By Joseph Slacian
WABASH and MIAMI COUNTY, Ind. – A group of 50 opponents to the proposed Wabash River Trail met Thursday night to discuss concerns among themselves.
The group, which included both Wabash and Miami county residents, met at Bass and Bucks’ Star Lodge to discuss a variety of topics. Wabash County residents discussed their concerns with the trail, while the Miami County residents, who live along the Nickle Plate Trail, discussed their experiences with the trail.
Wabash River Trail Inc. seeks to have a 32-mile, east-west trail along the Wabash River. Work has started on a portion in Lagro.
Opponents don’t want the trail cutting through their property. They fear, among other things, that property values will diminish, crime will increase and trail users will trespass on their private property, and that they also will leave behind trash.
One Miami County resident, who has the Nickle Plate Trail cutting through his property, told the crowd he was arrested and later sued by Trail supporters for clearing brush from his property. The trail supporters believed he was encroaching on their easement when clearing the brush.
His word of advice, should the trail go through, make sure everything is in writing that specifically details what the landowner can and can’t do with their property.
Two Wabash County landowners said they have checked with their insurance companies to see what the trail might do to their insurance rates. Both were told their companies would likely drop their coverage
Sheila and Glenn Butcher, Bass and Bucks owners who called the meeting, said they invited representatives from Wabash River Trail Inc. to attend the event. No one from the organization was present.
The Butchers have been invited to meet one-on-one with Amy Ford, who is spearheading the trail campaign. They plan to take the groups’ concerns to the meeting. They also plan to have another meeting with opponents once they meet with Ford.