Rice Farm Road Trailhead Access

West River Trail Rice Farm Road Trailhead There will be a court hearing on the subject in the Newfane Court House 9 am on August 21st, 2017.

As many of you have seen, a plastic fence has been put up at the Rice Farm Road trailhead. About three years ago, Mr. Melvin Mayo purchased the lot and buildings above the trailhead on the West River Trail. As confirmed by the courts, he purchased only 2 acres down to the former West River Railroad. However Mr. Mayo is claiming ownership down to the river, based on the Dummerston tax map, which is incorrect.

People have been using this beautiful trail along the West River since at least the 1930s when the railroad tracks were taken up. So, the fence and the attempt to block the public from using the trail negatively affects many people in our community. There will be a court hearing on the subject in the Newfane Court House 9 am on August 21st, 2017. Please feel free to come to the public hearing and to add your stories about the trail in the comments section below.

Posted on behalf of Lester Humphreys, Friends of the West River Trail.

*11/12/2017 Court Rules in Favor of West River Trail http://www.reformer.com/stories/court-rules-in-favor-of-west-river-trail-group,524346

6 thoughts on “Rice Farm Road Trailhead Access”

Coming to the West River Trail by bike has been one of my favorite summertime outings. I love coming from the Iron Bridge, then biking south to the entrance in question and then continuing down towards the I-91 bridge. It will be a relief when this controversy is resolved, as it is unsettling to make my way through the obstacles placed there. I have several friends who base our outings around this trail, biking, walking, swimming. It is a great asset to the community.

EW | August 15, 2017 at 3:15 pm

Thanks for sharing your experience, Becky!

Reply

I sure hope this can be resolved. It’s a shame the trail can not be used by many that enjoy it, especially now during the summer season. Perhaps Mr. Mayo’s energy could be better spent helping to maintain the trail, not block it’s use.