The future of trails and greenways in America The future ... - Atfiles.org

American TrailsNEW YEARS 2007Features6810141622303438On the Cover: The bridge over the Corps of Engineers’ Murray Lock and Dam connecting trailsystems in Little Rock and North Little Rock, AR (photo by Drew Harris, CJRW)The Future of Trails and Greenways in AmericaRecommendations put forth at the National Trails SymposiumBy Robert Searns, American Trails ChairThe biggest dam bridge of allA bridge of dreams in Little Rock, ArkansasLittle Rock will host the next National Trails Symposium in 2008National Trail Awards for 2006American Trails recognizes volunteers, professionals, and trails community leadersFor more on all of the award winners see www.AmericanTrails.org/awards/index.htmlNational Recreation Trails Photo ContestGreat photos of great trails in the 2006 contest sponsored by American TrailsSee the winners and all the entries at www.AmericanTrails.org/nationalrecreationtrailsHealth and trails in MichiganSuburban trailways master plan helps counter unhealthy trendBy John J. Crumm, AICP and Gerard P. Santoro, AICPAmerican Trails and National Trails Symposium newsNew American Trails Board Members and Patron MembersFacts and figures from the National Trails Symposium October 19-22, 2006The “Medical Mile”Innovative walkway for health hailed by national trails leadersBy Terry EastinSurfaces for accessible trailsFrom the new Accessibility Guidebook on Outdoor Recreation and TrailsBy Janet Zeller, USDA Forest ServiceTrail Tracks Editorial: Why do people leave the trail?America’s national historic trails come in many shapes, sizes, and partnershipsBy Karen Umphress, American Trails Board MemberNEWS • AWARDS • RESOURCES • EVENTS • PEOPLE • PLACES • PROJECTSwww.AmericanTrails.org3

The National Trails Training Partnershipwww.NTTP.netAmerican Trails to help statesmeet trails training needsAMERICAN TRAILS’ GOAL FOR TRAINING is toexpand efforts to provide better education programs andtechnical assistance by working with the states and localcommunities, nonprofit groups, and agencies who are planning,building, and managing trails.We are expanding key elements of the National TrailsTraining Partnership (NTTP) to better serve the needs of thenationwide trails community, both motorized and nonmotorized.We are working with the State Trails Programs to helpbring more training and expertise directly to them.These efforts are in support of the Recreational TrailsProgram goals to help local trail project sponsors build betterand more cost effective trails. We are emphasizing accessibletrails, assessing trails, trail crew leadership, developing astate training program, and working with developers.States may use RTP Educational Funds for safety and environmentalprotection, including training for trail planning,design, construction, maintenance, operation, and assessment.States may pay for the training, and could charge a feeto attendees to recoup some or all of the workshop costs.Benefits of Bringing Trainings to the States:• Bringing training to the states saves scarce travel funds,reduces travel time, and eliminates the need to obtain outof-statetravel permission.• Staff and volunteers receive training they could not getwithout significant time and travel expenditures.• Youth are better educated for future employment in outdoorrecreation and natural resources fields.• The availability of skilled volunteers and staff reduces thecost of local trail projects and provides more significantmatching services.• Better training of local trail project sponsors will result inbetter trails built at a lower cost to be more sustainable andaccessible over the long term.• Better-trained volunteers will do work with more value.• The states may provide training venues, and may charge atraining fee. The goal of in-state travel is to reduce traveltime and cost for the participants and for the states.These educational workshops are available for your agencyor nonprofit organization. Each workshop can be coordinatedwith a state trails conference or other training event, held asa single event, or held as a series in different locations. Thegoal is to bring more training to the staff and volunteers whoneed it, while minimizing travel and other expenses.• Understanding Accessibility and Building Better Trails• Universal Trail Assessment Process Workshop• TrailWare Workshop• Trail Crew Leadership Training• Creating a State Trails Training Program Workshop• Working with Developers ForumFor information on hosting the workshops, contact PamGluck, Executive Director of American Trails, at (530)547-2060 or nttp@americantrails.org.NTTP can help publicize yourtrails training opportunitiesFind the class or workshop you need on the most comprehensivecalendar on the Web for trail-related training andeducation. Hosted by www.AmericanTrails.org, the calendarcan also be accessed from www.NTTP.net. We’re alsoeager to promote your trails training opportunities of everykind on our online calendar. Please add us to your mailinglist and we’ll help publicize your events. We also invite youto include a link to www.NTTP.net on your website. Thecombined American Trails and NTTP websites receive over100,000 visitors per month.The National Trails Training Partnership brings you hundreds of resources,studies, and articles, as well as an online calendar of scheduled training on alltopics related to trails and greenways.Visit us at www.NTTP.net.www.AmericanTrails.org5

The biggest dam bridge of allA trail facility with extensive river views in the heart of the Little Rock urban areaIT WAS PULASKI COUNTY JUDGE BUDDY VILLINESwho came up with a name for the bridge. When it wasuncertain to officials whether they’d be able to build thebridge, the Judge vowed, “We’re going to build that dambridge,” and the name, which officially became “the BigDam Bridge,” stuck.Comprising 4,226 linear feet, the bridge over the Corps ofEngineers’ Murray Lock and Dam is the longest bridge builtspecifically for pedestrians and bicyclists in the world (thelongest in the U. S. is the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St.Louis, at 5,350 feet, but it was originally a highway bridge).Some of the more impressive design aspects of the Big DamBridge include girders that curve up to a 82.3 meter radiusand a substructure designed to withstand winds up to 160.93kmph. Built with a 14-foot-wide deck, the bridge is capableof handling pedestrian and bicycle traffic and it was alsobuilt with gentle slopes to assure compliance with UniformFederal Accessibility Standards.A bridge of dreams“Our spirits will be renewed as we gaze upon the beautybefore us, over this river whose waters have come andpassed this way for thousands of years, connecting us toour history— our past, our present, and our future. Ourfuture, our history yet to be written. We can be what wechoose to be. If we can conceive it, we can achieve it! Forall things are possible, if we only believe! Let this be aBRIDGE OF DREAMS."— Judge Buddy VillinesThe bridge connects about 17 miles of trail in the cities ofLittle Rock and North Little Rock, bridging the ArkansasRiver from Little Rock’s Murray Park to North Little Rock’sCooks Landing.Also known as “Buddy’s Bridge,” Judge Villines was thevisionary and pushing force behind the Big Dam Bridge, alasting legacy for this larger than life southern politician.“Bridges connect people and places. This one will attractpeople and be good for economic growth. Plus,” says the8NEW YEARS 2007American Trails

Little Rock’s big new projectJudge, “our culture has to change its ways. We have to behealthier.”And that may just be the most spectacular feature of thebridge— the way it is bringing people together. Thousandsof people gathered on September 30th, 2006 for the openingceremonies and 5k footrace, and daily walkers, runners,bicyclists, and families from all walks of life can be seenenjoying the bridge.“It truly is a gift to every member of our community,” AnneWoker of Little Rock says about the bridge, “no matter howold or young, rich or poor, fit or physically challenged…and, it is a gift that will keep giving to each of us in our lifetimesand those to come. Wow, I love that dam bridge!”Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony in September,Judge Villines furthered that notion. “This bridge, like thevery early bridges, connects people and places. Spanning thisriver that would divide us, it connects us in a very humanway. We will bring our families and our friends here, and wewill meet other families and make new friends. We will bebetter and our community will be better for the experience.Let this be a “Bridge to Friendship and Community.”www.AmericanTrails.org9

