I know there are many Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train lovers in town, and I am not one of them.

It’s not only the hordes of tourists it attracts year round (there’s not even a shoulder season anymore) – it’s the noise and pollution. That train whistle seems to blow off and on (mostly on) almost 12 hours a day. Aside from the pollution, the noise is disruptive, intrusive and simply way too loud. I know they need to put on their whistles at crossings, but this seems to be way excessive of that which is required by law.

Aside from that, there was the 416 Fire, which the train started. Not a cent has been paid to the landowners, who have not been made whole, and the train has not offered up one dime for the firefighting costs. The train is not a good citizen and I wish it would go away.

I’ve only lived in Durango about 15 years, but I have been a resident of Colorado for almost 40. I think I deserve a say.

Julie Meadows

Durango