Georgia trail corridors and greenways plan : an element of Georgia's statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation planning (SCORP) process and Georgia Department of Transportation's statewide transportation plan

An Element of Georgia :S Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning (SCORP) Process and The Statewide Transportation Plan

GEORGIA TRAIL CORRIDORS AND GREENWAYS PLAN
An Element of Georgia's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning (SCORP) Process and Georgia Department of Transportation's Statewide Transportation Plan
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division 205 Butler Street, Suite 1352-E Atlanta, Georgia 30334 June, 1993

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PARKS, RECREATION AND HISTORIC SITES DIVISION
The mission of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division is to be keeper and steward of the State's parks and historic sites, and to protect, manage and preserve this heritage for interpretation, recreation, enjoyment, and enrichment of the citizens of Georgia and our guests from outside Georgia; to assist local governments In the acquisition and preservation of public recreation lands by providing technical and financial assistance; and to assist in and encourage the preservation of Georgia's significant historic properties through their identification, evaluation and protection.
This manual was developed in part through a grant from the National Park Service, Department of Interior, under the provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (Public Law 88-578), as amended. Additional support was received from the Governor's Office of Energy Resources with the funds made available under an oil overcharge court settlement. Equal opportunity to participate In and benefit from programs described Is available to all Individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical handicap or disability status. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources strives to provide quality recreational facUlties to Individuals of all abilities. Please call or write us If you need additional assistance In using this document.

Table of Contents

Chapter I.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Chapter II.

Development of Trail Corridors and Greenways Plan . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter Ill. Benefits of Trails and Greenways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter IV. Goals, Objectives, and Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chapter V. Trails Demands, Trends, and Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Chapter VI. Trail Corridor and Greenway Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chapter VII. Technical and Funding Assistance Sources for Trails and Greenways 21

Chapter VIII. Trails and Greenway Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Appendix A. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Appendix B. Manuals and Guides for Trail Design Construction, Maintenance, and Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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Acknowledgements
The illustrations at the end of each chapter were drawn by Peter Granton, a planner with the City of Columbus' Department of Community and Economic Development. The drawings were first used as illustrations for Columbus' Alternative Transportation System Plan. The illustration on page i. is from the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society. Additional pen and ink illustrations of bike paths are from the Alpharetta Cityside Roadside Enhancement Project.

Chapter I.

Introduction

Trails and greenways provide an important

type of recreational opportunity in both urban and

rural areas. Recreational trail use has increased

across the country and provides a variety of

recreational activities. According to the 1986

survey compiled for the President's Commission

on American Outdoors, trail related recreational

activities are among the most popular leisure

pastimes

of

American

adults

1

In 1989, Georgia conducted an outdoor recreational participation survey as an element of the 1989 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. In the survey, hiking/walking ranked as the sixth most popular outdoor recreational activity and bicycling as the seventh most popular outdoor recreational activity in Georgia2 The U.S. Forest Service projects a 93% increase in day hiking over the next 50 years. And more Americans (155 million) walk for pleasure and health than participate in any other outdoor activitY'.

Trail activities foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Greenways allow for the protection and preservation of natural areas. Greenway development Is a traditional and proven tool for managing our natural and cultural resources. By linking open space with natural corridors, greenways provide ecological, economic, and recreational benefits to a local community.

Trail and greenway development has been hampered by a lack of coordination, a shortage of funds, and limited support from local governments and landowners. The lack of a centralized source of information on techniques for effective designation, development, funding, management, and maintenance has further hindered trail and greenway development. In response to these issues, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has developed this plan as a means of providing statewide coordination of trail and greenway development. The Georgia Department of Transportation's Statewide Transportation Plan will be developed In 1994 and will be coordinated with the TraU Corridors and Greenways Plan regarding trail and greenway issues.

TRAIL CORRIDORS are routes on land or water, used for recreational purposes such as walking, jogging, hiking, bicycling, equestrian activities, mountain biking, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, and vehicular travel by motorcycle, four-wheel drive or all-terrain off-road vehicles.
GREENWAYS are linear corridors of protected open space managed for conservation andjor recreational purposes. They often follow rivers, stream valleys, ridges, railroad corridors, utility rights-of-way, canals, scenic roads or other linear features.

