WHAT'S HOT

Webinar: Best Practices for Developing Interpretive Panels for Trails

A part of the American Trails Webinar Series, "Telling a Better Story: Best Practices for Developing Interpretive Panels for Trails" focuses on strategies for captivating your trail audience with provocative, well designed interpretive panels. Get practical advice for developing theme-based messages, budgets, design elements, interpretive text, and preparing files for production. Join us for discussions and case studies, and take away valuable tips and techniques to turn ordinary panels into extraordinary experiences. Read more and sign up for the webinar... 

The Spring issue of the American Trails Magazine is hot off the press! You can view it now online on the American Trails website. We included some great articles that will take you around the world of trails. Learn how New Zealand built their world renowned cycle system; see China launch a new greenway system; gather ideas on how a partnership works amongst the Back Country Horsemen, the California Conservation Corps, and the Forest Service; and explore the wonderful trails and outdoor activities that Fountain Hills, Arizona has to offer as the host city for the 21st American Trails International Trails Symposium. Read more... 

At the end of March a 90-day extension of the federal transportation authorization was signed into law. It will continue current programs including Recreational Trails until June 30. Then, in a surprise move, yet another extension of transportation programs was passed by the House with support from both Republicans and Democrats. Funding is now continued to September 30, and some hope there will be an effort to reconcile differences between House and Senate bills. Read more... 

We have been hard at work redesigning the American Trails Online Business Directory and we are excited to reveal its new look and functions! We studied other online Business Directories and our new look is more user friendly, includes a search function, is more interactive, and updates can be made quickly and easily. Be sure and check out the various testimonials sprinkled throughout our Business Directory and see what our current advertisers say about advertising with us! So whether you're in the business for needing the cutting-edge when it comes to trail products or services, or if you are a trail organization that provides these products or services, the American Trails Online Business Directory is your one-stop shop for all things trails!

May 15 is the deadline for advertisers to save almost 60% before we raise the rates (for the first time). Email Candace Mitchell today for more information. Check out the Business Directory now... 

Terry Hanson, current American Trails Board Member and Treasurer, was recognized at the 2012 California Trails and Greenways Conference as "a professional park or trails individual who has worked for at least 25 years to plan, develop, and promote trails on a local and statewide basis, and who has been a leader with statewide impact on trails or greenways in California." Hanson, who used to work for the City of Redding, CA, has been one of the primary leaders in the trails effort in the Redding area for over 30 years, and this dedication has helped make Redding a notable tourist destination. Read more and see photos... 

American Hiking Society's National Trails Day® 2012: register your trail event

Looking for a great opportunity to showcase your trail and to generate more support and funding for your projects? Sponsored by American Hiking Society and a variety of partners, National Trails Day® is celebrated the first Saturday of each June. The goals are to promote the need for trails, get some work done, recognize volunteers, and generate buzz for local trails. Access the free Event Organizer's Manual for information on planning and building your event. Read more... 

Take action for trails: get the facts and contacts in one place

American Trails "SUPPORTING TRAILS" pages provide the facts on current issues and debates and the ongoing efforts of American Trails to continue its years of support for positive policies and funding for trails and greenways. Please join our efforts to document the value of trails and bicycle/pedestrian facilities as transportation infrastructure, and be an active and positive voice in the reauthorization process, economic stimulus proposals, and Federal land management agency budgets. We continuously add news and action items to these pages. Check back often and forward this link on through your networks... 

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signed a Secretarial Order that establishes National Water Trail as a class of national recreational trails under the National Trails System Act of 1968. The goal is to "help facilitate outdoor recreation on waterways in and around urban areas, and provide national recognition and resources to existing, local water trails." The Chattahoochee River Water Trail in Georgia was the first river to be included in the new system, which was a recommendation of the America's Great Outdoors report. Read more... 

Exhibitors: sign up with your support by July 31 and save 15%

Exhibitors can save 15% off exhibitor fees until July 31. But only through May can exhibitors receive additional early exhibitor discounts that include a logo link on our homepage and Symposium webpages and an article in one issue of our Trail Tracks e-Newsletter. Exhibitors get to choose their booth location in the order we receive their contract (some exceptions apply). Exhibitors also get to help us design the "indoor trails and greenways system." Learn more about the benefits of coming in early and download the exhibitor contract...

The new International Trails Award will recognize an outstanding project or partnership -- that occurred outside the United States -- that demonstrates outstanding planning, design, or implementation and enhances the overall trails movement worldwide. Submissions describing the trail or greenway (or trail or greenway system) including successful aspects such as planning, design, challenges solved, public participation, sustainability, economic benefits, promotion, eco-tourism, and benefits to the local and global community are encouraged. The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2012. Read more and download the nomination packet... 

National Trails Awards nomination form is now available!

Don't miss this opportunity to nominate an outstanding person, project, or organization that has impacted the world of trails over the last two years. The National Trails Awards are one way American Trails recognizes the tremendous contributions of volunteers, professionals, and other leaders who are working to create a national system of trails for all Americans. Winners will be announced at the 21st American Trails International Trails Symposium (ITS) Awards Banquet in Arizona, April 16, 2013. The deadline for submitting nominations is October 31, 2012. See previous award winners and learn more about the National Trails Awards... 

