Proposed Joseph Branch Rail-With-Trail Sparks Debate in Wallowa County

By Tracy Christopher on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

ENTERPRISE — A long-running debate over the future of the historic Joseph Branch railroad corridor is resurfacing as Wallowa County commissioners prepare to consider a land-use plan amendment that would open the door to a non-motorized trail running from Elgin to Joseph. The meeting is scheduled for December 17 at 7 p.m. at Cloverleaf Hall, and both supporters and opponents are mobilizing.

The City of Wallowa is seeking approval to amend the county’s land use plan to allow construction of a trail within the 100-foot-wide Wallowa Union Railroad Authority (WURA) right-of-way. While many residents currently walk portions of the line informally, the corridor is officially closed to the public.

The proposal has reopened deep concerns among farmers and ranchers whose properties border the railroad—and renewed optimism among trail supporters who see health, economic, and transportation benefits for the region.

Landowners: Protecting Property, Safety, and a Fragile Agricultural Economy

Wallowa County agriculture families say the issue is bigger than recreation. Many feel the proposal threatens their livelihoods at a moment when the industry is already strained by increased regulation, rising operational costs, market volatility, and wildfire risk.

Landowners argue that opening the corridor to public use would create a new set of challenges:

Key Concerns Raised

Trespassing and livestock safety — Fears of unleashed dogs, interference with working cattle operations, and potential injury to livestock.
Public safety and liability — Worries that trail users may wander onto private land, become injured, or interfere with ranch work, even with posted boundaries.
Fire danger — Concern that more human presence in narrow canyon areas could increase wildfire risks, especially in hot, dry seasons.
Litter, waste, and camping — Fears that unsanctioned camping or fire use might emerge despite official rules.
Hunting access and poaching — Landowners say a publicly accessible corridor could create new enforcement challenges.
Future of the rail line — Many worry that once designated a trail, future freight or expanded excursion service will become impossible.

Some ranchers and loggers, including Butch Tanzey of Wallowa, see the railroad corridor as one of the few remaining avenues to rebuild local industry. “It’s time to get the railroad improved so we can get freight moving in and out of the county,” Tanzey said, pointing to the role rail could play in removing forest biomass and reducing truck congestion on Highway 82.

Others say the prospect of the trail feels like part of a broader pattern of regulations affecting rural industries. “It feels like a coordinated effort,” said landowner Alicia Zinni, who views the trail proposal as a threat to private property rights and agricultural stability. She and others hope that, instead of pursuing a trail, the community can rally around repairing tracks and restoring excursion or freight service.

Landowners also note that previous attempts to develop a trail—1997, 2013, and 2019—did not move forward, leaving them skeptical that current planners can address the longstanding concerns.

Trail Advocates: A Healthier, Safer, More Connected Region

The Joseph Branch Trail Consortium and other supporters envision a different future: a safe, accessible, non-motorized trail that connects all six towns along the rail line and offers recreation opportunities for residents of all ages.

Advocates emphasize that this is a “trail-with-rail” project—not a rail-to-trail conversion—and that the tracks would remain in place for current and future rail use.

Key Points Shared by Trail Supporters

Public health and accessibility — A flat, ADA-compliant pathway within towns offers a safe space for walking, biking, and horseback riding, especially for residents who cannot access steep or rugged mountain trails.
Economic benefits — Research on similar projects suggests nearby communities see increased local business activity as trail users stop for food, lodging, or shopping.
Local use, not tourist crowds — National studies of rail-trails show that roughly 90% of trail users are locals, not visitors.
Safety data — Supporters cite national research and case studies, including the Weiser River Trail in Idaho, showing no increase in crime, property damage, livestock injury, or trespassing when trails are built along agricultural areas.
Liability protections — Oregon law provides liability immunity for adjacent landowners when land is used for recreational purposes, and supporters say signage and enforcement plans will clearly mark the trail boundaries.
Funding sources — Trail construction is funded through state grants and private donations, not local tax dollars.

Advocates also point to progress already made: a completed trailhead and first trail section in Elgin, multiple state grants, partnerships with Eastern Oregon University, and ongoing planning for sections between Elgin, Wallowa, and Minam.

“We want a community asset for generations to come—one that works for everyone,” the consortium states.

Long History, Strong Emotions

The Joseph Branch railroad has been at the center of land-use conflict for nearly 30 years. When the timber industry collapsed in the 1990s, the potential abandonment of the line led local governments to purchase and preserve it for future rail use. Since then, proposals for trails have repeatedly run up against rural concerns about land rights, operations, and the cultural heritage of agriculture.

Many landowners fear that state agencies and nonprofit organizations wield disproportionate influence, pointing to professional planning documents and grant-funded promotions. Trail supporters say they are simply making use of available grants and working within the law to create an amenity many residents want.

What both sides agree on: emotions are high, and the proposal has divided the county.

What Happens Next

The Board of Commissioners will be conducting a Public Hearing on December 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Cloverleaf Hall, 600 NW First Street, Enterprise. This hearing is regarding the proposed Legislative Amendment to the Wallowa County Transportation Systems Plan

All letters and comments already submitted to the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners are part of the record and will be reviewed by the Commissioners
If you have new information you would like to submit, public comments and letters will be received during the December 17th hearing
A decision will be made by the Commissioners on this matter on January 7, 2026, 7 p.m. in the Wallowa County Courtroom, 101 S River Street, Enterprise.

The county planning commission has already declined to recommend the amendment, but the final decision rests with the commissioners.

Regardless of the outcome, the debate is not likely to settle soon. The trail consortium has already signaled plans to pursue additional permits in 2026, and landowners say they are prepared to continue opposing any effort they feel threatens their property rights or agricultural stability.

As the hearing approaches, both sides say they hope for a respectful process—and a clearer direction for the future of one of the county’s most historic transportation corridors.