On Friday, May 25, 2001, the Graymoor Friars of the Atonement signed
new easements for the Appalachian Trail over to the National Park Service
in a brief ceremony. These new easements settle a long standing dispute
resulting from previous easement violations by the friars. The new easements
were agreed to at a meeting on August 23,2000 where Senator Schumer and
Congresswoman Kelly assisted in getting all parties together.
At the ceremony, Minister General, Fr. Arthur Johnson, said, "The
Franciscan Friars of the Atonement at Graymoor are grateful that this
issue has been put to rest, that our first amendment rights have been
respected and we can continue the partnership we have had since 1923
to continue to host the Appalachian Trail on our property".
Signing for the National Park Service, park manager Pam Underhill
said, "Where the Appalachian Trail and Graymoor come together is
truly a special place."
The new easement
- upgrades the entire 63.28 acre easement to "right of
way"
- returns 1.84 acres to the friars
- adds 7.59 acres to the NPS corridor
- provides the friars with $25,680 for the easement upgrades
- ensures a yearly meeting between the Friars and NPS to
facilitate communications
As a result of the new land, the current trail will be moved to a new
and better location. This work should be completed in June. The length of
the trail will not change significantly but the road crossings of Old
Highland Turnpike and Old West Point Road will be at different places by less
than a few hundred feet.
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