Diane Valden is reporting for The Columbia Paper construction is underway on the fourth phase of the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, putting it almost halfway to completion. Phase four will complete the Dutchess County portion of the trail in the village of Millerton, town of North East and link it to Under Mountain Road in Ancram, Columbia County. When finished the 46-mile trail “will be one of the most extensive and spectacular rail trails in the U.S.,” according to a press release from the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association. The new portion of the trail borders environmentally sensitive areas, such as native wetlands at various sections and requires the installation of about 4,100 feet of elevated boardwalks. Plans are underway to extend the trail another 23 miles to Chatham and some trail sections north of Copake Falls are already open to the public. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.