Council refers Woodpecker Woods trail extension to Planning Commission for review

Harpers Ferry Town Council on Jan. 13 voted to refer a proposed short extension of the Woodpecker Woods Trail to Cambridge Street to the Planning Commission for a formal review and recommendation. Parks and Recreation and the Trail Alliance had proposed roughly a 75-foot connection that would give some West Ridge residents more direct access to existing trails; Parks and Rec supported the proposal as a minimal construction project.

Several council members raised procedural and environmental concerns. Councilmember Roberta McTary cited an adopted 2015 trail-protocol document and the West Virginia Statewide Trail Plan (2002/2010), saying the referral should include a use inventory, slope and erosion assessment, stormwater and mitigation plans, maintenance responsibilities, signage and liability considerations, and letters from adjacent property owners. Council members also noted the need to confirm National Park Service review where trails intersect federal lands and to coordinate possible stormwater mitigation features such as a rain garden at the Cambridge Street intersection.

The council voted to postpone direct action and send the proposal to the Planning Commission with the list of items McTary requested. The referral passed by voice vote (motion carries 6-1). Planning Commission review will allow site visits and more detailed study during lighter seasons before any construction work would be scheduled; councilmembers emphasized there is no immediate time pressure and that volunteer coordination with conservation partners could be possible.