2006 National Trails AwardsAmerican Trails recognizes volunteers, professionals, and trails community leadersThe National Trails Awards are presented byAmerican Trails for outstanding efforts to createa national system of trails for all Americans.Theawards were presented on October 21, 2006, at the18th National Trails Symposium in the Quad Cities ofIowa and Illinois.✯ LIFETIME SERVICEAWARD: Bill BlissFor 40 years, Bill commuted towork from his home in San Joseto Lockheed in Sunnyvale. Hecrusaded for safer trails, bicycling,and bicycling facilitiesuntil he was tragically killedwhile riding his bicycle acrossthe country. Bill said, “It is nothow fast you ride, all that mattersis that you are moving in theright direction.” This was Bill’sapproach to biking, advocacy,and life.Bill Bliss✯ HULET HORNBECKAWARD: Tom RossThe first Hulet Hornbeck Awardwas presented to Tom Ross,who led the National TrailsSystem in the National ParkService’s Washington Officesince 1988. As a believer incommunity-based conservation,Tom encouraged and helpedsustain long-term partnershipswith national trails organizations.His guidance, commonsense, broad-ranging vision, andTom Rosscharm have graced the nationaltrails community for 16 years.✯ TRAILS FOR HEALTH AWARD:Arkansas River Trail Medical Mile ProjectMemorial Hospital Foundation - River Bluff TrailThe Arkansas River Trail Medical Mile is a multi-year collaborationproject between the City of Little Rock and HeartClinic Arkansas, the state’s largest cardiology clinic. To raiseawareness of public health issues and the benefits of trail10 NEW YEARS 2007 American Trailsuse, the collaboration was developed to raise $350,000 forthe construction of a “Medical Mile” on the Arkansas RiverTrail. To learn more about this project, see pages 30-32.The Memorial Hospital Foundation in Logansport,Indiana, formed a team to build the River Bluff Trail for thecommunity, to stress exercise as a path to a healthy life styleand longevity, and to insure the protection of communityenvironments by developing a walking trail.✯ PARTNERSHIP AWARD: American DiscoveryTrail, Quad Cities SectionThe construction of a segment of the American DiscoveryTrail, completed in 2005, required funding, support and partnershipfrom many entities. The trail section connects theGreat River Trail/Grand Illinois Trail/Mississippi River Trailin Rock Island over the Government Bridge on ArsenalIsland to the Mississippi River Trail in Davenport, Iowa.✯ TRAILS PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD:Steve AndersonSteve Anderson of Tucson, Arizona, is Principal Planner ofPima County Natural Resources Parks & RecreationDepartment. A trails advocate for more than twenty years, hehas been involved in successful trails and open space conservationprojects at the local, state and national levels.✯ OUTSTANDING MEDIA AWARD:Des Moines Register, IowaThe Des Moines Register newspaper has consistently and formany years been a public source of reliable information andstrong advocate for trail development on a local, state andfederal level. Their coverage has addressed trail issues fromnumerous perspectives such as personal stories, land condemnationissues, funding (state & federal), maintenancecosts, location, public participation, volunteers, design, editorials,and public reactions.✯ TRAILS AND THE ARTS AWARD:Back to the River, Inc., IowaThe Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail tells stories of theLewis and Clark Expedition through monumental public artand outdoor exhibits in 15 parks and public spaces along 40miles of the Missouri River. The trail exposes people to thehistory of Lewis and Clark’s Expedition in a fun, originalway while encouraging use of the Nebraska and IowaRiverfront Trails and riverfront parks.

National Trails Awards for 2006 continued✯ PLANNING/DESIGN AWARD:Fantasy Island Task Force,ArizonaPrairie Pathways Interpretive Project, IowaThe Fantasy Island Task Force brought together the trailscommunity and conservation groups. Their Master Plan ultimatelywon over the State Land Department, demonstratinghow creative master planning and landscape design, supportedby community advocacy, can generate a success.Prairie Pathways created a systematic approach to trailinterpretation, wayfinding, and other enhancements. Tracingthrough the communities of Iowa’s Cedar Valley is an 80-mile network of recreational trails that meander through historiclandscapes and pass by historic resources, providingopportunities to interpret the region’s cultural heritage.✯ CORPORATE AWARD: Principal RiverwalkThe Principal Riverwalk made a great contribution to Iowaby highlighting the revitalization of downtown Des Moines.This project links the areas east and west of the Des MoinesRiver at the heart of downtown with walking paths along theriver banks as well as bridges to connect them.Georeference marker applied to trail bench✯ STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY AWARD:Cedar Valley Trails 911 - Signs Project, IowaThe project designed a comprehensive method to georeferencetrail locations on the 95 miles of paved trail in BlackHawk County, Iowa. As trail use and the trail systemexpanded into secluded areas, an improved means of communicatingtrail location was needed.

National Trails Awards for 2006 continuedEagle Days on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge✯ OUTSTANDING TRAIL SHARING AWARD:Ann Hill, BLM Training Center, Phoenix,ArizonaOld Chain of Rocks Bridge, Missouri & IllinoisAs Recreation Training Coordinator for the Bureau of LandManagement, Ann Hill is the principal developer of thenationally recognized trails training course, “TrailsManagement: Plans, Projects and People.” Ann has given atremendous amount of time, energy, and passion to providethis needed training throughout the U.S.The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was restored in 1999 byTrailnet and the City of Madison, IL, as a bicycle/pedestrianbridge. It connects trail systems in Missouri and Illinois andhosts many recreational activities, including Eagle Days, abi-state community educational program. The trail bridgeprovides safe, accessible viewing of the Mississippi River’slarge population of wintering bald eagles.✯ TRAIL ADVOCACY AWARDS:6One award per state for efforts to influence public policyrelating to trail planning, protection, and development.ARIZONA: Sue Clark & Linda Anderson-McKeeARKANSAS: Jerry ShieldsFLORIDA: Ken BryanILLINOIS: Chuck OestreichIOWA: Mark AckelsonKENTUCKY: Nina AragonMAINE: Sally JacobsMONTANA: Darlene TussingNEVADA: Erin CaseyNEW HAMPSHIRE: Gail Hanson12NEW YEARS 2007 American TrailsUTAH: Ann ParrWEST VIRGINIA: Martha BallmanWISCONSIN: William E. (Bill) Schumann✯ TRAIL WORKER AWARDS:6One award per state to recognize the commitment andefforts of private or public sector individuals in working forenhanced trail recreation in their local area or state.ALABAMA: Brooke BeazleyARIZONA: Mark FlintCALIFORNIA: Ray FordFLORIDA: Tom DanielILLINOIS: Jerry YockeyINDIANA: Greg MidgleyIOWA: Gerry RowlandKANSAS: Frank MeyerKENTUCKY: James StapletonMONTANA: Jocelyn DodgeNEVADA: Janet CarsonNEW HAMPSHIRE: Dianne RaymondOREGON: Jim TalburtSOUTH CAROLINA: Bill VictorWASHINGTON: Sid KnutsonWEST VIRGINIA: Doug WoodWYOMING: Matthew ShannonFor more information on all of the award winners seewww.AmericanTrails.org/awards/index.html.Tahoe Rim Trail Association volunteers in Nevada

