WHAT'S HOT

Tell your governor: I support Recreational Trails Program funding!

It is important to note that the widespread, visible and continuous support that the RTP received prior to enactment of the legislation that reauthorized RTP last month was almost exclusively focused on the U.S. Congress. Now we must do all that we can before September 1 to ensure that these State Governors understand the importance of this program, and how many of their constituents care passionately about trails and the RTP. Read more and take action...

Sept. 12 Webinar: Connecting Greenways, Trails and Active Mobility

September 12 is the date for the next webinar in the American Trails "Advancing Trails" Webinar Series. We will look at planning and designing urban mobility networks and how to integrate transportation with greenway and trail networks. This webinar will also be the national launch for th book, "The Third Mode: Towards a Green Society," by Jeff Olson, a partner with Alta Planning + Design. Jeff will be joined by Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists, and Moderator Bob Searns, Chairman of the Board of American Trails. Join us September 12 at 12:00 p.m. noon Pacific / 3:00 p.m. Eastern...

The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has released its newest economic study, which details the role that outdoor recreation plays as a major economic driver in the United States. This was a hot topic at the Outdoor Retailer's Summer Market held in Salt Lake City in early August. Outdoor recreation accounts for $646 billion in spending that each year supports 6.1 million direct jobs and $80 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue. This underscores the need for investment by the Federal Government in programs that bolster opportunities for consumers to participate in outdoor recreational activities. Learn more and download the full report... 

Funding for the federal agencies for fiscal year 2013 is the next issue for outdoor recreation advocates. Congressional leaders recently agreed to fund federal agencies for the first six months of FY 2013 at about the same levels as 2012. The likely outcome is that Congress will pass a Continuing Resolution to carry the federal government into early 2013 at current funding levels. The challenge for the House and Senate is to tackle the overall multi-year budget. If they can't agree by January 2, 2013, they face an automatic $1.2 trillion in spending reductions. Following the elections in November the budget will be a top issue in Congress. Watch for news on our Federal Budgets page... 

American Trails "SUPPORTING TRAILS" pages provide the latest on current issues and debates and the ongoing efforts of American Trails to continue its 24 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 transportation reauthorization process, Federal land management agency budgets, and more. We continuously add news and action items to these pages. Check back often and forward this link on through your networks... 

Utne Magazine published a good summary of the politics and shifting proposals that resulted in the final MAP-21 transportation funding legislation. "Until very recently, urban cycling has been a bipartisan effort- cheap by Washington standards, and basically uncontroversial. The close call served as a reminder of how important federal dollars are in maintaining and expanding cycling options for city dwellers-and how much Washington's spending priorities have recently shifted." Read more... 

"Top Trails Outdoor Recreation Park" is the brainchild of a group of off-road vehicle enthusiasts and some creative thinking by the cities of Talladega and Lincoln. What they have created is a 2,900-acre park on the former site of an old military ammunition storage facility that is becoming an outdoor recreation destination. Plans are for the park to have more than 100 miles of ATV and motorcycle trails, 60 miles of horseback riding trails, hiking, walking and biking trails, a shooting complex, five lakes offering fishing and canoeing, and camping areas. Read more and see photos and video... 

Trails and rails compete for 90-mile route in Adirondacks

Adirondack Recreational Trail Advocates are working towards creation of the Adirondack Rail Trail using the largely abandoned New York Central tracks between Old Forge and Lake Placid, New York. The group says, "We are fighting a small but vocal group who want the tracks maintained for 'future rail service' even though there has been no demand for passenger or freight service for over 40 years." A recent report estimates that the trail would attract 244,000 new visitors and $19.8 million in new tourist dollars annually. Read more and see photos... 

The Daily Courier in Prescott, AZ shows off some great work being done by volunteers on local trails. With spectacular views along the new Watson Lake Trail the 5-mile loop around Watson Lake should be completed in several months. Just over the past several weeks, Prescott Trails Specialist Chris Hosking estimates that workers moved about 50 tons of boulders to make way for the new trail. Although traces of social trails still are visible in the area, the land is privately owned, and required a license agreement with the City of Prescott to make it public. Read more and see photos and video... 

