NSRRs Brosnan Forest property, a green heritage - Trains Magazine

While surfing around, I stumbled onto this story of NS Corp efforts at replanting several species of trees throughout its operating areas in the South and Southeaster US.

One article mentioned 'Carbon Credits and how trees would bring a return to NS Corp in that aspect. Sounded like a real long range effort, but some would discount it as some kind of political.financial chicanery .  I leave that one to the experts.   But a feel good story? You bet!

First was this story (linked here) : 

Titled : TREES AND TRAINS:"   All in all even if a TRAINS compeditor, still a kind of interesting story.   Down near the Bottom was a mention of the " Brosnan Forest ".  I knew that name!  D. William Brosnan was a President of the Southern Rwy and of the merged NS/NW in middle 1960's.  What the heck was the Brosnan Forest? A number of years ago a gentleman I knew was a Freight sales rep for NSRR and had mentioned some trips to the 'Low Country' of South Carolina by OCS for Business 'Conferences. So look up on web 'Brosnan Forest'.

Found this link:

By Brian Hicks "The Post and Courier [Charleston,S.C.]

Sunday, August 10, 2008

FTA: "...Norfolk Southern and its preceding companies have owned this land for 160 years. The property includes part of the route of the Charleston-Hamburg Railroad Line, the first steam-powered railway in the United States and the longest in its day. Today, only eight miles of rail run through these woods.

For decades, Brosnan Forest — named after a pioneering 20th century railroad executive — has been a corporate retreat for Norfolk Southern officials, their guests and employees. Behind the gate on U.S. Highway 78, there is a charming lodge and a series of cabins made from timber harvested on the property. It is a private refuge for folks to fish, hunt, hike, ride ATVs and swim. They used to bring in train cars for visitors to stay in.."

Interesting story on the Brosnan Forest! Seems like these kinds of Corporate retreat facilities have long since gone by the way as financial types found they were not aligned with the current 'core business' of the parent. It is really nice to see that the NS Corp family has maintained this facility and is working to make its viability in the Corporation viable.

EDIT to add more current infor:

ttp://

Lowcountry Open Land Trust, Norfolk Southern Corp., and neighbors protect rural land

Interesting and timely story? You bet!   Feel Good, No Doubt!