NRT Photo Contest winnersHighlights of the 2006 National Recreation Trails Photo ContestWare pleased to announce thewinners of the NationalRecreation Trails Photo Contest for2006. American Trails sponsors anannual contest for photographs ofNational Recreation Trails acrossthe country. Awards are made inseveral categories and entries tohighlight the diversity of the NRTs.We also hope the pictures will makemore Americans familiar with thesegreat trails.Hiking and Walking • photo byTerry Whaley• Galloway Creek Greenway NationalRecreation Trail, Springfield, MissouriEquestrian Trails • photo by Peggie Kimberlin• Northshore National Recreation Trail at Grapevine Lake,near Dallas, TexasPaddling and Water Trails • photo by Eddee Daniel• Milwaukee Urban Water Trail, Milwaukee, WisconsinBicycling • photo by Mary Shaw• Allegheny Highlands section of the Great AlleghenyPassage NRT, PASkiing, Snowshoeing, and Dogsledding • photo fromMonongahela River Trails Conservancy• Deckers Creek National Recreation Trail, WVTrail Work • photo by Mary Shaw• Allegheny Highlands section of the Great AlleghenyPassage between Rockwood and Confluence, PAEducation and Youth Corps • Building Bridges• Falls Lake Trail, South Shore; part of the Mountains-to-SeaNational Recreation Trail, North CarolinaYouth and Volunteers • photo by Charlie Rowe• The Buck Trail in the Red River Gorge NRT system, KYHealth and Fitness • photo by Diana Foster• Rivanna National Recreation Trail, Charlottesville, VA14NEW YEARS 2007 American TrailsRivanna NRT (photo by Diana Foster)Accessibility • photo by MarkMusselman• Francis Beidler Forest NationalRecreation Trail, SCRail and Canal Trails • photo byJennifer Waite• Historic Union Pacific Railtrail nearPark City, UTHistoric Features • photo by MaryShaw• Ghost Town National Recreation Trailat Eliza Furnace, PAScenery and Natural Features •photo by Alan S. Carmer• Indian to Girdwood NationalRecreation Trail, near Anchorage, AKWildlife and Habitat • photo by Mark Musselman• Francis Beidler Forest National Recreation Trail, SCArts and Interpretation • photo from NC Museumof Art• House Creek Greenway National Recreation Trail, at theNorth Carolina Museum of Art in RaleighInnovative Facilities • photo by Mary Shaw• Cuyahoga Valley Trail, near Cleveland, OhioArtistic Merit • photo by Diane McCleland• Tunnel Hill National Recreation Trail, ILTrail Sharing • photo by Mary Shaw• Great Allegheny Passage NRT; east of Frostburg, MDThe Great Allegheny Passage NRT (Photo by Mary Shaw)See the photo contest winners and all the entries:Visit www.AmericanTrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails

Health and trails in MichiganSuburban trailways master plan helps counter unhealthy trendsBy John J. Crumm,AICP and Gerard P. Santoro,AICP How the Countywide Trailway System BeganMPrior to 1998 there was no coordinated effort to constructacomb County, Michigan is in the midst of showingtrails. The result was that segments of trail were being builthow a well thought-out trail system plan can helpin various communities but no agency was in charge of lookingfor linkages. This all changed when Canadian Nationalcounter some of the negative trends in society. How can weprovide more recreation opportunities when budget restrictionslimit the purchase of traditional large-acreage parks?Railroad announced the sale of 23.5 miles of railroad corridorin Macomb County. Spurred on by a local friends group,How can counties create recreation opportunities in a statethe County became involved and negotiated a price andthat has vested land use decisions at the local jurisdiction?renamed the corridor “The Macomb Orchard Trail.”How do you get people active in suburban communities thatare designed for the automobile with little regard for pedestrianflow? Is there a way to curb our reliance on fast food trail. The first action of the commission was to develop aA commission was formed to construct and maintain thediets and reduce the number of obese people?master plan that emphasized the former agricultural productionof the area and the railroad thatMacomb County is one of sevenwas used to bring fresh fruit and cashcounties that comprise thecrop products to the various marketsDetroit Metropolitan area. Thein the Lower Great Lakes Region.county’s 27 local municipal governmentsinclude three of the 10The excitement of residents and governmentalleaders led to great presslargest communities in Michigancoverage and ultimately increasedand four of the fastest growththe number of citizens interested incommunities.the completion of the trail.With significant growth pressuresand reduced natural areas,Within four years Macomb Countyhad secured enough funding to paythere is a general consensus infor the design and construction of thethis region that there are manyentire trail. Developers and adjacentuntapped recreational resourcesstore owners began to see the advantageof marketing to trail enthusiasts.in Macomb County. An increasein sedentary lifestyle has causedCoffee shops and restaurants saw athe overall health of our citizensdramatic increase of business andto decline and results inother businesses used architecturalincreased health care costs.features of the trail’s heritage toLike Michigan, Macomb is inblend into the area. Housing developersrealized that people would paythe midst of battling the epidemicof obesity. Currently Michiganmore to live next to this popular trailranks 8th in the nation of statesand so requests came for trail hookhaving the most obese and overweightresidents and Macomb isborhoods. One developer went so farThe Clinton River (photo by Gerard P. Santoro)ups to proposed and existing neigh-ranked right up there.as to name his new development“Trailside Commons.”Macomb County Planning was left to develop a method forincreasing the number of recreational alternatives and begin Construction is projected to be completed in summer ofan educational campaign to get residents up on their feet and 2007, and staff then turn their focus on developing innovativefinancing methods for maintenance. As more developersout of their homes. Along with the positive impacts ofimproved health, the new trail system has offered a new way and business owners adjacent to the trail request access, stafffor citizens to get to know the community they live in and saw the need to create proper access requirements and totheir neighbors.review site plans based on a fee schedule. The site plan16NEW YEARS 2007 American Trails

Health and Trails in Michigan continuedMany of the local municipalities within the county realizedthe benefit of this agricultural heritage trail and the excitementgenerated from this project, allowing the MacombPlanning and Economic Development Department to obtaina grant from the State of Michigan to develop an expandedcountywide master trailways plan. The plan’s purpose is toserve as a guide for a unified and coordinated vision for nonmotorizedtransportation between communities and theregion.Photo by Gerard P. Santororeview fee ranges from $650 to $800 and the yearly licensefee is based on the number of square feet affected andadjusted by a factor that increases rates for those uses thathave a higher impact to the corridor (i.e. above groundrequests cost more than a request to place items undergroundthat are soil bored and don’t disturb the finished grade).While this has generated some income, the program willnever generate enough funds to pay for all of the maintenancecosts. Staff research has determined that maintenancecosts per year will run from $75,000 to $85,000 and the bestway to generate this type of money is to create a maintenanceendowment fund of approximately one million dollars.The plan began with each individual community’s trails planand then looked at connections to adjacent communities andneighboring counties. Trail routes were categorized intoregional, county and local trails. Macomb County governmenthas agreed to be the leader in the development of theregional trails. It was the first in-depth countywide trail planin the State of Michigan, and as such, was recognized by theAmerican Planning Association Michigan Chapter as theOutstanding Plan for 2004.Complete GPS trail condition survey and mapping service:• Easy to read flexible printed reports, digital photos, allassociated tables plus “raw data” in any format• Customized feature codes for any database• Map sizes from pocket to kiosk available• Customized data dictionaries available• 30 years of trail building experience(530) 583-9128 • donaldhays@thegrid.netwww.trailbuilders.org/donald_hays.html18NEW YEARS 2007 American Trails

