The Brian Lehrer Show From Railroad to Rail-Trail
Oct 7, 2025
Peter Harnik, co-founder of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and director at the Trust for Public Land’s Center for City Park Excellence, shares his passion for transforming abandoned railbeds into vibrant multi-use trails. He delves into the origins of this movement, highlighting Mae Watts's pivotal role in its inception. Harnik discusses the charm of these trails, as experienced by numerous enthusiasts, and tackles the challenges posed by legal disputes and community opposition. The discussion also touches on innovative reuse models, like rail banking, and celebrated examples such as the High Line.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rail Network Became A Trail Opportunity
- The U.S. rail network was vastly larger than today's interstates, with 254,000 miles of track built during the railroad heyday.
- As economics changed and lines were abandoned, those corridors became prime opportunities for public trails and nature access.
Mae Watts' Letter That Started It
- Mae Watts of the Chicago Arboretum sparked the movement after seeing England's permissive walking paths and noticing prairie remnants along rail corridors.
- Her 1963 letter to the Chicago Tribune catalyzed local interest and helped start rails-to-trails efforts.
Legal Complexity And Rail Banking
- Converting abandoned rail lines into trails is legally complex because original land acquisitions vary and family lore often complicates ownership claims.
- Congress created 'rail banking' to preserve corridors for future rail use while allowing interim trail use, easing many ownership obstacles.