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Purposes of the Plan are:
To Incorporate planning for trans and greenways as part of Georgia's
Recreation Plan.
To Inventory existing and proposed traU corridors and greenways as a component of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and
to promote coordination with Georgia Department of Transportation's
Statewide Transportation Plan.
To encourage coordination among local traU enthusiasts, local governments, state agencies, and federal agencies.
To provide Information useful to trail planners, traU enthusiasts, and managers.
To encourage linkages among local and regional trails In the state to develop a statewide and Interstate trails network.
To provide recommendations and actions on critical Issues affecting trail and greenway development.
Trails and Greenways In Georgia
Presently, trail and greenway development In the state Is being locally oriented with traU users coming from adjoining neighborhoods and communities who spend a couple of hours on the trail. The need to expand local trails Into a network of regional trails has been recognized due to the Increase In the number
of traH users and potential users.
TraU and greenway development Is not a new phenomenon In Georgia. Georgia's most well known
trail, the Appalachian Trail, grew out of a 1921 proposal by forester and regional planner Benton MacKaye.
This trail was first envisioned by Benton MacKaye as part of a regional greenway from Georgia to Maine.
Now a nationally designated scenic and historic trail, It follows the crest of the Appalachian Mountains for 2,096 miles. The traU extends from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine and is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Appalachian Trail Conference.
During the late 1800's, bridle and carriage paths were developed on Jekyll Island, Georgia. The Jekyll
Island Cub had developed various bridle paths around the island. Then in 1890 a new form of recreation appeared in Jekyll - bicycle riding. In the February 21, 1896 edition of the Brunswick Times-Advertiser, It
was noted that ..bicycling has taken precedence among the amusements at Jekyll.
The Interest In bicycling grew and the existing trails could not accommodate all users. To accommodate both recreational activities, members of the Jekyll Island Cub then began donating lands specifically designated for bicycle use. MUiionaire Gordon McKay had one path contracted for about $1,000 and In 1886 Wdllam Rockefeller donated another bicycle path with the stipulation that It be used for bicycles exclusively. 4
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Mandate for Trail Corridors and Greenway Planning In Georgia.
This Plan is a continuation of Georgia's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan otherwise known as SCORP. Under the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program, the state administers grants to local governments for land acquisition and development of facUlties for outdoor recreation. The LWCF Program requires that each state develop a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan that Identifies priorities for acquisition and development projects.
The 1989 Assessment and Policy Plan identified the following issues:
A. Natural resources are subject to a series of threats and need to be protected.
B. There is a clear need for improved communications between recreational users and providers.
C. There Is a need for a stable funding source for recreation.
D. There Is a need for coordination in recreational planning.
E. Recreation is an economic resource and must be used as such to attract tourists and business to the state.
F. Security at recreational areas is a major concern to the general public.
G. The management of outdoor recreational areas must be Improved.
H. Wetlands are an invaluable, and threatened resource in Georgia.
I. Continuing efforts are required to provide a full range of programs to special populations.
J. There Is an Increased demand for specific recreational activities: trails, fishing, hunting, and
passive recreation.
Recent legislation at the state and federal level is causing a flurry of community planning efforts within our state. The Georgia Planning Act of 1989 requires each local government to develop by September of 1995, a comprehensive plan to guide growth and development as a condition to receive future state funding assistance. On the federal level, the lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 mandates a continuing, comprehensive, cooperative" transportation planning process for the state and for urbanized areas. Under the ISTEA provisions, transportation planning has been expanded to include alternative modes of transportation such as bicycling and walking. This serves to create a link between community transportation planning and local recreational trails planning.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has developed the Georgia Trail Corridors and Greenways Plan as a policy and planning document for future trail and greenway development. When the Georgia Department of Transportation develops its Statewide Transportation Plan in 1994, it will be coordinated with the goals, objectives and actions stated in this Plan.
The Plan does not specifically focus on actual" trails. Rather, It focuses on trail corridors or the general route of a traU. Many regional trails in the state are in the "developmenr stage. Thus, the Plan looks at trail corridors. The Plan encourages local trail and greenway enthusiasts to work with their local elected officials, planners, recreation departments, as well as landowners to develop a consensus on the design of site specific routes.
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Planning for parks, recreational facilities, natural areas, trails, and greenways should never be undertaken as a separate community action.
To be most effective, trail and greenway planning should be Incorporated as part of a local community's total vision for Its future. A successful trails and greenways plan must be woven Into the transportation improvements plan, the capital Improvements plan, and other elements of the community's local comprehensive plan. Recreational planning must also be linked with efforts to protect environmental, cultural, historic, agricultural, and forest resources in every community.