Health and Trails in Michigan continuedFuture HopesPhoto by Gerard P. SantoroBesides its 130 parks, Macomb County is blessed with a 31-mile coastline along Lake St. Clair, which is part of theGreat Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway system. With a navigableriver delta and over 44 marinas, this shoreline is amajor destination for boaters and anglers in southeastMichigan. The Clinton River and its three major branchesprovide natural greenways linked throughout the county.To better identify these recreation and natural resources, thecounty has developed computer mapping datasets thatinclude natural areas, historic villages, farm markets, andagricultural heritage sites. This effort has contributed to thedevelopment of a “Greenways Vision.”The “Greenways Vision” consists of the identifying “hubs”where significant natural areas remain, and then using naturalstream corridors and the network of pathways to link theseareas to each other. Benefits include recreation as well aspreservation of natural landscapes and enhancement of habitatfor wildlife. The model that was created for MacombCounty helped promote the region-wide program initiated bythe Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.This regional study, being conducted by the GreenWaysInitiative (a program associated with the CommunityFoundation for Southeast Michigan) will assist all local andregional governments in setting priorities for developing trailand greenway linkages throughout this region, across theState of Michigan, and then connecting to neighboring states,as well as to the Trans-Canadian Trail in Ontario.ConclusionA well thought out suburban trailways system can helpcounter unhealthy habits and trends. Although recent budgetrestrictions may hold back some development, an organizedmaster plan for trails allows local governments to be morecompetitive for state, federal, and non-profit funds. Thenewly developed trails may do more to encourage active useamong more residents than traditional large acreage parks.Being able to access cultural, historical, institutional, andnatural places makes residents and visitors more engaged invaluing and caring for their communities.For more information on the Macomb County TrailwaysMaster Plan and the Macomb Orchard Trail visitwww.wadetrim.com/resources/macombwww.macomborchardtrail.comART THURESON, INCPhone 248.623.8599 FAX 248.623.8766Treated Timber Bridges• Prefabricated ready to assemble• Quotation includes: Lumber, Piling & HardwareBoardwalk Lumber and Timber• Treating: CCA, ACQ, Creosote, Penta, CuNap• Special Fabrication• Glue Laminated LumberPiling and Poles• Southern Pine, Douglas FirCrane Mats• Made with cut-outs or cable loops• Quick delivery – any width or lengthSteel Pedestrian Bridges• AISC Certification• Treated timber or concrete deck options• Clear span lengths up to 250 feetwww.artthuresoninc.comwww.AmericanTrails.org19

New Patrons and Board MembersNews from American TrailsGil Penalosa and Joe Taylor joinAmerican Trails BoardGil Penalosa is a multiculturalexecutive and a global thinkerand marketing strategist withyears of experience in Canadaand Latin America. He is passionateabout trails, greenways,and parks, because of theirimpact on the quality of life foreveryone.As Commissioner of Parks andRecreation, Bogotá, Colombia,Gil PenalosaGil led a major redevelopmentof its parks and trails system.He also led the closure to cars of 50 miles of roads everySunday, where now over 1.5 million people walk, run, skate,and bike. Gil says “Trails are great equalizers, where everyperson has a sense of belonging, of being equal as a humanbeing. Trails are beautiful and fun, but they are also aboutWe’d like to thank two PatronMembers of American TrailsFor the last 16 years, Team REIL has been best known forits sales and servicein the playgroundindustry.Team REIL coversall aspects of theparks and recreation field, including EZ Dock, its newestline. One-piece EZ Dock sections are made of roto-molded,low density polyethylene and are perfect for water crossings,outlooks, and fully accessible boardwalks. Team REIL alsoprovides construction and replacement services for woodfiber,asphalt, and alltypes of nature trails. AtTeam REIL, it’s a familyaffair for CEO JohnCederlund, who is thrilledto have the entire familyfollowing him into thisfun and exciting industry.improving our E.A.R.T.H.: Environment, Activity/Economic,Recreation, Transportation and Health.”Gil currently works for the City of Mississauga, Canada, andpresides over the nonprofit Walk & Bike for Life. He enjoysspeaking at conferences and was a keynote at the 2006National Trails Symposium. He uses his leisure time toexplore outdoor activities with his wife and three children.Joe Taylor has been employedby the Quad Cities Convention& Visitors Bureau in Moline,Illinois for 15 years, serving asPresident and Chief ExecutiveOfficer since 1998. Joe has alsoworked as a newspaper reporterand editor. He enjoys reading,travel, the quiet and slow paceof hiking, and the noise andfrenzy of NASCAR racing. Joewas an extraordinary leader asCo-Chair of the recent 2006National Trails Symposium.Joe TaylorFor more information, visit them at www.GETREIL.com orcall 1-888-GET-REIL.The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America based in Irvine,CA, is a nonprofit tradeassociation sponsored byArctic Cat, BRP, BushHog, Honda, John Deere,Kawasaki, Polaris,Tomberlin, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Since 1983 SVIA has promotedsafe and responsible use of ATVs through rider trainingprograms, public awareness, and legislation. SVIA alsoserves as a resource for ATV research and vehicle standards.SVIA’s All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute implementsATV safety education and awareness programs nationwide.Member companies offer theASI RiderCourse, a hands-ontraining course conducted bylicensed instructors, free ofcharge to purchasers of newATVs.22NEW YEARS 2007 American Trails

2006 National Trails SymposiumQuad Cities attracts 600THE QUAD CITIES OF IOWA AND ILLINOIS provedto be a memorable location for the 2006 National TrailsSymposium— not only because of the beautiful trail systemand the majestic Mississippi River within walking distance,but also from the generous hospitality we received from thelocal community and how truly honored and happy theywere to have us all there. Please visit the Quad CitiesConvention and Visitors Bureau’s website for trails eventshappening throughout the year: www.visitquadcities.com.We also want to recognize the great states of Iowa(www.iowadnr.com) and Illinois (http://dnr.state.il.us/) andencourage you to browse their websites to check out thegreat things they are doing for trails everyday.We also want to thank our cutting-edge presenters and generoussponsors. Check out all of our sponsors on page 25. Youcan view all of the presenters’ bios and get their contactinformation at www.AmericanTrails.org/quad/bios.html.Here are some statistics from the Symposium:• 47 of 50 U.S. States and D.C. were represented— all butHawaii, Louisiana, and Mississippi• 602 people registered for the Symposium• 15 attendees from Canada• One attendee from France and one from Jamaica• 150 Presenters and 170 Volunteers• 143 Sponsors and 100 ExhibitorsJoe Walker wins ATV raffleWE THANK JOHN DEERE for their generous donationof a John Deere Buck ATV that was raffled offat the National Trails Symposium in the Quad Cities. Thewinner was Joe Walker of Denton, Texas. Here is what Joetold us after being notified that he had won:“Thank you to American Trails for setting up the raffle. Iwas very excited to get the news. The Deere ATV will be abig help with two upcoming trail projects hauling in toolsand water for the crews that are scheduled to renovate andswath cut eight miles of trails. With this new resource I willhave to try and get more crew time organized to get evenmore done in the future. I really appreciate the support ofboth John Deere and American Trails.”

