More than 30 people offered testimony in support of legislation directing the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) to extend the Down East Sunrise Trail from Pembroke into Calais. The 12.2-mile extension on the existing rail line would pass through the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, where ATVs are not currently allowed, and some concerns were expressed about possible issues that should be addressed. The hearing on the bill by the legislature's Transportation Committee was held on April 4, with a work session scheduled for April 10.
      Testifying on behalf of the City of Calais, interim City Manager Jim Porter stated that converting the existing railroad track to a multi use trail would "provide a much needed positive economic impact on Calais and the surrounding towns." He stated, "For walkers, bikers or hikers traversing the multi use trail, it would be a spectacular way to finish the U.S. portion with a scenic trek through the beautiful Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, at the same time attaining the goal of the East Coast Greenway, which is to continue the path off road whenever possible. ATV riders and snowmobilers will gain much needed access to gasoline, supplies, restaurants and overnight accommodations while enjoying two of the many attributes our region has to offer: breath-taking scenery and the shared joy of outdoor recreation."
      If the rail line is converted to a multi-use trail, the MDOT would retain the right to terminate the corridor's use for recreational purposes and return it to rail use. If the rail segment were restored, it could help the Port of Eastport connect with the Woodland Pulp mill for pulp exports, but there are numerous cost prohibitions that stand in the way of bringing back the line, with an estimated cost of $51.5 million to restore rail and also the cost of constructing a transload facility in Perry. In addition, a significant increase in wood fiber shipments through the port would be needed.
      Benefits of converting the rail line to a trail were pointed out by numerous people, not only residents of this area but also trail enthusiasts from other parts of the state. Denise Barker, the economic development director for Calais and Baileyville, testified, "The expansion of this trail would provide tremendous benefits to our community. It would create new recreational opportunities for families, outdoor enthusiasts and tourists, boosting local businesses and encouraging economic growth."
      Noting that he had ridden on the Down East Sunrise Trail, Ronald O'Brien of Calais stated that he was "amazed at the traffic and people patronizing the businesses along the trail as I rode all the way to Ellsworth and back. However, once back to Ayers Junction, I thought to myself how the economic climate in the eastern part of Washington County is left out of this amazing opportunity."
      Abutters of the rail bed also offered support, with David Bibber of Charlotte stating, "I am more than willing to give up a few seconds of the peace and solitude I find at my camp to see others ride by while enjoying the same beauty and tranquility of Downeast Maine that I am privileged to see on a regular basis. I think it is also important to point out that many senior citizens who have lost some of their mobility and are prohibited from hiking through the woods have now taken advantage of owning a side by side."
      Testifying on behalf of the Friends of Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Eric Mauricette offered support for the measure, as long as the trail conversion is done with collaborative planning, adherence to environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, and active engagement of all stakeholders of the refuge. The Friends group does have concerns about impacts on wetlands and wildlife habitat; the possible introduction of invasive species; the disruption of bird watching and hunting by high decibel ATV noise; the possibility that ATVs would leave the rail corridor and enter the refuge's federally protected wild lands; and trail maintenance and ATV safety issues. The group urged that a biological assessment, a hydrological study and a noise and air quality impact study be conducted to evaluate potential impacts. The process should involve public scoping meetings and the preparation of an environmental impact statement.
      The Calais Branch Rail Use Advisory Council (RUAC), a group that was formed in March 2024, recommended the conversion of the track to a trail, but it was noted that environmental impact assessments would likely be required at the federal level.
      Opposition to converting the rail line to a trail was expressed by Lucas Leighton of Newport, who submitted testimony stating that it would damage the wildlife refuge and questioning how much business the Down East Sunrise Trail is generating. "Trail groups are struggling to maintain the section of the Calais branch they already hold, due to declining membership and donations, along with aging volunteers. Why is the state building more trails for these groups, when they cannot even maintain the section(s) of the Calais branch they already have?"
      According to the RUAC's recommendation, trail usage could be as much as 23,500 people a year, or 3,100 during peak months. They would include ATV riders, snowmobilers, equestrians and pedestrians. Converting the rail line to a trail would cost $13.9 million for a gravel or stone dust trail or $18.1 million for a paved trail, according to estimates in the report.