In Casa Grande Arizona, volunteers rallied to improve a neglected park and build miles of new multi-use trails. From the saguaro and cholla that dot the landscape to the roadrunners and jackrabbits who call it home, a visit to Casa Grande Mountain Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the Sonoran Desert experience. The park features 1,025 acres of rugged desert terrain with more than 12 miles of newly-built trails. Read more and see photos... 

City upheld in eminent domain case for trail acquisition in MN

A Minnesota court ruled in an eminent domain case for the city of Preston against two hold-out property owners on the proposed Preston-to-Forestville recreational trail. The city worked with the MN Department of Natural Resources from 1998 to June of 2003 to acquire option contracts from willing landowners. Working with a local Joint Powers Board the city negotiated and acquired 17 of the 19 parcels during 2001-04. The case will now move forward regarding the transfer, valuation, and payment for the remaining two properties. Read more... 

Aflac donates $1 million to Chattahoochee River restoration project

Insurance provider Aflac has donated $1 million toward Chattahoochee River restoration in Columbus, GA, the company's home town. The project was spearheaded by UPtown Columbus Inc., a business improvement district created to support the businesses and residents of the region. It includes a river walk, a "Rails-to-Trails" project, a new pedestrian bridge over the river, and a new commercial plaza. But the main focus will be the recovery of a 2.5-mile stretch of river habitat for native fish and species and, in the process, establishing "a world-class white-water track for rafting and kayaking, the longest such urban white-water venue in the world." See photos and read more... 

Redding, CA hosting second annual Family Biking Day April 28

Shasta Living Streets is bringing Family Biking Day to the Whole Earth and Watershed Festival in Redding, CA on April 28. Shasta Living Streets is a local effort that opens streets to people and brings temporary car free space to the area. Also known as a "Cyclovia," this program promotes active living while also fostering community interaction as people move freely and safely through neighborhood streets and residents come out to walk, bike, run, and skate. Learn more on the Shasta Living Streets website... 

Michigan boasts more than 300 bike tours that criss-cross the state, said Rich Moeller, executive director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, with nearly 50,000 cyclists participating. The booming bike tours means big business for Michigan and it may keep getting bigger. Michigan is ranked No. 1 in the country for the largest rail-trail system with more than 2,400 miles of bike trails, according to Josh DeBruyn, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for the Michigan Department of Transportation. Read more and see photos... 

The collapse of Northern California logging ended the McCloud River Railroad's line to Burney. In 2009, citizens and local organizations formed a partnership to acquire the right-of-way. The trust won a $350,000 state grant last week to purchase the right-of-way. Called the Great Shasta Rail Trail, the route spans more than 80 miles through forested mountains. Read current news and an editorial... 

A new multi-use trail system is in the works for Duluth area

Chimney Rock State Park is reopening the Outcroppings Trail after a four-month closure. The nearly $1 million trail project offers a safer climb, stunning views of the park, increased capacity and improved comfort with more landings to rest in between the 491 steps. The Outcroppings Trail, which leads from the upper parking lot to the Chimney stairs, permanently restores hiking access to the highest point in the park. The project included upgrading the 26-story elevator originally built in 1949 to reach the Chimney. Read more and see photos... 

Iowa has an extensive network of rivers and streams running through all geographic regions of the state, but relatively little has been understood about the overall pattern of river usage. A recent Iowa State University study based on a river visitors survey finds that Iowa's rivers and streams are valued for economic impact to local economies through spending on materials and supplies by users and visitors. The overall economic impact from recreation on these 73 river segments in the 2010 study is substantial. Over 6,350 jobs are supported with $824 million in sales and $130 million of personal income. Read more... 

Florida provides database of accessible trails and outdoor recreation

Florida Disabled Outdoors Association has a Resource Referral Network of accessible inclusive programs and services, products, destinations, and events. Searching for "Hiking" or "Horseback Riding" by county brings up links to trails and greenways. The goal is to connect people with a wide range of disabilities to find health and wellness opportunities and discover new places in Florida's great outdoors. Check out the database of accessible recreation facilities... 

Chelatchie Prairie Rail-with-Trail Corridor Study

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad runs for 33 miles diagonally across Clark County in southwestern Washington. Clark County acquired the corridor to maintain commercial freight and passenger rail service and to establish a nonmotorized trail across the county. The Chelatchie Prairie Rail-with-Trail (RWT) is envisioned as a 33-mile multi-use trail within the railroad right-of-way where possible. Read more and download the study... 

Developing Sustainable Mountain Trail Corridors: An Overview

Hugh Duffy introduces the criteria of maximum profile grade relative to existing cross slope (fall line) as a key to the development of natural surface trail projects that are sustainable. Sustainable trails have negligible soil loss or movement, and do not adversely affect the naturally occurring flora and fauna. Sustainable trail design will accommodate a variety of appropriate uses while requiring minimal maintenance over extended periods of time. Read more... 

