo Area. The trail was railbanked according to the requirements of the Surface Transportation Board and National Trail Act. The Redbank Valley Trails Association, a volunteer organization, has been formed to assist in the trail maintenance and development. This organizations meets the third Monday of each month at 7 PM in the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church at 403 Penn Street, New Bethlehem, PA
Upcoming Events
Directions to the Armstrong Trail Parking Area by Lock and Dam # 8.
Starting at the Kittanning Citizens Bridge on the Allegheny River at Market Street in Kittanning, head east on Market Street past the Armstrong County Courthouse. Make a left on Oak Avenue (one tenth of a mile past the Courthouse). Travel on Oak Avenue for 0.3 mile where Oak Avenue becomes Johnston Avenue. Continue on Johnston Avenue for 4.9 miles and turn left on PA 1033 (sign points towards Lock & Dam #8) This is immediately after passing under the railroad trestle spanning the Allegheny River and passing over Pine Creek. Travel 1.8 miles to the parking area at Lock and Dam 8.
Armstrong Rail to Trail Association (ARTA)
April Meeting Recap
04/05/2010
View a copy of the April Meeting Minutes
Armstrong Rail to Trail Association (ARTA)
December Meeting Recap
12/07/2009
View a copy of the December Meeting Minutes
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.
learn more >>