2006 National Trails SymposiumThanks to Symposium Sponsors!Visit our generous sponsors andlinks to their websites atwww.AmericanTrails.org/quad/sponsors.html.Bald Eagle ~ $15,000 - $25,000• American Trails• City of Davenport• John Deere• Iowa Department of NaturalResources• Illinois Department of NaturalResources• Minnesota Department of NaturalResources• Quad Cities Convention & VisitorsBureau• Riverboat Development Authority• US DOT Federal HighwayAdministrationWhooping Crane ~ $10,000• National Park Service• US DOI Bureau of Land Management• USDA Forest ServiceGreat Horned Owl ~ $5,000• Iowa Department of Transportation• Rhythm City CasinoGreat Blue Heron ~ $2,500• Aunt Rhodie’s Landscaping & DesignStudio• CH2M HILL• Dura Grade by Milford Manufacturing• Florida Office of Greenways and Trails• Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino• Missman, Stanley & Associates, P.C.• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks• Presto Products Company - Alcoa• Shive-Hattery• Trails Unlimited USDA Forest Service• US Fish & Wildlife Service• Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.Pileated Woodpecker ~ $1,000-$1,200• AirTran Airways• Blue Ribbon Coalition• City of Bettendorf• City of Moline• City of Rock Island• Cross Alert Systems• Ditch Witch – Iowa, Inc.• Eastern Region, US Forest Service• International Mountain Bicycling Assn.• Labyrinths in Stone• PBS&J• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy• Rhino Marking & Protection Systems• RiverCenter• Scott County and Scott CountyConservation Board• US Army Corps of Engineers – MississippiRiver Project• Voss Signs LLC• Wallace’s Garden Center• Wheeler Lumber, LLCWhite Pelican ~ $700-$800• America’s Byways Resource Center• Arizona State Horsemen’s Association• Beneficial Designs, Inc.• BEST-EX, INC.• Big Muddy Workshop, Inc.• Big R Manufacturing LLC• CONTECH Bridge Solutions Inc.• Custom Manufacturing, Inc.• E.T. Techtonics, Inc.• Eco-counter• Iowa State Snowmobile Association• JAMAR Technologies, Inc.• Loris and Associates, Inc.• Mississippi River Trail, Inc. sponsored byEastin Outdoors, Inc.• Pannier Graphics• Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls, Inc.• Stabilizer Solutions• South Florida Water Management District• TrafficGuard® Direct• U.S. TrailMaps, Inc.• Wickcraft Company, Inc.Red Tail Hawk ~ $500• Isabel Bloom• Nordic Group International• Professional Trailbuilders Association• Stoney Creek Inn & Conference Center• StormSlideKingfisher (Nonprofit rate) ~ $300-$600• Amateur Riders MotorCycle Association• American Discovery Trail Society• American Hiking Society• Back Country Horsemen of America• Carroll Co. Economic Development Corp.• Cedar Rapids Area Convention & VisitorsBureau• Central Iowa Bicycle-Pedestrian Roundtable• City of Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau• Dickinson County Trails Board• East Coast Greenway Alliance• Equestrian Land Conservation Resource• Great River Trail• Henry County Tourism Bureau / GeneseoChamber of Commerce• Illinois Trail Riders• Illinois Trails Conservancy• Iowa Bicycle Coalition• Iowa Horse Council• Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation• Iowa Trails Council• Keep Scott County Beautiful• League of Illinois Bicyclists• Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics• Minnesota Conservation Corps• Mississippi River Parkway Commission• National Center on Accessibility• National Off-Highway Vehicle ConservationCouncil• National Transportation EnhancementsClearinghouse• Nez Perce National Historic Trail• North Country Trail Association• Quad Cities: Midwest Arts Mecca• Quad City Bicycle Club• Quad-City Labyrinth• Raccoon River Valley Trail Association• Riverwise Publishing, Inc.• Roscoe Bridge• Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area• Take Pride in America• Texas Trails Network• Tread Lightly!• Trees Forever• United States Eventing Association• United States Pony Clubs• Western Illinois University – Quad CitiesRoadrunner ~ $300• Ashton Engineering• Centro Restaurant in Davenport• Corbin Design• GCY, INC. Professional Surveyors & Mappers• Huckleberry’s Italian Restaurant• Maplelag Resort – Callaway, MN• Mountaineers Books• NEW-LIFESTYLES, Inc.• Quad City Conservation Alliance• Westcliffe PublishersWhippoorwill ~ $75• Bob Searns & Sally Preston• Dana Bell• Friends of the Hennepin Canal• Iowa Association of County ConservationBoards/Iowa Trust for Local Conservation• Jeannene & Terry Whaley• Pam & Jeff Gluck• Roger BellGolden Cheeked Warbler ~ $25• Mississippi River Ramblers Volkssport Clubwww.AmericanTrails.org25

•Signs •Decals •Kiosks •SignSIGNS S AND MARKERSR “Products that Identify”MESSAGE CENTER KIOSKS#03-420DOUBLE-SIDED• All square tube steel construction• 6” x 6” uprights with slotted steel sign mounts• Brown Powder Coat for durability and longevity• Green steel simulated shingle roof• Easy assembly with tamper-resistant fasteners• Interchangeable replacement parts• Accepts 48” x 48” sign panels (sold separately)• Available in 5 different configurations• Also available without roofsCall for pricing.Sign not included. SeeKiosk Sign Panels below.#03-440 #03-450#03-460Slotted steel sign mountsallow for sign expansionand contraction due totemperature changes.48” x 48” PLASTICKIOSK SIGN PANELS#03-470ALSO AVAILABLEWITHOUT ROOFS.BROCHURE BOX• Attaches to Kiosk post withtamper-resistant drive-rivets(included)• Oversized, slanted lid keepsliterature safe from the elements• 12”H x 5”W x 5”DDrive-rivets installeasily with a hammer#03-550Call for pricing.FREEBROCHURE BOXWhen you order anyMessage Center Kiosk.One per customer.Offer expires 4/1/2007.• 877-718-7446 • www.rockartsigns.com• Tamper-resistant• Available in MANY different configurations: shownis #03-607 with routed plastic header and footer, siderails and Lexan® protective cover.Call for pricing.© 2006-2007 Rockart, Inc. Signs and Markers

ROCKART® 10-163MAPedestals •Brochure Boxes •Registration Boxes •and MORE!ALL-STEEL SIGN PEDESTAL#03-530REGISTRATION BOX#03-540Our durable steel RegistrationBox not only holds sign-inbooks and brochures, but thegenerous 15”W x 13”H lid isideal for an informative sign.(Sign sold separately.)• 3/16” thick steel• 18˚ slope for ease of reading• Durable powder coat• 38” from top to ground• Signs can be larger, orsmaller, than pedestal top• Signs sold separatelyCall for pricing.Below ground, weldedRebar anchors securethe Sign Pedestal.• 1/8” thick steel• Durable powder coat• Heavy-duty hinged lid • 42” from top to groundCall for pricing.ROUTED PLASTIC SIGNS• Many colorcombinations• Maintenance free• 100% waterproof• Critter resistant• Ideal for any climateALL STEELARCH SIGN FRAMESMARKER POSTSWE OFFER A FULL LINE OFMARKER POSTS AND ANCHORS911• Fiberglass ReinforcedPolyester (FRP)• Multiple colors, shapesand lengths• Mark trails, property lots &even rural addresses foremergency vehiclesDECALS• Logos • Warning• Informational• Reflective or non-reflective• Many different sizes• One to multiple colorsALUMINUM &POLYFLEX SIGNSCOMPUTER CUT OR SCREEN PRINTEDTo Validate Pa s, Scratch O F Year,Month, Day, and Time of A rival at SiteROADCLOSEDSLOWROCKART® 10-267-12TRAFFIC CONTROLROCKART® 10-115Play Safe!SCHOOL - AGETHIS PLAY STRUCTURE HAS BEENDESIGNED FOR SCHOOL AGEPLAYERS, 5 TO 12 YEARS OLD,ACTIVE ADULT SUPERVISION ISRECOMMENDED DURING PLAY.YAKUTATPARKS &RECREATIONSIGNS S AND MARKERSR • 877-718-7446 • www.rockartsigns.com

