Trail connector at Lyons Falls may be at risk as nearby parcels go on market; Boonville hearing produced public comment but no decision

Members of the Lewis County trail group raised concern that land currently for sale near Lyons Falls and Burdick's Crossing could jeopardize a key connector between trail segments.

"There's a house and land for sale and then there's other land for sale that our trail is on, so there's potential loss of uh that connector there," Charlie Anderson said, identifying potential risk for the Van Handles/Lyons Falls connector.

Anderson also reported attending a Boonville connection public hearing held at the Boonville municipal building and said the session featured many public comments and questions but no clear outcome was announced to meeting participants.

"It was just a public hearing...whether the board's going to move forward with it or not, I haven't heard," Anderson said, indicating there was no decision recorded at that meeting.

Participants agreed staff should continue landowner outreach to identify exact parcel boundaries and to GPS and flag routes before pursuing construction or formal approvals. Anderson said staff are waiting on two contracts and will begin GPS and flagging work once landowner contacts are completed.

The meeting also included a reminder that a public hearing on "Local law 4‑26 amending law 3‑0 2019" is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the courthouse second floor; meeting participants were directed to publish required public notices at least 14 days prior.

The group did not take a formal vote on the connector; members directed staff to follow up with landowners and report back at future meetings.