Trails on "fire roads" and the mysterious gates

In the mountains above Los Angeles, you'll find many miles of under-rated hiking trails. You'll often find yourself entirely alone, even on weekend afternoons, above the shimmering city and shining ocean. Many of the trails are actually roads -- specifically "fire roads," closed to general traffic, but opened for firefighters who (too often) need to reach the region's notoriously tinder-boxy slopes. Access to these is frequently regulated by so-called "fire gates." Across the lower bar of the gate are four white tubes. What are they? Read more and see photos...

American Trails and the trails community nationwide mourns the passing of Joe Shoemaker in August, 2012. Before it was in vogue, Joe was one of the prime movers and initiators of what has now become a worldwide movement of planning and developing urban trails and greenway systems. Joe Shoemaker's commitment to the importance of greenways made him an influential figure in the Colorado trails community for many years. Read more on the American Trails Blog... 

Submit your presentation proposal for the Symposium by September 1 

Are you interested in being a presenter at the Symposium? Do you know someone with a great program or project to showcase? To help us develop an exciting and motivating agenda, we invite you to submit ideas for presentations in support of the Symposium's theme, "Trails Lead Everywhere," as well as embodying at least one of the topic areas of interest as explained in the Call for Presentations. Please help spread the word through your networks. The deadline for proposals is September 1, 2012. Learn more and read the Call for Presentations... 

Announcing the host hotels for the Symposium ~ reserve your room now! 

See all the details on the hotels that will welcome you to Arizona and the American Trails International Trails Symposium. Be sure and mention you are with the American Trails International Trails Symposium to get the group rate. Learn more about the hotels, plan for travel from the airport, and more. Our three host hotels are the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort, the Holiday Inn - Fountain Hills, N. Scottsdale, and the Comfort Inn Fountain Hills. Learn more and see photos... 

The National Trails Awards are sponsored by American Trails to celebrate the leaders of our national system of trails for their outstanding contributions. This is the opportunity to recognize an outstanding person, project, or organization with America's most prestigious trail awards. A new International Trails category is being introduced this year. Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet on April 16 at the 21st American Trails International Trails Symposium in Arizona. The deadline for submitting nominations is October 31, 2012. See previous award winners and learn more about the National Trails Awards... 

Exhibitors: sign up with support by October 31 and save 10%

Exhibitors can save 10% off exhibitor fees until October 31. Additional early exhibitor discounts include the choice of 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...

Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors!

Exhibitors: sign up with your support by October 31 and save 10%!

We want to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors to date for the 21st American Trails International Trails Symposium! Learn more and link to these exhibitor's websites...  

• American Trails
• Arizona State Parks
• Radisson Fort McDowell Resort Destination
• Central Arizona Project
• Fountain Hills CVB
• Mesa CVB
• Scottsdale CVB
• US DOT Federal Highway Administration
• National Park Service
• USDA Forest Service
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• USDA Forest Service - Trails Unlimited
• The Acorn Group / Acorn Naturalists
• Advanced Resource Solutions, Inc.
• American Conservation Experience
• American Quarter Horse Association - STEP Program
• Asphalt Systems / USA Soy Solutions
• Aztec Engineering
• Backcountry Horsemen of America
• Bellfree Contractors, Inc.
• Beneficial Designs
• Black Canyon Trail Coalition
• City of Phoenix
• Contech Engineered Solutions
• Creative Pultrusions, Inc.
• E.T. Techtonics, Inc.
• Envirosigns, Ltd.
• Erica Fielder Studio
• Gail Materials
• GameTime
• Grovesite
• Interpretive Graphics, Signs, & Systems
• Irvine Ranch Conservancy
• iZone
• K Design
• Kay-Linn Enterprises
• National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council
• Northwest Woodland Services, Inc.
• Okanogan Trail Construction, Inc.
• Pennsylvania Equine Council
• Pima Trails Association
• Pioneer Bridges
• Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls
• Professional Trailbuilders Association
• Quad Cities CVB
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
• Redding CVB
• Rhino Marking & Protection Systems
• RideNow Powersports
• Rockart Signs & Markers
• Santa Fe Trail Association
• Southwest Conservation Corps
• Terrabilt Wayfinding Systems
• Town of Pinetop-Lakeside / TRACKS (AZ White Mountains Trail System)
• Tread Lightly!
• Voss Signs
• Wheeler
• Yavapai Trails Association / Prescott Mile High Trail System

• The support from volunteers helps keep this trail system on track 

  TRACKS is an organization of 400+ volunteers who build and maintain over 200 miles of trails, the White Mountains Trail System, for hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, equestrians, and cross-country skiers in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. In this part of northeast Arizona, close to Pinetop/Lakeside and Show Low, major trails in the system are built as loops, with connector trails linking them, so that users may go on short or long excursions. Trailheads are easily accessible from Forest Service roads, which generally do not require 4-wheel drive vehicles. There are many opportunities for birdwatching, encountering wildlife, and enjoying the ponderosa pines and aspen forests. Learn more about TRACKS and the White Mountains Trail System...

