By John Harper
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR), which offers distinctive year-round rail experiences and special events to passengers of all ages in the San Juan National Forest, today announced it has settled with all parties in relation to the 416 Fire. The 416 Fire occurred on June 1, 2018 and the D&SNGRR has worked closely with all State and Federal court plaintiffs to come to an amicable conclusion.
In addition, the D&SNGRR confirms that it has successfully converted five of its eight steam locomotives from burning coal to now burn 100% recycled oil. In addition, the railroad has purchased four new to the D&S full-size diesel locomotives capable of pulling passenger trains to Silverton that are in operation. These conversions and purchases have proven successful as the railroad has operated utilizing oil-burning steam locomotives and diesels exclusively the last two summer operating seasons. The D&S team has worked tirelessly to convert its fleet of locomotives and acquire new diesels to ensure this railroad can operate for years to come.
Although the D&SNGRR is settling the case, the D&SNGRR maintains its position that the company and its employees have always been committed to safety and has always held itself to the highest standard of operation. “This has been a very long and tedious process and I am thankful to have it past us. All parties in the State and Federal cases have come to a resolution and now it’s time to move forward and create a better future,” John Harper.
The D&SNGRR and its predecessors have operated the branch line between Durango and Silverton for over 140 years with limited oversight from the U.S. Department of Agriculture since the establishment of the San Juan National Forest in 1905.
“As part of the settlement, the D&SNGRR has now partnered with both the BLM and the USFS to contract obligations on all parties to address the change in environment and the warming trends in the Southwest in a collaborative effort to further protect our nation’s forests. While this is consistent with what the railroad has done through its policies, procedures, equipment and training since D&SNGRR purchased the railroad in the 1980s, opening new lines of communication and collaboration are ultimately going to benefit all parties involved as well as the communities of Durango and Silverton,” said Matt Cunningham, Special Projects and Operations Manager.
With its upgraded and new fleet of locomotives, the D&SNGRR will be operating all summer trains using its 100% recycled oil-burning locomotives and diesel locomotives for both passenger service and maintenance along the railroad.
For more information, please visit https://www.durangotrain.com/
John Harper is General Manager with D&SNGRR.
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