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June 2016 e-Newsletter

 
Advancing trails for those who build, maintain, use, and dream of trails...
 

  whatshotWHAT'S HOT 

a1
FREE WEBINARS: New benefit for American Trails members

 
If you are an American Trails member at the Trail Professional ($75) level or higher, you can attend our webinars for FREE. This new member benefit will take effect with our June 2016 webinar and only applies for webinars during the same time that your membership is current/active. Read more and become a member...
 
a2
Using technology, learn how to develop a healthy, vibrant trails community: June 23 American Trails webinar
 
This webinar will explore QCTrails.org, a free, user-friendly, interactive, and mobile-responsive website which serves as a comprehensive resource that highlights multi-purpose trails, parks, and side-paths in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. This webinar will feature the impact that a site like QCTrails.org can have on the health of a community for both residents and visitors. Learn more and REGISTER for this webinar...

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Interested in hosting the 2019 International Trails Symposium?
 
a4
New National Recreation Trails designated for 2016
 
On June 3, 2016, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis announced the designation of six local and State National Recreation Trails to the National Trails System. "By designating these new National Trails, we recognize the efforts of local communities to provide outdoor recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed by everyone," Jewell said. Read more and see photos...

a5 
Coalition for Recreational Trails Awards announced 
 
The Coalition for Recreational Trails recognized 10 trail projects and a State Recreational Trails Advisory Committee as recipients of its 2016 Tom Petri Annual Achievement Awards for outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds. The Coalition presented these national awards, which honor Tom Petri, a former member of Congress from Wisconsin and longtime champion of the RTP, at a special Capitol Hill ceremony in Washington, D.C. on June 8, 2016 as part of the celebration of Great Outdoors Month®. Read more and see photos of all the winning projects...

a6
June 30 deadline for RTCA Assistance Program applications
 
The National Park Service is accepting applications for its Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, which supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the nation to design trails and parks, conserve and improve access to rivers, protect special places, and create recreation opportunities. Read more...
 

 newsNEWS

a7
U.S. Department of the Interior releases Economic Report
 
The U.S. Department of the Interior's Economic Report revealed that public lands made a $300 billion impact in the economy for Fiscal Year 2015. Industries such as tourism, energy development, and recreation at national parks, wildlife refuges, and national monuments, as well as investments in wildlife conservation, water management, and renewable energy, contributed to the economy and supported 1.8 million jobs. Read more... 
 
a8
June proclaimed Great Outdoors Month®
 
For the seventh straight year, the President and all 50 governors have proclaimed June Great Outdoors Month®! These proclamations celebrate the economic, social, and healthful benefits of healthy, active outdoor fun in individual States and the country as a whole. Read more...

a9
Interior Secretary Jewell speaks at Partners Outdoors 2016

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell delivered powerful keynote remarks during the Outdoor Recreation Leadership Summit at Partners Outdoors 2016. She outlined challenges facing outdoor recreation leaders, including the need to engage the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and invite an ever-changing American population to experience their public lands and waters. Watch video of Secretary Jewell's keynote speech...

a10
Atlanta Regional Commission approves walking and biking plan

The Atlanta Regional Commission's board recently unanimously approved their new regional walking and bicycling plan - Walk Bike Thrive! The plan aims to improve the safety, mobility, and economic growth of the Atlanta, Georgia region. Read more...

a11
First State-level study on bicycle and recreation trails planned for Wyoming
 
A new task force that will assess bicycling and recreation trails in Wyoming was created in Wyoming, thanks to a new law passed by Governor Matt Mead. The new law brought hope and optimism to many in Wyoming, including task force member Angela Emery. "I'm just so pleased the Legislature empowered the task force to talk about trails and their role in Wyoming's future," Emery said. Read more...

a12 
Vermont to fund 15 trail projects with Recreational Trail Program funds
 
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (VTFPR) is planning a banner year for trails, thanks to $586,764 of funding via the Recreational Trails Program. The funds will go towards maintaining and building public trails across Vermont. "We were able to fund some excellent and diverse projects all over the State. The health, economic, and social benefits of trails are well-documented and our department is proud to support these community-based efforts," VTFPR Commissioner Michael Snyder said. Read more...
featuresFEATURES
a14
Trails and the National Park Service Centennial
 
