This is a quick update for everybody who supports CATS and all the great work that they do.

This past Sunday was the dedication for the new Hemlock Hill Trail on Sherman Road. As the owner of this property, I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all the people who enabled this project to happen.

The photo above is of some of the hikers, (there were over 30 people, many of whom I had never met, coming from as far as Jay). We all walked the trail and got to learn about the local flora and Fauna, wildlife habitat and travel corridors, how conservation easements protect field and forest and stream, and how CATS is enabling our communities to grow and prosper.

The incredible highlight of my day was hearing from Chris Maron that the dream of a hiking route from town to town, (Westport all the way to Willsboro), was so very close to fruition. The importance of the Hemlock Hill Trail has always been two fold. It is not a stand alone trail. With its proximity to Coon Mtn, Split Rock Mtn and the already existing trails leading North to Essex and Willsboro, it is the sole possible connecting trail in order for CATS to cross the railroad and move into the Western mountains and fields of Elizabethtown and then into the Highpeak’s. (CATS can only cross the RR at the juncture of a public thorough fare, such as the RR and route 22.) The Hemlock Hill trail also provides access to the railroad station at Westport.

Chris informed us that the adjoining landowner, (whose property straddles both sides of the RR/Rt.22 juncture), has agreed sell their property to the Eddy Foundation, thus allowing CATS to provide the crucial link between the Hemlock Hill Trail, the Railroad Station and all Western lands.

I worked hard for a couple of years along side CATS and OSI, in order to protect and conserve the land around the Hemlock Hill Trail. It is wonderful to now know that the once dream of walking from town to town, or getting off the railroad train and hiking to these towns is so close to a final reality.

I would sincerely like to thank all the assistance and efforts from Nat Klipper, Katie Petronis of OSI, Chris Maron and Bill Amadon and the board of CATS, all the trail building volunteers, as well as everyone who donated to the CATS endowment fund for this project.

None of this would’ve been possible without your/their Vision, Dedication, and Fortitude.

Let’s all keep making the North Country a place we are Proud to call Home.