Featured National Recreation Trail: Red Canyon Trail, Utah

The Red Canyon Bicycle Trail is an 8.6 mile nonmotorized trail that parallels the route of Utah Scenic Byway 12 through Red Canyon on the Dixie National Forest. The area is often referred to as "Little Bryce," with brilliantly colored red rocks and large ponderosa and other pines. The trail links to 60 more miles of trails in Red Canyon, offering numerous loop opportunities including the Thunder Mountain Trail, known for outstanding mountain biking. Read more and see photos...

American Trails is working to create a dynamic online webinar series to help fill the trails training void created by agency budget cuts and travel restrictions. We are planning to increase the frequency of these presentations to a monthly series of webinars. American Trails began presenting webinars in 2010 and is working to continue this popular type of computer and internet-based training. A variety of topics on trail planning, design, accessibility, funding, and problem-solving are in the works. Read more... 

NOHVCC Workshops: Pennsylvania and Colorado

• Pennsylvania: June 7-9, 2012

The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Pennsylvania OHV Association will be holding an Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Management Workshop. Topics included in this two-day workshop are: principles of successful OHV recreation management, planning and maintaining sustainable OHV trails, economic benefits of OHV recreation, and partnership development to achieve desired results. Online registration is available. Click here for more details...

• Colorado: June 21-23, 2012

The Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO), in conjunction with National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), Colorado State Parks and Wildlife, the US Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be holding an Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Management Workshop. Topics included for this two-day workshop are: updates of recent national and state land management rules and regulations, implementation of the merger of CO Parks and Wildlife, grant writing and administration, and partnership development. Online registration is available. Click here for more details...

Two locations to choose from: April 24 Lakewood, CA or April 25 Irvine, CA. Session 1: Pathways for Play - Infusing Play into Pathway Networks. Session 2: Building Inclusive Community Through Play: Promoting Meaningful Play Experiences for People of All Ages and Abilities. Hosted by CPRS District 10, the City of Irvine, the City of Lakewood, GameTime, and Great Western, the seminar includes two sessions, a hosted lunch, snacks, and coffee for attendees. Download the invitation and registration information for the April 24 event in Lakewood or the April 25 event in Irvine. 

The next meeting of the National Trails Training Partnership will be June 4 in Washington, DC. NTTP is the coalition of agencies, states, organizations, and volunteer groups working together for better trail-related education. Topics for the meeting will include the Interagency Trails 101 course, the recent national trails training survey, and the new NTTP memorandum of understanding among federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. Read more about the National Trails Training Partnership... 

Water Trail Accessibility and Assessment Workshop offered

American Trails is proud to offer the Water Trail Accessibility and Assessment Workshop. This new course is designed to help water trail managers and outfitters improve opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities to enjoy water trails. The workshop includes a half day indoor instruction, followed by a full day of on-the-water training in adaptations and programmatic access. Contact America Trails to learn more and to schedule a training in your area:

trailhead@americantrails.org or (530) 547-2060. Read more about the program by instructor Mike Passo...

Training opportunities for 2012: see our online calendar

Check the Online Trails Training Calendar for a wide variety of learning opportunities for volunteers and professionals engaged with trails of all kinds. American Trails, through the National Trails Training Partnership, works with agencies and organizations across America to promote trail-related training. Let us know if we can publicize your trainings, courses, workshops, or conferences! See details on events below and many more opportunities for training on the Online Trails Training Calendar...

Upcoming trail-related training opportunities in 2012:

April 26 - Online Webinar: 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Pacific

* Telling a Better Story: Best Practices for Developing Interpretive Panels for Trails ~ PURCHASE NOW! 

May 2-4 - Chattanooga, TN

* Tennessee Bike Summit

May 3-4 - Morrison, TN

* Connecting to Nature Summit

May 8 - Anchorage, AK

* Alaska Bike-Ped Funding Workshop

May 10 - Online Webinar: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern

* Growing the Florida East Coast Greenway

May 14-18 - Socorro, NM

* National Historic Trails Workshop

May 18-20 - Washoe County, NV

* Trail Construction and Crew Leader Workshop

May 23 - Normal, IL

* Central Illinois Bike Summit

May 30 - June 1 - Indianapolis, IN

* National ADA Symposium

June 2 - On trails across America!

* National Trails Day®

June 2-3 - USFS Columbine Trail in Salida, CO

* Salida Crew Leadership for Trails Training

June 6-9 - Delafield, WI

* Wisconsin Trail Design and Construction School

June 6-9 - Sturbridge, MA

* International Snowmobile Congress

June 18-21 - Ingersoll/Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

* Trailhead Ontario

June 19-20 - Greenfield, NH

* Sustainable Trails for All and Trail Accessibility Guidelines

Contact us with your scheduled training opportunities at nttp@americantrails.org.

American Trails knows that you are passionate about trails and the positive impacts they bring to your community. Congress is taking dramatic steps to reduce federal trails funding in the upcoming year. We need your commitment of support in order to help us secure funding and to continue advocating for more and better trails across the country! Please take a moment to become a member of the American Trails network or make a donation to support our work...

Thank you for supporting American Trails and America's trails!  

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Header photo: San Diego's Bay Shore Trail is a popular walk for families; photo by Stuart Macdonald