Join American TrailsA new opportunity!We have a new opportunity tohighlight our members’businesses through the AmericanTrails website atwww.AmericanTrails.org!Up until now, we have given businessesa direct link from ourProducts and Services page at nocost. We want to recognize ourmembers even more.In order to do so, those members atthe $100 Supporter level and abovewill not only get their regular memberbenefits, but they’ll also beshowcased on the first page of theProducts and Services webpagewith a short description of theircompany, contact information and adirect link from our website totheirs’ for an entire year! We caninclude your logo if you join at the$250 Patron level.For nonmembers, only the companyname with adirect linkto theirwebsite willbe placed onthe secondpage of the Products and Serviceswebpage.Contact Candace at the AmericanTrails office at (530) 547-2060 orcandace@americantrails.org formore information.Join American Trails and help develop and protect trails!Save time— join or renew online! Visit our website at www.AmericanTrails.org.This is a _____ New _____ Renewing Membership or Subscription.____ Associate (Individual) $25 or moreReceive American Trails Magazine for 1 year, and discount on National Trails Symposium registration.____ Subscription (Agency/Library) $35 Receive American Trails Magazine for 1 year.____ Affiliate Organization (Nonprofit/Volunteer Groups) $50 or moreReceive American Trails Magazine and Action Alerts for 1 year, discount on National Trails Symposium registration for 1 person,and name listing in American Trails Magazine and on the American Trails website.____ Supporter (Business, Organization,Agency, or Individual) $100 - $249Receive 3 copies of American Trails Magazine for 1 year, discount on National Trails Symposium registrations for 3 people, andorganization name listing in American Trails Magazine and on the American Trails website.____ Patron (Business, Organization,Agency, or Individual) $250 or moreAll board members and CEO receive copies of American Trails Magazine for 1 year, and discounts on National Trails Symposiumregistrations. Organization is profiled in one issue and name is listed in every American Trails Magazine and on the American Trailswebsite.____ Additional Donation for American Trails programs $________ THANK YOU!____ Additional Donation for National Recreation Trails program $________ THANK YOU!Please make check payable to AMERICAN TRAILS, and mail to: P.O. Box 491797, Redding, CA 96049-1797Phone (530) 547-2060. Form may also be faxed if paying by credit card to (530) 547-2035.If paying by credit card: ____Visa ____Master Card Card#___________________________________ Exp.__________Name on Card_____________________________________ Signature__________________________________ Date______Contact name _________________________________ Organization_____________________________________________Address___________________________________________________City_________________________________________State____ Zip_______ Phone__________________ Fax__________________ Email_________________________________Website_________________________________________________________If this is a Patron or Supporter membership, please attach names & addresses of additional newsletter recipients.Thanks!28American Trails does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or ability.NEW YEARS 2007 American Trails

American Trails Member GroupsPATRON MEMBERS◆ Americans for ResponsibleRecreational Access◆ Daniel Belknap◆ Beneficial Designs, Inc.◆ City of Redding CommunityServices◆ Christopher B. Douwes◆ EZ Dock / Team REIL, Inc.◆ Jefferson County Open Space◆ John Deere & Company◆ Montana Fish,Wildlife & Parks◆ Moosman Bridge◆ Motorcycle Industry Council◆ Mt. Shasta Products◆ Professional Trailbuilders Assn.◆ Quad Cities Convention &Visitors Bureau◆ Rails-to-Trails Conservancy◆ Rhino Marketing & ProtectionSystems◆ San Mateo County Parks &Recreation◆ Specialty Vehicle Institute ofAmerica◆ T.E.A.M.S USDA ForestService◆ The McConnell Foundation◆ Trails.com, Inc.◆ Trails Unlimited◆ Voss Signs LLCSUPPORTERS• Alta Planning + Design• American Discovery Trail Society• Anasazi Trails, Inc.• Arrowhead Trails, Inc., CO• Art Thureson, Inc• Austin Parks Foundation• Back Country Horsemen of America• BORRELLI + PARTNERS, INC.• City of Aspen, CO• City of Grand Forks, ND - Greenway• City of Pella, IA - Parks & Recreation• City of Prescott,AZ• Dallas County Conservation Board• DE State Parks-DNREC• Donald A. Neptune,A.I.A.• Eastin Outdoors, Inc. and City of LittleRock• Eco-counter• Equestrian Land ConservationResource• Florida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommission• Garfield County Trails, UT• The GreenWay Team, Inc.• Hulet Hornbeck• Indiana Trail Riders Association, Inc.• International Mountain Bicycling Assn.• Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation• JAMAR Technologies, Inc.• Johnson County Park & Rec. District,KS• Lan-Oak Park District, IL• Lehman & Lehman, Inc., IN• Longleaf Trace, MS• Loris and Associates, Inc.• Los Alamos Co. Parks Division, NM• Manatee County Conservation LandsMgmt., FL• Methow Valley Sport Trails Assn.,WA• MN Recreational Trail Users Assn.• National Park Service/RTCA• Naturtec:Trail & Bridge Technologies• NOHVIS Group• Osceola Co. Parks & Recreation, FL• Papio-Missouri River NaturalResources, NE• S.W. Leader, Inc.• Sapphos Environmental, Inc.• Steadfast Bridge Company• Texas Trails Network• The Unturned Stone, Inc.• Town of Menasha• TrafficGuard• Trail Facts - A Service of InteractiveMarketing Solutions• Van Dyke Landscape Architects• Wisconsin State Horse Council/TrailsCommitteeAFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS• Aboite New Trails• Adventure Cycling Association• Agony of De-Feet, CA• Alabama Hiking Trail Society• American Canoe Association• American Discovery Trail Society• American Motorcyclist Association• Appalachian Trail Conservancy• Arizona Trail Association• Artists of Note Inc.• Dana Bell• Bike FLorida• Blue Ribbon Coalition• CA Trails & Greenways Foundation• California Travel Parks Association• Cardinal Greenways, IN• Cerro Gordo Trails, Inc., IA• Champaign Park District, IL• City of Eugene, OR Parks & Open Space• City of Grants Pass, OR• Continental Divide Trail Alliance• Contrax Enterprise• Dillon Nature Center, KS• Kevin Dwyer• Eastern Trail Management District• Equestrian Trails, Inc.• Fallbrook Land Conservancy• Forest Preserve District of DuPageCounty, IL• Friends of the Katy Trail,TX• Friends of the Riverfront, PA• Pam Gluck• Great Rivers Greenway• Greater Hazleton Area CivicPartnership, PA• Hansville Greenway Association,WA• Haywood Greenway Advisory Council• Houston Wilderness• Hudson River Valley Greenway• Imagine Grinnell• In Memory of Charles Moore• Indiana Horse Council, Inc.• Iowa State Snowmobile Association• Iowa Trails Council• Jackson Hole Community Pathways,WY• LA Trails Project• Lubbock Lake Landmark,TX• Memorial Hospital Logansport, IN• Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Assn.,OH• Miami Conservancy District• National Association of Service andConservation Corps• National Smokejumper Association• Nebraska Off Highway VehicleAssociation• New England Trail Rider Assn.• New Mexico Rails-to-Trails• North American Trail Ride Conference• North Country Trail Association• Northwestern Indiana Regional PlanningCommission (NIRPC)• Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Assn.• Ozark Greenways, MO• PA Recreation & Park Society• Palos Verdes Peninsula LandConservancy• Parks & Trails Council of MN• Pinetop-Lakeside TRACKS,AZ• Polk County Conservation Board, IA• Quad-City Labyrinth Project, IA & IL• Rahall Transportation Institute,WV• Recreational Trails, Inc.• Redmond Trails Commission,WA• River Action• Sand Creek Reg. Greenway Partnership,CO• Save Burney Falls, CA• Sterling Park District, IL• Tahoe Rim Trail Association, NV• The Power of Prevention• Tionesta Valley Snowmobile Club of PA• Town of Collingwood, Ontario• Trail Mix, Inc.,Alaska• Trails & Open Space Coalition, CO• Trails 4 All, CA• Trails for the Future, Inc.• Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau,WA• VA Dept. of Conservation & Recreation• Vermont Association of Snow Travelers,Inc.• Walk & Bike for Life, Ontario• Wheeler Lumber, LLC• Whiterock Conservancy• Wildwood Development Company• Yavapai Trails Association

