The Ross County Park District hosted their second public hearing on how they will rehab a popular recreational trail, last night. Kevin Coleman was there.
The Paint Creek Recreational Trail runs about 25 miles from Chillicothe to the Fayette County line, mostly on old railroad beds.
The Park District says they will do basic work on slowing the erosion on about 15 miles of it which is being threatened by the stream it runs beside...while keeping it open, planning for detailed LONG-term maintenance, and seeking grants to pay for that.
Most of the work needed will not be simple, cheap, or fast. Because the scenic trail involves the North Fork of Paint Creek, the district must get permission and follow guidelines from the Ohio EPA and Army Corps of Engineers before it does any work that would impact the stream.
Board chair Michael Benson agrees the district is paying for not having the resources to make a long term strategic plan, before they got funds from a tax levy a few years ago.
The major grant they are looking into was made available only about the time of the first public meeting, September 27th.
Find the Ross County Park District's Facebook page, and website which has the "Paint Creek Recreational Trail Rehab + Maintenance Information."
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom or Kevin Coleman