Catskill Moutain Scenic Railway is battling a strong anti-rail, pro trail lobby that intend to pull up the former U&D from Kingston to Phoenia and beyond to put in a multi-use trail. As will many of the advocates they make outstanding claims of how many more visitors and how much will be spent on visiting the area, verses a restored rail line. The CMSR has till June 2016 to get a new lease and the County administrator has stated that the railroad is not part of HIS vision for the county and a trail is far better than a old train.
Recent train rides featuring Thomas, Pumpkin Patch and Polar Express trains have brought over 20,000 visitors that would not have visited the area. The local businesses saw a boom in sales and visitors and are now questioning the wisdom of the County Board on forcing the railroad off the property.
The Rail to Trail advocates in this project and also in the Adirondack Scenic Railroad are putting out a lot anti-rail, better carbon footprint BS in favor of hiking and snowmobiling in New York State.