The session led off with public comment from Marilyn Bailey, Advocates for the Arts, inquiring about the process to place public art along the trail. Chairman Chuck McGrady responded that the first step is to get the idea on the radar of the committee. This idea, along with many other trail auxiliary improvements, will be considered in the future.

On a similar note, Kristin Cozza, Conserving Carolina’s Trails and Greenways Coordinator, reported no substantial updates but again mentioned that Lia Waldrum had reached out to them about incorporating Cherokee gardens in the trail amenities and enhancements plan. For more information, see the link below. Basically, this involves utilizing indigenous plants to sustain craft and food traditions through long-term sustainable harvest agreements, and collaborating on educational aspects that focus on preserving Cherokee culture and heritage.

Mark Tooley, president of the Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET) board, reported that Destination By Design is wrapping up the design of kiosks and trail markers. The board held a retreat to discuss the possibility of transitioning the organization to a true friends group, shifting fundraising from Conserving Carolina to FOET. A future economic impact study is also possible.

Chris Todd, Henderson County Business & Community Development Director, reported a successful kickoff with businesses to develop partnerships. The group was challenged to bring someone who had expressed comments against the trail, so that any issues can be directly addressed. The mood at the meeting was generally positive, and he emphasized the importance to continue encouraging people who have any concerns to contact him for resolution. Entities interested in the Ecusta Trail Partners & Supporters can contact Todd for further information.

Marcus Jones, Henderson County Engineer, updated trail construction progress. Three contracts have been signed for three sections of the trail (Main Street to Kanuga, Kanuga to Horseshoe, and Horseshoe to the county line). JMT Engineering, as they did with the first two sections, will be providing the plans for the third segment. NMH Construction, which already has finished clearing encroachments on the eastern 6 miles, will continue with trail pathway construction on the first two segments, from Main Street to Horseshoe shortly. The majority of the construction timeframe will involve further grading and drainage with culvert installation, followed by bridge completion, and finally paving.  All will be done with NCDOT oversight and administration, and will begin as soon as they release grant matching funds. Completion by the end of 2024 is expected.

Jones continued that perceptions of property lines change over the years so the face-to-face communication has helped. Four property owners had concerns with trail encroachments (line of disturbance, right of way, or line of site safety hazard), which were all successfully resolved. As an example of this collaborative resolution, one owner had an electric fence in place for decades, but it was within the trail right of way and would be a safety issue since it was less than 10 feet from the trail. The county worked with the owner to relocate the fence. In another example, buffer trees at a synagogue needed to be removed when the trail had to be relocated away from a White Pine Drive guardrail, so the synagogue will receive assistance in replacing the buffer. 

Blue signs are in place at permitted crossings, while other point of contact crossings that have been spontaneously created over the years will be removed for safety. A formal encroachment policy will be posted on the county website. Jones also noted the existing trail grading held up very well after the recent historic rain.

McGrady announced that this would be his last meeting, stating he has enjoyed working with everyone from the pipe dream at the beginning to the fulfillment of obtaining funds to make the trail a reality. He said he will continue to be engaged in other ways, and thanked everyone for their efforts.

By Cindy Ruzak