On July 26, 2010, the US Forest Service decided not to allow long term logging access on the historic railroad grade trail through Blackwater Canyon.  This decision follows nearly a decade of analysis and public debate, and will protect the ability of hikers, skiers, and bikers to enjoy the historic railroad grade that winds through the scenic Blackwater Canyon.

The downhill half of the historic railroad grade is owned by Allegheny Wood Products (AWP), and the uphill half is owned by the US Forest Service.  This shared ownership has resulted in a decade-long rift over the management and purpose of the grade.  AWP sought access for logging their lands that lie between the grade and the Blackwater River.  Many members of the public sought continued use of the grade as a trail. 

The US Forest Service decided to grant AWP access to the railroad grade for the purposes of maintainance and restoration of the aging and eroding grade, and for emergeny access.  In exchange, the US Forest Service would receive reciprocal access.  The grade would be managed as a formal trail.  Any access for logging of AWP lands would occur by helicopter or via other AWP lands as has occured in the past.  Like all agency decisions, this decision is subject to appeal, however the decision appears to have been made thoughtfully and based on significant analysis and public comment.