As the Director of the National Park Service Jon Jarvis has said many times, "The first century of the National Park Service was about bringing people to the parks, the second will be about bringing the parks to the people," and trails are absolutely key to this effort. Read more and see photos...

a15
Autauga Creek Trail gives health and connections to a community
 
The 13-mile water trail on Autauga Creek in Prattville, Alabama is a haven for kayak and canoe enthusiasts, providing hours of entertainment and exercise for individuals and families alike. For Jennifer Griffin, a Montgomery, Alabama native, the challenging water trail serves as a partner in a personal journey towards increased fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Read more and see photos...

a16
Featured National Recreation Trail: Backbone Trail, California
 
The Backbone Trail is California's newest NRT, traveling 67 miles through the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California. The long-distance trail connects the largest natural and scenic parks as it travels along the spine of the Santa Monica Mountains. The trail is open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikes, offering each outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean, chaparral-blanketed mountainsides, shady oak woodlands, rock formations, and cityscapes in the distance. Read more and see photos for this NRT...



a17 
Featured Recreational Trails Program project: Indiana Trails Advisory Board
 
The 2016 award for Outstanding State Recreational Trails Advisory Committee was given to the State of Indiana, recognizing its very effective Trails Advisory Board. Since its founding in 1994, the Indiana Trails Advisory Board - also known as TAB - has always included both motorized and nonmotorized trail users as well as members representing groups with strong interest in trails. With funding through the Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program, Indiana's TAB has completed numerous trail improvement projects. Read more and see photos on this RTP award...

 
Trail Advisory Board Members paddle Trail Creek
 
a18
Featured Online Business Directory advertiser: Voss Signs
 
Voss Signs has been manufacturing custom and stock outdoor
signage for over 45 years. They specialize in durable long lasting screen and digitally printed signage on a variety of materials, ranging from thin gauge aluminum through heavy gauge UV inhibitive plastic. Voss Signs continues to be a leader in various types and sizes of trail, entrance, and directional signage. Learn more about Voss Signs in the American Trails Online Business Directory...

ITSINTERNATIONAL TRAILS SYMPOSIUM
May 7-10, 2017 ~ Dayton, Ohio

American Trails hosts the next International Trails Symposium in Dayton, Ohio May 7-10, 2017!
 
For a second Symposium, we will feature the Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) who will offer Sustainable Trails Workshops (including work on the Legacy Trail), provide a technical track, as well as showcase trail equipment that attendees can test out at the Outdoor Trade Show.
 
The Symposium addresses most aspects of trails, greenways, and blueways. Learn from dozens of educational sessions and mobile workshops, visit a state-of-the-art exhibit hall, and network with experts and enthusiasts from across the globe. The theme for the 2017 Symposium is "Trails Take Flight: Connecting People, Places, and Possibilities."
honorary
Thank you to our Honorary Partners to date: 
a19
Exhibit and sponsorship opportunities 
25% exhibitor discount deadline June 30, 2016
 
The Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities Packet is available! Additional benefits include choosing your booth location in the order that your contract and payment is received (some exceptions apply) and adding your logo or name link on our Meet Our Sponsors page immediately. Learn more...

a20
Theme for 2017 Symposium is Trails Take Flight: Connecting People, Places, and Possibilities
 
Because Dayton is where the Wright brothers developed their pioneering aviation designs, of course we think of that great advance in transportation that opened up the skies. But in many other ways, trails also evoke the idea of flight. Just as "flight" is more than just flying, trails are more than just getting people from place to place. Read more...

a21
Cyclists gather for week-long bike tour near Dayton, Ohio
 
The 28th Annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure will bring an estimated 1,500 cyclists to trails surrounding Dayton, Ohio. The week-long bike tour will take participants along the Great Miami River Trail and many other trails, including stops at several historic locations and museums. Read more...

