The Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad is facing a new problem as it prepares to abandon the Coos Bay rail line, and that could complicate plans to re-open it.

When CORP closed the line in September 2007, it cited tunnel safety concerns. Since the closure, Oregon International Port of Coos Bay personnel have found stretches of track covered with sand and downed trees.

Now, reports of people trying to steal railroad metal have cropped up in police logs. The theft reports follow the announcement CORP plans to abandon 94 miles of line from near Eugene to Coos Bay’s North Spit. The Coquille branch — which is owned by Union Pacific, leased to CORP and would be abandoned as well — has been site to most of the vandalism reported in Coos County.

Patrick Kerr, CORP’s manager of marketing and sales, said he traveled along the line last week putting up postings about the abandonment. The police reports were the first instance where he learned about any problems, though he said he wasn’t surprised.

Kerr said he is not sure if any the line has been damaged to the point where it would be impossible for an engine to cross. The railroad does not patrol the tracks.

“We don’t have our own police force,” he said. “We rely on local law enforcement.”

Theft from railroads is a nationwide problem, said Martin Callery, director of communications and freight mobility. He recently read about rail lines being unbolted in Boston. And those were active routes.

“This is happening, unfortunately, everywhere,” Callery said.

Kerr said he hopes local salvage yards would not accept any railroad scrap metal without CORP approval.

“It is still railroad property,” he said.

Local salvage yard owners have said they keep close track of who they purchase metal from. State law requires that people selling metals, such as copper and aluminum, must have their picture taken, produce valid ID and provide a description of their vehicles. This information, as well as the date and time of a transaction, is available to police agencies, said Steve Schneiderman, owner of Marshfield Bargain House.

Kerr said even CORP can’t pull up the rail line without first getting approval from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

“STB will not allow us to do that, so we can’t allow others to touch them either,” he said.

CORP representatives have indicated they will file a formal application to abandon the line to the STB on July 14, or thereabout.

The Port of Coos Bay has expressed an interest in purchasing the line, signing a letter of credit for $12.5 million. It now must come up with a plan to demonstrate its ability to own and operate it.

Callery said port personnel cannot patrol the line because that would be considered trespassing, though vandalism is a concern given the possibility the port will take over the line.

“It would be that much more that would have to be repaired, replaced or rehabilitated,” he said.

Staff Writer Alexander Rich covers Port of Coos Bay issues for The World. He can be reached by calling 269-1222, ext. 234; or by e-mailing to arich@theworldlink.com.