🚨 Storm Damage Cleanup Update – We Need Your Help! 🚨
After further assessment of the railroad following the recent storms, we've discovered the damage is even more extensive than originally thought.
Multiple trees ranging from 12 inches to more than 40 inches in diameter have fallen across the railroad. Several sections of track remain completely blocked, and some of the largest trees will require significant effort and equipment to remove safely.
As crews have begun evaluating the affected areas, we've also found substantial damage to the mainline through the woods. Once the fallen trees are cleared, significant track repairs will be required before trains can safely operate on this portion of the railroad again.
The reality is that this cleanup effort is much greater than a typical workday project. Until the debris is removed and repairs are completed, progress on other railroad improvements will be delayed, and portions of the railroad will remain out of service.
We urgently need volunteers to assist with:
✅ Cutting and removing fallen trees
✅ Hauling branches, logs, and storm debris
✅ Cutting grass and clearing overgrown areas
✅ Brush removal along the right-of-way
✅ Mainline track repairs once access is restored
✅ General grounds and maintenance work
Whether you can bring a chainsaw, tractor, trailer, track tools, or simply a willingness to help, your time is needed. Many hands will make a tremendous difference in how quickly we can recover from this storm damage.
The railroad has always been built and maintained by volunteers. Right now, we need that volunteer spirit more than ever. If every member and friend of the railroad can contribute even a few hours, we can get the railroad reopened and back on track much sooner.
📅 Please make plans to attend the next workday if at all possible.
Can't make the scheduled workday? Consider organizing a small crew during the week and contacting us to coordinate a cleanup effort. There is more than enough work for multiple teams.
The sooner we can clear the trees and repair the damaged mainline, the sooner we can return our focus to operating trains and completing the many exciting projects planned for the railroad.
Thank you to everyone who has already stepped up to help. Now we need more volunteers to join the effort and help us tackle this challenge.