• Okanogan Trail Construction tackles Arizona Trail

  Completing the Arizona Trail required careful planning and technical construction of the Ajax Section through a rocky canyon. Okanogan Trail Construction was selected for design and construction through Martinez Canyon, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The steep canyon walls and rampant vegetation made it practical to lay out only a maximum of one mile of trail at a time. Blasting as well as trail building machines were required to finish the job. Read more and see photos...

Montana group continues Continental Divide Trail work

To help complete the Continental Divide Trail, CDT-Montana is building on five decades of grassroots volunteer work and successful collaborations. After the Colorado-based Continental Divide Trail Alliance closed its doors in January 2012, the Montana Wilderness Association saw an opportunity to pick up the slack on the CDT up north. After scrambling to pursue grants and funding, a summer project schedule was in place with nearly a dozen volunteer opportunities from Glacier to Yellowstone National Park. Read more and see photos...

Prescott (AZ) developer sees value of adjacent public trail

"Tom Devereaux, developer of the nearby Preserve subdivision, also foresaw the value of having a trail running adjacent to his property when he sold the city about 30 acres of open space, valued at $238,000, for $56,000 this past fall," reports The Daily Courier. "From the petroglyph-adorned rock formations on the west end to the steep climbs through chaparral on the east side, the new Centennial Trail serves up signature Prescott terrain." Read more and see photos...

Featured National Recreation Trail: Nelson-Trevino Canoe Trail, WI

The Nelson-Trevino Canoe Trail is one of four water trails located on the Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This trail was developed as an Eagle Scout project in the summer of 2010 and has provided paddlers with incredible fishing, breathtaking views, and bird watching opportunities. Boaters can pull up to the docks in front of the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN to view eagles up close and personal. Paddlers can also continue down-river to the Finger Lakes Canoe Trail to the town of Alma, WI. Read more and see photos... 

"Cool Trail Solutions" photo gallery: trails crossing active railroad lines

One of the most difficult trail facilities to accomplish is a crossing of an active rail line. There are, however, many examples of trails crossing railroads at grade in both urban and rural situations. The physical ingredients are signs warning trail users, safety messages, and a surface to allow bike and pedestrian movement while accommodating the rails and flange ways. Warning signals and even crossing gates to stop trail users when trains are approaching are also in use. See photos in the American Trails "Cool Trail Solutions" gallery...

A new report lays out a prioritized list of steps necessary to implement and promote a "Blueway Trail." It includes an analysis of existing conditions as well as a range of projects such as signs, enhancements of existing local parks, boat launches, scenic overlooks, Visitor Centers and kiosks, gateway features, trails, and river access points. The plan also provides a program of initiatives necessary to create and promote the Blueway including a river stewardship program, website promotions, a traveling exhibit, birding promotions, trip packages, and maps. An inter-municipal cooperative implementation strategy describes relative priority, which is responsible, potential partners, and potential funding sources. Download pdf of the Raquette River Corridor Plan (3.3 mb)... 

One of the recent improvements we have made to our expansive website (www.AmericanTrails.org) is to create a clearer and user friendly gateway to our two main streams of visitors -- Trail Professionals and Trail Users. 

• The Trail Professionals gateway page gives quick access to our web areas on skills, training, resources, and advocacy.
• The Trail Users gateway is for those looking for places to hike or ride, or to connect with trail organizations and learn about projects in their state. From this portal, you can check out the National Recreation Trails Database or our State-by-State pages and learn about trails and trail groups in your area.  

As always, we're interested in your feedback! Email us at trailhead@americantrails.org.

