Environmental research

In XIX-XX century very wide networks or separate units of narrow-gauge railwys were constructed, serving eg. sugar-plant with farmers producing sugar-beets in vincinity, very short ones - serving brick-yards or - serving forest area with intensive exploatation of forest resources; Gradually truck transportation replaced all narrow-gauge railways, which became uneconomical ( ).In Poland this process started in 1970s, and until now in early XXI century process is going on.What is worse - it is exposed to dismantlig the track and all facilities (very often - simply robbery of rail track, devastation of facilities (buildings,all technical infrastructure).It is the case of the reconstruction of the old railway in Knyszynska Primeval Forest for touristic and educational purposes. Connecting Bialystok with two existing didactic paths in Knyszynska Forest wil have a huge potential for further development and self-financing if properly managed and with good marketing.Project aims in reconstruction of partially destroyed/robbed forest narrow-gauge railway and introduction of eco-tourism based on sustainable transportation from the big town (Bialystok) to recreational area of Knyszynska Forest.Pproject is prepared by fans of narrow-gauge railway facing big barriers to overcome from monopolistic railway state company, other owners of these tracks (eg. forest authority) and pressure from poor people devastating track, stealin anything what is made of steel (just to sell as a scrap metal).

Poland