Arkansas’“Medical Mile”Little Rock’s innovative walkway for health hailed by national trails leadersBy Terry EastinIn December 2003 two dozen physicians with the state’slargest cardiology clinic agreed unanimously to supportcompletion of the Arkansas River Trail. This was a groundbreakingmove to increase awareness and make a real impacton the prevention of obesity and heart disease in Arkansas: a“medical mile” of trail in the heart of downtown Little Rock.Supported by major hospitals, coalitions, the ArkansasDepartment of Health, and numerous individual physiciansand medical practices, the fundraising program exceeded the$350,000 goal in the first three months of the campaign. Bythe end of two years, the project had raised $2.1 million.The inspiration was born of a collaboration between theNational Park ServiceRivers Trails andConservation AssistanceProgram, Heart ClinicArkansas, and Little RockParks and Recreation, andbecame the focal point fora unique health and trailspartnership that createdthe nation’s first outdoorlinear health museum.The “Medical Mile” hasbecome an artistic expressionof health designed toinspire, delight, and motivatepeople to make wellness-orientedlifestylechanges.“Our participation inthis project is a way ofsaying ‘Thank you’ andrepresents an effort togive back to the communityby offering our citizensa safe and accessibleplace to exercise and byencouraging a morehealthy lifestyle.”– Dr. Eleanor Kennedy,Heart Clinic ArkansasIt includes a 1,300 foot three-dimensional mural wall, awellness promenade with artful displays, as well as aWisteria pergola on the Medical MileBody-Mind-Spirit entry plaza that encourages trail users toremember that a healthy mind and spirit are the key stepstoward a healthy body.The project theme, developed by the Arkansas Departmentof Health, a project partner, focused on an “Exercise +Smoking Cessation + Better Nutrition” formula that signals a70% reduction in chronic disease. By using varying spatialand interpretive perspectives, each of the three key featuresprovided something unique and inspiring for trail users.The Medical Mile winds along the river through the mostprominent commercial and recreational district in Arkansas.Riverfront Park, the location of the Medical Mile is the hubof the central district. The park is adjacent to the ClintonPresidential Library and numerous other venues like theArkansas Statehouse Convention Center. Over two million30NEW YEARS 2007 American TrailsThe Peace Plaza

The Medical Mile continuedpeople from around the world visit the area each year. The Medical Mile gives apositive impression of a city dedicated to the health and wellness of its citizens. TheMedical Mile can be experienced from either direction, on foot, roller blades orwheels. Created to encourage fitness in people of every ability, young and old andin-between, the trail is a resounding statement about the need to focus nationalattention on preventable chronic disease through lifestyle changes.The Medical Mile is only one dazzling piece of the Arkansas River Trail. Making a14-mile loop with an additional 10-mile extension to Pinnacle Mountain State Park,the trail will eventually connect with the 225-mile Ouachita Wilderness trail. Over24 key tourism destinations, including over 5,000 acres of federal, state, and localparkland will be connected by the trail. Developers use the trail’s proximity to sellhigh-rise condominiums, housing, and commercial developments. From the perspectiveof the City of Little Rock, the trail is aneconomic, health, and environmental conservationstimulator. And... it’s good public health!For more information on the Medical Mileproject visit www.AmericanTrails.org. Goto the “Quick Jump” menu and select“Health & Trails,” then see the“Community” section.“The Medical Mile ought to be anexample for the future, because it’sgood for all of us.”– Richard Davies, Executive Director,Arkansas Department of Parks andTourismTerry Eastin

The Medical Mile continuedArt and health on Little Rock’s“Medical Mile” greenwayBy Debra Moseley-Lord,Artist, Medical Mile ProjectWHEN I WAS ASKED TO DESIGN THE ART for a1,300-foot wall along a section of the Arkansas RiverTrail that was to be part of the Medical Mile project, I knewmy years of experience producing public art in Arkansaswould serve me well.It goes without saying that public art pieces have to withstandthe worst physical forces, and I immediately chose touse sheet metals, mosaic tiles, and phenolicresin panels to capture the designs. Simpleand few, but visually compelling: thisalways works for my aesthetic senses, andall things are possible, I believe, as long asyou don’t venture away from one guidingprinciple... and that is: good, strong, andcohesive design.I was also asked to collaborate with cityparks planners on designs for the other largeinstallations on the Medical Mile.I was really happy and relieved to see theunderstanding by all involved here, that aunified design concept needs to followDebra Moseley-Lordthrough to all aspects of the project, and I was honored tocontribute logo design, sheet metal “decorations,” coordinatinginterpretive panel stands, light fixture designs, tileaccents, and even landscape design consultation. I designedthe entire “monument” for our primary fundraiser, HeartClinic Arkansas, in native stone, sheet metals, and a wonderfullight fixture that serves as a beacon for all evening trailvisitors.This cohesiveness is what made the Medical Mile projectrewarding for me... that, and a wonderful working relationshipwith our project coordinator, Terry Eastin. Good designaside, the caring human will is what drives projects like this;the desire to produce something greater than yourself andsomething for all of us.It’s not a perfect project, by any means.There are things I’d definitely do differently,but I expect that’s the way with any complexprojects. Do and Learn. And let Art beone of those forces that lead you furtherdown the trail.For more information on the MedicalMile and other trails and greenwaysprojects that include art and artists,visit www.AmericanTrails.org. Clickon “Resources & Library” and lookin the “Trail Spotlight” section for“Art & Trails.”See more resources at www.AmericanTrails.orgYour online source for trails and greenways ideas and information32NEW YEARS 2007 American Trails

