Sunday, February 21, 2010
Plowing the Huckleberry Trail, or not
Christian Trejbal
Recent columns
- Montgomery schools' $6.2 million deficit
- This column does not compute
- Make political parties pay for their primaries
- Tough times ahead for schools
From the RoundTable blog
Snow has lingered in the New River Valley, and the novelty has worn off.
After those first few storms, kids were building snow forts and ramps for sleds. They threw snowballs and made snowmen. They had a good time.
Weeks later, the snow forts crumble, the snowmen melt and the ramps are just another pile of icy white stuff.
Adults, too, are sick of it. Every mention of a flurry jangles nerves. At least the runs on grocery stores seem diminished now that people have figured out they can survive a storm without resorting to canned beans heated over a propane burner.
There has been one upside, though. The snow gives New River Valley residents an opportunity to experiment with winter recreation.
When it comes to fresh powder, people -- at least those with an inclination for outdoor activities -- fall into two categories.
One group quickly dons snowshoes and cross-country skis to enjoy the snow. The other consists of runners and bikers who want the snow cleared off their favorite routes as quickly as possible.
Both sides covet the Huckleberry Trail that stretches between Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Amazingly, without any coordination, a compromise has emerged that ensures access for both groups.
Runners, walkers and bikers can thank Blacksburg. That town, which hosts more than half of the trail, places the Huckleberry high on its snow removal list. Town workers plow it right after they finish sidewalks.
They know the trail is more than just a play thing. People use it to get to work, shopping and class.
"It's a linear park that has turned into a pretty important transportation link," said Kelly Mattingly, director of the town's Public Works Department.
The town views all of its trails that way, working hard to clear them as soon as possible after snow.
Meanwhile, those who prefer to snowshoe and cross-country ski have the rest of the trail.
After the Huckleberry leaves Blacksburg, it meanders through Montgomery County and then Christiansburg toward the New River Valley Mall. Once Christiansburg finishes building an, it will stretch even farther.
Neither the county nor Christiansburg clear their trail segments. Call it recreation through tight-fisted budgeting.
Mitchell Haugh, director of the county Parks and Recreation Department, said he would love to clear the trail for users, but he does not have the equipment or the funding.
Your thoughts
"If there is a citizen that wants to donate a four-wheeler with a plow, something that's new, I'd figure out a way to get it cleared," he said.
He added that skiers and snowshoers could still use the area to the sides of the trail. He might be a bit optimistic on that point. Piled snow from plowing, not to mention the narrow area available at some points, might inhibit that.
Besides, it works out so well now. People who want a trail free from snow can park at the Blacksburg Library and head south. Those who want snow can drive to the mall and head north. They will meet somewhere in the middle around Hightop Road.
