By now, many of you have hopefully called and emailed your comments to the Cass County Board of Commissioners to express your support of honoring the interlocal agreement ahead of Tuesday (3/25) morning’s meeting. I have. You have read the alert from the Nebraska Trails Foundation and Bike Walk Nebraska. Why does this matter? There may be as many reasons as there are trail users, but there will be more trail users when that eight mile gap is finished. According to research from Rails to Trails Conservancy, trail usage went up. “Nationwide, RTC’s trail counters showed an average increase in trail use of 9.5% between 2022 and 2021, and a marginal 1.5% decline compared with 2020—the most significant year for trail use on record. Notably, trail use in 2022 is 45% higher than in 2019, demonstrating enduring demand for trails across the country.” The gap area is close to an area of population growth, southern Sarpy county and northern Cass county. Area attractions such as the Platte River Bridge and State Parks like Platte River sp with it’s mountain bike trails, are adjacent. Small towns are poised to provide trail users much needed amenities such as food and lodging. Just look across the river at the small towns along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail and the riders who patronize them. Want to learn more? Read about how trail towns benefit. Want to enjoy it now? Go ride the trails and attend area events from Bike Cass County like the Elmwood Pie Ride.
It seems a landowner in the area doesn’t understand that local entities like the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and the Cass County Board of Commissioners have the right to use the legal Right of Way to promote projects for the public good, like trails. A bill, LB628 was introduced by Senator Bob Dover and is now in the General File. it states “The proposed Recreational Trail Easement Property Tax Exemption Act aims to enhance public health, economic development, environmental conservation, and community connectivity in Nebraska by establishing recreational trail easements. The bill defines “eligible holders” of these easements, which include municipalities, counties, accredited land trusts, and nonprofit organizations focused on public access and land conservation.” My own parents were leery of an early idea to use the abandoned rail corridor of the Rock Island railroad, whose land the railroad passed through. They were uncomfortable with people passing through their property. The gap trail follows the county road ROW. The NRD already owns the mile of unused Mopac trail corridor. Get to know the area trails and small towns. Patronize local businesses. Let them know trails are an asset, not a liability.