Surfaces for accessible trails?From USDA Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook on Outdoor Recreation and TrailsBy Janet Zeller, USFS Accessibility Program ManagerTHE SURFACE OF AN Outdoor Recreation AccessibilityRoute and the surface surrounding constructed featuresmust be firm and stable. No exceptions are allowed. Slipresistance is not required because leaves and needles, dirt,ice, snow, and other surface debris and weather conditionsare components of the natural environment that would bedifficult, if not impossible, to avoid.Paving the Wilderness?Does a firm and stable surface always mean concrete andasphalt? No! The surface provision states that the type ofsurface material used should be appropriate to the setting andlevel of development. Some natural soils can be compactedso they are firm and stable. Other soils can be treated withstabilizers without drastically changing their appearance.Many surfaces that appear natural and that meet the firm andstable requirements also are available on the market.Designers are encouraged to investigate these options anduse surfacing materials that are consistent with the site’slevel of development and that require as little maintenance aspossible.What is Firm and Stable?What sort of surface is firm and stable? In general, if theanswer to both of the following questions is yes, the surfaceis probably firm and stable:• Could a person ride a narrow-tired bicycle across the surfaceeasily without making ruts?• Could a folding stroller with small, narrow plastic wheelscontaining a three-year-old be pushed easily across the surfacewithout making ruts?Firm and stable surfaces prevent assistive devices from sinkinginto the surface, which would make movement difficultfor a person using crutches, a cane, a wheelchair, or otherassistive device. In the accessibility guidelines, the standardassistive device is the wheelchair because its dimensions,multiple moving surface contact points, and four wheelsoften are difficult to accommodate. If a person using awheelchair can use an area, most other people also can usethat area.Construction Tips on Surfacing MaterialsGenerally, the following materials provide firmer surfacesthat are more stable:Crushed rock can provide a firm and stable surface• Crushed rock (rather than uncrushed gravel)• Rock with broken faces (rather than rounded rocks)• A rock mixture containing a full spectrum of sieve sizes(rather than a single size)• Hard rock (rather than soft rock that breaks down easily)• Rock that passes through a 1⁄2-inch (13-millimeter) screen• Rock material that has been compacted into 3- to 4-inch(75- to 100-millimeter) thick layers (not thicker layers)• Material that is moist, but not too wet, before it is compacted(rather than material that is compacted when it is dry)• Material that is compacted with a vibrating plate compactor,roller, or by hand tamping (rather than material thatis laid loose and compacted by use)The Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook on OutdoorRecreation and Trails will help users integrate accessibilityinto planning, design, construction, and maintenance of outdoorrecreation facilities and trails while maintaining the naturalsetting. It provides detailed information about accessibilityrequirements in an easy-to-use format, with photos,illustrations, and design tips, hotlinks, and sidebars. Thisguidebook will also help Forest Service personnel, partners,contractors, and Federal and State agencies working in cooperationwith the Forest Service understand how to apply theForest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelinesand Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines.See www.AmericanTrails.org for more informationon Accessible Trails, including links to the new ForestService Accessibility Guidebook and many otherarticles and resources.34NEW YEARS 2007 American Trails

NEW FROMJAMARThe ScannerAccurately record pedestrians, bicyclists & more!Passive InfraredData CollectorFREENon-InvasiveInstallation KitFREEData RetrievalSoftwareThe Scanner is an infrared data recorder that has been specifically designed tocount pedestrians and/or bicyclists in a variety of places, such as trails, outdoorwalkways, sidewalks and commercial areas. This unit will register at distances upto 35 feet and does not require a refl ector or other external unit.Total volume can be recorded, as can individual time stamps of every recording.Data can be easily read off the unit’s display, or retrieved using wireless Bluetoothdownload to free software designed for a PDA. Also equipped with GPS compatibility,this device represents a new generation of passive infrared data recorders.800-776-0940www.jamartech.comsales@jamartech.com• Count Pedestrains & Bicyclists• Time-Stamped Data Recording• Wireless data download• Free interface software• GPS compatible format• Record up to 35 feet away• No external reflector required• Ideal for Trails/WalkwaysJAMARTechnologies, Inc.The Data Collection Specialists for More Than 30 Years

New at www.American Trails.orgTrail Tracks Forum: sharingyour opinions and ideasWHAT’S YOUR OPINION? We welcome your ideas,editorials, and your vision of the future of trails andgreenways. Look for a variety of viewpoints in the “TrailTracks” forum, and submit your opinion for possible use onthe website or publication in American Trails Magazine.The forum is your opportunity to offer your ideas and opinionsto the larger trails community. Good material in anyform is archived on the Trail Tracks opinion forum indexpage. Short editorials or longer articles may be used inAmerican Trails Magazine, published three times a year. Youretain all other rights to your material.We hope to see your creative ideas— these are just somesuggestions to get you thinking:• The future of trails and greenways• Ideas and new concepts• New ways to apply technology to trails• Personal experiences• More effective advocacy• The value and benefits of trails• Improving our trail systems• Learning from our history• New activities uses for trails• Spiritual dimensions of trailswww.AmericanTrails.orgNew look, same great resource.Visit www.AmericanTrails.org to see our new look and improved navigation to help you find what you’relooking for. We’re the largest online resource for trail advocates, planners, builders, and managers withhundreds of articles, studies, and resources, and thousands of links to the worldwide trails community.You can access the new Opinions Forum from theAmerican Trails home page: www.AmericanTrails.org.Use the “Quick Jump” menu or click on the “Resources”icon and select “Opinions” under “Trails Spotlight.” Sendyour editorials and opinion pieces to us by email attrailhead@AmericanTrails.org.Symposium presentations willbe available on our websiteWE WILL BE POSTING all the presentation materials(PowerPoints, documents, etc.) on our website withinthe next month. Check www.AmericanTrails.org for moreinformation as it becomes available. If you have presentationmaterials to share, please mail to: American Trails, P.O. Box491797, Redding, CA 96049. You can also view all of thepresenters’ bios and get their contact information atwww.AmericanTrails.org/quad/bios.html.www.AmericanTrails.org37

Trail Tracks EditorialWhy do people leave the trail?Tread Lightly! and NOHVCCare doing something about itBy Karen Umphress,American Trails BoardWHY DO PEOPLE LEAVE THE TRAIL? While myhusband and I were hiking in Mt. Rainier NationalPark, the Paradise Trail was almost irritating with the numberof signs along its edge. They were spaced about five feetapart and alternated between “Stay on the trail” and “Don’tbe a meadow stomper.”The reason for the signs onthe trail was explained by alarge sign at the trailhead.This sign stated that therewere 20 miles of legitimatetrail and an additional 28miles of trail that was createdby people walking off-trail.During the same trip, wespent some time at Mt. St.Helens.After many programs andsigns that told people howfragile the area was, we wentto a trailhead and watchedparents letting their childrenrun around in the meadow,picking the wildflowers. Then,while hiking to Half Dome inYosemite National Park, thepeople ahead of us continuedto cut across the switch backseven though they did not gain any distance from us.There are many different reasons people leave the trail.Some of the blame can be placed on the trail design. If wedo not give people the experience they are looking for, theywill create it. If we put a trail close enough to a waterfall thathikers can hear it, but not close enough to see it, they willfind a way to it. If we create a mountain bike trail that ismostly flat and the bikers are expecting elevation changes,they will ride off trail to find more fun. If we build an ATVtrail that is wide open and boring, riders will create a challengefor themselves. It is part of human nature and is notdependent upon the type of recreation chosen.38NEW YEARS 2007 American TrailsHow can we foster a stronger appreciation and respect forour natural resources? We are all responsible for getting themessage out that it is not okay to go off trail regardless ofyour activity. I would like to highlight two good programsthat the motorized recreation community has created to helpeducate the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.The first one is the Adventure Trail program created by theNational Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. Theprogram includes an Activity Book and an interactive CDwhich introduce young riders to Penny, Rascal, and AT.These characters and activities teach children about trailethics as well as safety.The program includes a traveling truck or trailer that allowschildren to go through the Adventure Trail and take a shortquiz at the end. Correct answers are rewarded and incorrectanswers are gently corrected. See www.nohvcc.org for moreinformation about this program.Tread Lightly! also has a traveling trailer that takes environmentaleducation on the road. It travels to major motorizedsporting events and trailheads to spread their message. Thefocus for the trailer is to be an education center. In additionto the educational material, the trailer also has local informationsuch as trail maps andweather information.In addition to the trailer, TreadLightly! has a web sectiondesigned just for kids calledKid’s Club. Their squirrelmascot, Lightfoot, educateskids with fun activities andtips on playing responsiblyoutdoors and reducing theirimpact on nature. Please seetheir website atwww.treadlightly.org.I’m sure there are somenational non-motorizedrecreational organizationswhich also have similar programs.We would like toknow more about them aswell. In the end, it is up toall of us to get the messageacross: “Everyone— stay onthe trails!”

Join American Trails online atwww.AmericanTrails.orgNON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAIDJEFFERSON CITY,MOPERMIT NO. 210P.O. Box 491797Redding CA 96049-1797