The years of abandonment are all-too obvious. Decaying timbers, moss-covered concrete and rusty fasteners show the antiquity of the McCarn Creek trestle bridge in the Town of Clayton. Currently fenced off to the public, the 160-foot-long and 60-foot high railroad bridge on the Thousand Islands Land Trust’s S. Gerald Ingerson Preserve (part of the Sissy Danforth Rivergate Trail) is unfit for crossing due to its waning condition. Though sturdy at the foundation, the bridge’s wooden components haven’t held up to the test of time. This means that outdoor recreationalists must walk under the bridge to cross the McCarn Creek in order to traverse the Rivergate Trail between Lafargeville and Clayton, carrying onward with wet feet!
After a half-century of sitting idle, TILT endeavors to bring functionality and safety back to this impressive structure by creating an interconnected rail-trail leading from the Clayton Riverwalk to the bucolic grasslands of Lafargeville. Known to many within the community, the trestle bridge is the keystone and premier attraction of this section of the Rivergate rail-trail. In fact, TILT has initiated a community-based fundraising campaign to see these renovations to completion.
Recognizing the recreational importance of this historic structure, TILT submitted a grant application to the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) seeking funding for trestle bridge renovations. The application was submitted in December of 2019. The New York State Conservation Partnership Program is an innovative public-private partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Land Trust Alliance’s New York Program. The program offers competitive matching grants to qualified New York land trusts to advance land conservation, economic development, farmland protection, community conservation and recreation and tourism.
TILT’s application was a success! Announced just before the Holiday Season, TILT has been awarded $50,000 from the NYSCPP for the proposed trestle bridge upgrades. These upgrades are to include new girder bearings, wood support beams, decking and safety rails.
Though the grant application was successful, the NYSCPP funding will only cover about a third of the total renovation costs. TILT is still seeking financial commitments to help with the bridge and trail renovations, with a goal of reaching the fundraising finish-line by June 2021 in order for construction to be completed by the end of summer.
“We’ve had a tremendously positive response from the Thousand Islands community, but we still have a funding shortage and we need your help!” said project proponent and Clayton community member, Dan Throop. “Please consider contributing so that our children and our children’s children have this incredible amenity to enjoy.”
In addition to funds being raised for the renovation of the trestle bridge, a portion of the fundraising goal is dedicated to the long-term maintenance and stewardship of the trail system. Assisting with this effort, the Northern New York Community Foundation has generously committed a $100,000 matching grant to establish an endowment, ensuring the perpetual stewardship of the trail and trestle.
“The Community Foundation is excited to be working with TILT and the Clayton community to ensure the future for the Rivergate Trail and to help improve the region that we all care so much about,” explained Max DelSignore, NNYCF Assistant Director.
To learn more about the project or about ways in which you can help, contact Terra Bach, TILT’s Development and Communications Director, at 315-686-5345 or [email protected].