a22
Five Rivers MetroParks trails to be mapped by Google Maps
 
Over the next few months, volunteers and Five Rivers Metroparks will be working to map out local hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, water, and paved trails for Google Maps. MetroParks is the first and only Ohio park system to participate in Google's Street View Trekker program. The trails will be available on Google Maps in six months to a year. Read more...

internationalINTERNATIONAL NEWS
a23
Increase in hiking leads to more rescues in Hong Kong

An increase in the popularity of hiking for Hong Kong residents has led to the amount of rescues more than doubling over the past year. The rise in rescues is not simply correlated to the rise in hikers, but due to walkers failing to take precautions before beginning their hike. Read more and see photos...

a24 
Explore Ontario's Park to Park Trail
 
The Park to Park Trail in Ontario is a 230-kilometer-long trail that connects two of Canada's iconic parks. The multi-use trail passes through numerous crystal lakes and winds through Canada's majestic outdoor scenery. Read more and see photos...

 trainingTRAINING & RESOURCES
a25
U.S. Forest Service recreation accessibility guidelines

The U.S. Forest Service has developed several documents to enable accessibility improvements while recognizing and protecting the characteristics of the natural setting of outdoor recreation areas and trails. While focused on Federal policies, these guidelines will be helpful to trail planners and managers everywhere looking for current Best Practices on accessibility. Read more and access a variety of accessible recreation resources...

a26
Cool Trail Solutions: Dogs on the trail - signs and regulations
 
For many people, a trip to a trail invariably means a walk with the dog. Signs along trails, as well as dog parks, allow dog owners to take their pet for a walk while understanding the rules of each specific trail. Read more and see photos in the American Trails Cool Trail Solutions Photo Gallery...

a27
National Equestrian Trails Conference planned for Raleigh, North Carolina
 
The NETC 2016 Conference will address important educational issues that are being presented in both a hands-on environment as well as in general workshop sessions. The conference topics include up-to-date educational information and skills that will benefit both trail riders and trail maintenance groups, as well as public and private land managers. The conference is from July 8-10, 2016 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Read more and register... 
 
a28
Looking for presenters for 2017 Advancing Trails Webinar Series

Call for presenters! American Trails is looking for presenters to be considered to serve on a panel in our Advancing Trails Webinar Series for 2017. Do you have a great success story to tell and have lessons to share from it? Are you an expert in any of the following areas or know of someone?
 
Topics of interest include:
  • Innovative funding models for trails
  • Successful "Crowdfunding" campaigns
  • Climate change and trails
  • Or share your ideas!
Please send your concept and bio to Candace Mitchell, Webinar Coordinator, at candace@americantrails.org.

a29
Upcoming Summer 2016 trail training opportunities

Current training opportunities for trail skills across the country. See the Online Trails Training Calendar for details...

June 23 - Online webinar hosted by American Trails
* Webinar: Leveraging Cross-Sector Partnerships and Technology to Develop a Healthy, Vibrant Trails Community   
 
June 26-29 - Houston, TX 
* International Conference on Transportation and Development 
 
July 8-10 - Raleigh, NC
* National Equestrian Trails Conference

July 10 -Online webinar hosted by Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals 
* Performance Measures to Evaluate New and Established Practices
 
July 25-29 - Portland, OR 
* Comprehensive Bikeway Design 2.0

July 29-30 - Grand Junction, CO 
* Old Spanish Trail Conference 
 
August 1-3 - Dickinson, ND 
* North Dakota State Trails Conference
 
August 14-17 - Anaheim, CA
* Institute of Transportation Engineers Annual Meeting and Exhibit 
 
 
Contact us with your scheduled training opportunities at nttp@americantrails.org.

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Trail Tracks is our monthly e-Newsletter with links to   
www.AmericanTrails.org one of the world's most comprehensive online resources for planning, designing, building, funding, managing, and enhancing trails, greenways, and blueways. We also bring you news from the halls of Congress, new studies and resources, interesting articles, events, training opportunities, and the latest in trail products and services. Check out the topics above for what's new in the trails world!

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Header photo: Lands End Trail at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco; photo by Stuart Macdonald