Your link to trail skills: the National Trails Training Partnership

American Trails serves as the lead nonprofit for collection and dissemination of information on trail-related training and education opportunities. The National Trails Training Partnership is an official agreement among six Federal agencies and 24 national organizations dedicated to outdoor recreation and conservation. These groups and many more supporters, including States, businesses, and local communities, work to promote training relevant to every trail activity, both motorized and nonmotorized. Read more about the National Trails Training Partnership...

Join the conversation on trails with the American Trails blog! You'll find regular updates on current topics, ideas, and opinions from the world of trails. We also will be sharing photos and information on trail projects as well as interesting solutions for trail design, access, interpretation, and management. You are also welcome to share your own ideas, resources, and questions. Learn more on the American Trails blog... 

Florida's Natural Areas Training Academy teaches land management

Managed by the University of Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, NATA brings together land management experts from numerous agencies and organizations to share experiences with newer land managers. Courses lead to the Certificate in Natural Areas Management, and since June, 2000 over 125 natural areas managers have graduated from the program. Courses include Conservation Site Assessment and Planning, Managing for Diversity, Working Across Boundaries to Protect Ecosystems, and Managing Visitors and Volunteers in Natural Areas. Read more... 

American Trails is continuing to be on the cutting-edge when it comes to bringing you the latest in state-of-the-art information on all aspects of trails and greenways. We are now pleased to offer webinars available for purchase through our online store. We understand that through these tough economic times, we cannot always travel in or out of state to attend important and informative meetings in the trails industry. You can purchase an archived webinar session if you missed it on the date and time it was held. View and purchase archived and upcoming webinars now... 

Upcoming webinars: 

• The Third Mode: Connective Greenways, Trails and Active Mobility (September 12, 2012)

Archived webinars: 

• Making the Case for Trails in Tight Economic Times
• Other Power Driven Mobility Devices
• Tell a Better Story: Best Practices for Interpretive Panels for Trails
• Water Trail Accessibility: Assessing and Creating More Accessible Facilities and Programs
• The Art of Sustainable Trail Management 

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 training, courses, workshops, or conferences! See details on events below and many more opportunities for training on the Online Trails Training Calendar...

* American Trails presents "The Third Mode: Connecting Greenway, Trails and Active Mobility" ~ REGISTER TODAY! 

September 13 - Long Beach, CA

* National Women's Bicycling Summit

September 19 - Online Webinar: 12:00 p.m. PDT / 3:00 p.m. EDT

* Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals presents "Liability: Understanding and Managing Risk" ~ REGISTER TODAY!   

September 28 - October 1 - Phoenix, AZ

* ASLA Conference

September 29 - On public lands across America

* National Public Lands Day

September 30 - October 2 - Oswego, NY

* New York State Canal Conference

September 30 - October 4 - Mexico City, Mexico

* Walk21

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. 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!  

  .........  

 QUICK LINKS 

• Visit our Blog. 
• Join us on Facebook and Twitter! 
• One of the largest online resources in the world for trail advocates is www.AmericanTrails.org.
• Attend, Exhibit, Sponsor! The 21st American Trails International Trails Symposium (ITS) ~ April 14-17, 2013. Check out the early exhibitor discounts and benefits and their deadlines!
• Learn about and find National Recreation Trails (NRT) near you today! 
• I'm a Pathways for Play advocate. Ask me why. 
• The Online Trails Training Calendar connects you with courses, conferences, and trail-related training.
• Find Products and Services for Trails. 
• Purchase books, maps, memberships, and webinars through the American Trails Online Store.
• What's your opinion? Send us your editorial or opinion piece.
• Need Trails Training? Visit www.TrailsTraining.net. 
• Cool Trail Solutions: view galleries of trail projects, enhancements, and facilities to give you ideas and see how others solved typical trails and greenways problems.
• If you appreciate the thousands of resources we provide to help you do your work better, please help support American Trails ~ make a donation today. 
  Help us better serve you! Take our online web survey! 
• Join American Trails - one of the World's most comprehensive online go-to sources for planning, designing, building, funding, managing, enhancing, and supporting trails and greenways ~ Join Now! 

Send news and calendar items to trailhead@americantrails.org.

American Trails is a tax-exempt, nonprofit charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible.

Header photo: Shannon Freix, Continental Divide Trail Program Manager, on the CDT at Triple Divide Pass in Glacier National Park, MT; photo from Montana Wilderness Association