Lewis and Clark County officials unanimously backed a resolution Tuesday supporting a proposed Helena-to-Great Falls pedestrian trail.

The commission asked the group behind the Corps of Discovery trail effort to guarantee maintenance, restrooms, trash cans, weed control and any necessary fencing.

Their action is symbolic, as BNSF Railway must first decide if they want to abandon the 95-mile scenic route, which has sat unused due to railbed erosion and undersized tunnels.

Commissioner Mike Murray said the trail could provide jobs and businesses, like bed-and-breakfast operations and bike shops in places like Craig and Wolf Creek.

"My vote was to support economic development," Murray said.

Like those for and against the trail, Murray said it's the commission's first preference to see the railroad remain.

Landowners have said they're worried about trespassing, a loss of privacy and generally having people on their land.

Canyon Creek-area rancher Ed Chevallier said he was disappointed in the commission.

"To me having that trail in my front yard would be the same as me running 500 head of cattle through Helena," Chevallier said. He said he's not against bikers, but doesn't see why they can't use old forest roads or places for riding. Chevallier said he's doubtful all users will stay on the trail -- and not wander onto private property.

Organizers of an anti-trail group, the Transportation Preservation Society, declined to comment on Tuesday's action.

With Tuesday's action in the books, public officials in Great Falls, Helena and Cascade and Lewis and Clark counties have all gone on record to support the proposed trail. In December, Cascade County officials said they'd prefer to see the rail line preserved from Great Falls to Ulm with the trail alongside it, in case of a future agricultural venture.

Trail supporter and bike shop owner Eric Grove said he was excited by Tuesday's action. The unanimous votes -- in addition to over 5,000 signatures collected in Great Falls and Helena -- show overwhelming public support. The group will work with landowners to resolve concerns to provide a "once in a lifetime" opportunity, he said.

"It is something people in this part of Montana want to see happen," said Grove, a member of the Corps of Discovery Trail Action Group. "Really, it's a waiting game at this point."

Reporter Jason Mohr can be reached at 447-4075 or jason.mohr@helenair.com.