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Friends of TORC: It's been a while since we reached out to you regarding RDU Forest and the trails in the Old Reedy Creek Rd area. During that time various groups have been working towards a solution to preserve these forested recreation lands. We've been encouraged by the dialogue between community advocacy groups, local governments, and RDU AA. But unfortunately one option has emerged that we believe is far from ideal, and you need to know about it.

Wake Stone Corporation (the operator of the current quarry on Harrison Ave) is presenting their proposal to create a new quarry pit, mining (destroying) the Odd Fellows (Rocky Road) tract. It's being presented to the Wake County Commissioners at their work session this Tuesday. While there is no opportunity for public speaking, it is important that people show up in mass to show opposition to the quarry.

This quarry proposal would negate the County's previous commitment to preserve this tract for bike/ped trails with the help of The Conservation Fund offer to purchase this tract for Umstead State Park.

There are better options, and Wake County has significant leverage in what happens. The Conservation Fund has offered to purchase this tract for Umstead State Park and that offer still stands. RDU can sell land if they choose to. We're talking about a remote finger of RDU land that encroaches around their neighbor: Umstead State Park, and across one of the most used greenway corridors in the Triangle. This is an attack on our park, and RDU needs to pursue a better option.

We URGE you to attend. Wear Green. Get a sticker from us for “StopRDUQuarry”. A strong showing will send a strong signal.

What: Wake County Commissioner work session
When: Tuesday, November 13. 2pm (gather between 1:30pm and 1:45pm)
Where: Wake County Justice Center, 301 South McDowell St, Raleigh. 2nd floor.

Here is the presentation you'll see:
https://wake.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3726580&GUID=A9060A47-A374-4285-9E8D-054D7B50D579&Options=&Search=
Wake Stone will present a rosy story about the quarry afterlife, but don't be fooled. It will destroy almost the entirety of the Odd Fellows land, creating a giant pit, and a liability. This is a small private enterprise destroying public land for profit. It is also counter to the economic development of the region - destroying the very recreational assets our residents and employees value and enjoy.

In particular, the proposed solution:

  • Destroys the Odd Fellows / Rocky Road tract
  • Leaves a huge hole in the ground and public liability (contrary to the pretty artist concept drawings, it won't fill with water and have an afterlife of a pretty lake).
  • It provides for leasing half of the 286 trail land for 10 years, but afterwards leaves Wake County with an untenable burden of a $365,000 per year lease - far in excess of what they spend on other parks.
  • Offers no protection for Lake Crabtree County Park

If you cannot attend: please email your opposition to the Wake County Commissioners: Commissioners@wakegov.com

Helping us all have awesome, sanctioned trails to ride is core to the TORC mission. We need you to show how much this matters to the community - both to cyclists and beyond to all who value parks and outdoor recreation. Please share this or the Facebook event with your networks:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/262363107538729/

More info:
http://StopRDUQuarry.com
Our proposed solution: http://rduforest.com/solution/
Wake Stone: https://www.wakestonecorp.com/
http://www.wakegov.com/locations/justicecenter/Pages/default.aspx

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