KINGSTON, NY – The Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR), a cherished tourist attraction in Ulster County, has become the victim of deliberate sabotage, raising concerns about potential motives tied to an ongoing land use dispute with the county government.
On Thursday, June 19, two of the railroad’s essential maintenance vehicles were intentionally damaged. According to Ernest Hunt, president of the Catskill Mountain Railroad, the sabotage included cut electrical wiring, severed engine oil lines, and punctured fuel and oil filters. The fuel lines were also slashed, rendering the vehicles temporarily inoperable.
Swift Repairs, Lingering Concerns
Although the damaged vehicles have since been repaired, Hunt says the incident casts a troubling shadow over a tense standoff between CMRR and Ulster County officials. The dispute centers around the future use of a six-mile stretch of the historic Ulster & Delaware (U&D) rail corridor that runs between Kingston and the Ashokan Rail Trail.
“We’ve always supported a ‘rail with trail’ approach,” Hunt said. “We know it’s more expensive than either one alone, but we believe the benefits to the community and tourism are worth the investment. What worries us now is whether this act of sabotage is linked to our efforts to preserve this dual-use vision.”
Ongoing Dispute Over Land Use
For years, the Catskill Mountain Railroad has advocated for a shared-use model that would allow both tourist trains and recreational trails to operate side by side along the U&D corridor. Ulster County, however, has remained undecided about whether to retain the tracks or remove them to expand the Ashokan Rail Trail exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists.
Two previous studies by independent consulting firms concluded that “rail with trail” is a feasible option along the corridor. Despite that, no final decision has been made, leaving the fate of the line—and the railroad’s operations—uncertain.
Investigation Underway
The New York State Police are currently investigating the sabotage, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also been notified due to the potential threat to public safety. Tampering with rail infrastructure is considered both a state and federal offense, carrying severe legal consequences.
While no suspects have been named, the railroad is urging authorities to treat the incident as more than just vandalism.
“This wasn’t random,” said Hunt. “These weren’t kids playing around. This was someone who knew exactly what to cut to disable our equipment. It puts our people at risk, delays service, and creates financial strain.”
Legislative Support Builds
Amid the investigation, CMRR is rallying behind a new resolution proposed by Ulster County Legislature Chairman Peter Criswell. The resolution calls for a fresh, in-depth study to re-evaluate the viability and benefits of combining both rail and trail along the disputed stretch of the U&D corridor.
“We welcome a new study,” Hunt said. “It’s time to move past political inaction and get to real solutions. The longer we delay, the more at risk we put not only this historic railroad, but also community trust and public safety.”
A Historic Line at a Crossroads
The Catskill Mountain Railroad has operated for decades as a scenic heritage line, drawing visitors from across the region. It offers seasonal excursions, themed rides, and educational events that highlight the area’s rich railroad history. Advocates argue that preserving the rail line, even alongside trail development, supports tourism, local businesses, and historical preservation efforts.
For now, the sabotage serves as a stark reminder of what’s at stake. As Hunt puts it, “This is more than a railroad. It’s about how we share space, how we preserve history, and how we build trust in our communities.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact New York State Police.
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