OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY |
Contact:John
Wright
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For Immediate Release: June 5, 2003 |
202-208-6416
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Secretary of
the Interior Gale A. Norton today announced the designation of 23 recreation
trails in 12 states, as part of the National Recreation Trails System.
National recreation trails is an honor given to those existing trails
that have been nominated and meet the requirements for connecting people
to local resources and improving their quality of life. Norton's announcement
coincides with the celebration of National Trails Day, scheduled for June
7, 2003.
"Our aggressiveness in promoting trails for health and recreation is part of a larger partnership effort by President Bush," Norton said. "These partnerships build trails and trails help to build healthy Americans. It is through these partnerships and recreation trails that we are encouraging a variety of activities to keep our citizens healthy and physically fit." The national trail designation is part of a continuing campaign to promote community partnerships and to foster innovative ways to encourage physical fitness. The National Trails System Act of 1968 encourages the Secretary of the Interior to recognize existing community trails that qualify as additions to the National Trails System. The Act promotes enjoyment and appreciation of trails and greater public access. Today's announcement of 23 national recreations trails in 12 states, totals about 492 miles. Last year Secretary Norton designated 26 national recreation trails in 16 states for 836 miles. And in 2001, she designated 15 trails in 13 states for 512 miles. Along with inclusion in the National Recreation Trails System, each of the 23 trails will receive a certificate of designation and National Recreation Trail markers. Throughout the country there are now more than 800 National Recreation Trails throughout the United States, totaling more than 9,000 miles. The National Recreation Trail
program provides technical assistance and support for outreach efforts.
The National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service administer the
program with help from a number of other federal and nonprofit partners,
notably American Trails, which hosts the National Recreation Trail Web
site (www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails).
Colorado Florida The Peghorn Nature Park and Trails features a 58-acre park and trail system that gets its name from the distinctive cattle that were raised in the area in the early 1900's. The park is located on a wetland site and hosts a variety of native birds and wildlife, as well as migratory birds during the winter. In addition to its many natural and historic features, the trail allows for recreational activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing in close proximity to downtown St. Cloud. Illinois The Rock Island State Trail is a 27-mile rail-trail named after the abandoned Rock Island Railroad line, traverses central Illinois farmland through a variety of natural settings. The trail corridor preserves a piece of history amidst prairie grasses, wildflowers and trestle bridges. In addition to its natural and historic features, trail users can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. The Cattail Trail is a four-mile urban trail and greenway (currently under construction) provides West Lafayette residents with a connection to the Northwest Greenway Trail, Celery Bog Nature Area, and Purdue University's Pickett Park. In addition to its natural features, the trail allows for recreational opportunities including biking, skiing, and skateboarding. Indiana The Monon Greenway is a five-mile rail-trail and greenway that links Carmel's suburban neighborhoods with area businesses, the civic square and a planned Central Park. The greenway is a key part of a regional trail system and connects with the Monon Rail-Trail (a NRT) in Indianapolis. The trail has brought with it a sense of community and provides a peaceful setting in which residents can explore their surroundings while enjoying a walk or bike ride. The Northwest Greenway is a five-mile trail (currently under construction) that connects with a local trail system and on-road bicycle lanes, providing West Lafayette residents with a variety of recreational opportunities as well as a means of alternative transportation to locations throughout the city, including Purdue University. In addition to its natural features, the trail provides recreational opportunities including biking, skiing, and wildlife observation. Iowa Maryland Missouri Ohio Pennsylvania The Ernst Recreational Trail is a five mile rail-trail that allows users to enjoy a wealth of natural treasures in the French Creek Valley. It is home to the state's most biologically diverse body of water (with 66 species of fish and 27 species of mollusks). This multi-use trail meanders through a variety of settings and parallels Conneaut Marsh, which hosts bald eagles and migrating waterfowl. In addition to its many natural features, the trail includes a unique covered bridge and allows for a number of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding The Ghost Town Trail is a multi-use rail-trail that spans 24 miles and connects two counties. The limestone trail allows visitors a glimpse back in time as it travels through several abandoned coal mining towns dating back to the early 1900's. In addition to its abundant wildlife, natural features and human history interpretation, trail users enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. The Houtzdale Line Trail (Pennsylvania) is a rail-trail that extends over 10 miles through the rolling meadows and mountains of the Moshannon Valley. The rail-line dates back to the late 1800's, and trail users can visit many of the trail's historic features as well as enjoy the area's wildlife, wetlands and even waterfalls. In addition to its natural features, the trail provides recreational opportunities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. The Luzerne County Rail-Trail (Pennsylvania) is a 13-mile rail-trail that offers residents a host of recreational opportunities and will eventually connect to a larger trail network in New York State. Trail users enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The Samuel Justus Trail (Pennsylvania) is an eight mile rail-trail that offers visitors easily accessible scenic views of the Allegheny River. The trail draws walkers and bikers from nearby cities and states, who come to enjoy the natural and cultural resources of this region. Native American carvings dating back to 1200 AD, the spectacular Belmar Bridge built in 1907, and the Kennerdell Tunnel are just some of the features that make this trail system unique. The Stavich Bike Trail (Ohio and Pennsylvania) is a trail that begins in Struthers, Ohio and extends into New Castle, Pennsylvania. It is a 12-mile bicycle trail that connects two states, three townships, and two counties. Following along the former Youngstown-New Castle streetcar line, the trail takes riders through wooded countryside and over gentle hills, providing scenic views of the Mahoning River. In addition to bicycling, trail users are welcome to go hiking and even cross-country skiing in the winter. Vermont Washington
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