Planning effons succeed when all members of the community are included. It is important that citizen Input on recreation issues be received from all interests in the community.
Representation on committees should be drawn from all age groups, minority and ethnic groups, disabled users, business interests, adjoining land owners, neighborhood associations, passive and active recreational users and non-users.

Endnotes:
1. Market Opinion Research. Participation in Outdoor Recreation Among Americans Adults and the Motivations which Drive Participation. For the President's Commissions on American Outdoors. 1986.
2. Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The Georgia Recreation Planning Process. Outdoor Recreation Assessment and Policy Plan. 1989.
3. Trails for All Americans, Summary Report of National Trails Agenda Project, American Trails and National Park Service. 1990.
4. McCash and McCash, The Jekyll Island Club: Southern Haven for Georgia's Millionaire's, The University of Georgia Press, Athens & London, 1989.

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Chapter II.

Development of Trail Corridors and Greenways Plan
This Plan was developed through a multi-tiered public participation process which Included the consultation and cooperation of various federal, state, and local agencies In coordination with user groups and tral enthusiasts. A total of fiVe public forums were held throughout the state to achieve statewide coverage of traU and greenway issues. Each public forum addressed a different element of the Trail Corridors and Greenways Plan.
Advisory Committee
To assist In development of the plan, sixteen Individuals volunteered to serve on the Trail Corridors and
Greenways Advisory Committee. The committee comprised representatives from the following user groups: hlkers\walkers; bicyclists; off-road vehicle users; equestrians; water trail users; and the Georgia Greenways
Councl. Of the four members representing the Greenways CouncU, one member also represented the Interests of disabled traU users.
The committee members were:

HIKERS/WALKERS
Charles Cochrane Appalachian Trail Oub
Marty Dominy Benton MacKaye Trail Association
OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USERS
Shawn Milner Southern 4-Wheel Drive Assn.
Sam Thomas Ga. Rec. Trail Riders Assn.
WATER TRAIL USERS
Charles Aguar Oconee Rivera Greenway Commission
Bob Lowhon Coastal Kayak Trail
BICYCUSTS
Don Sherrill Southern Bicycle League
Jay Franklin Southern Off-Road Bicycle Aasoclation

EQUESTRIANS
Janice Halderson Chattahoochee Trail Horae Association
Louise Shriber Rockdale Trail Blazers
GREENWAYS COUNCIL
Pratt Cassity
Kevin Fishback
Jim Patsios
Jimmy Boyett
ADJUNCT MEMBERS
Gary Jenkins Georgia Rails into Trails Society
Gloria English Rockdale Trail Blazers

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Public Forums
Five public forums were held throughout the state to receive input on the Plan. Each forum was Identified as a statewide public forum but dealt with a specific element of the Plan. The fiVe forums addressed the following elements:
Goals and Objectives; User Needs; Issues; Actions and Recommendations; and Draft Plan.
On November 1, 1992, the first forum was held at Jekyll Island. The topic of the public forum was Goals and Objectives. Comments received ranged across a broad spectrum of concerns.
On December 12, 1992, the second forum was held at the University of Georgia Law Auditorium in Athens, Georgia. The subject matters discussed were User Needs. On March 9, 1992, the third forum was held In Rome at the CMc Center. This forum addressed ~ as they related to trail development.
The Fourth Forum was held on April 13, 1993 In Columbus for the Southwestern and Central western portions of the state. The topic at this forum was Actions and Recommendations. A draft list of recommendations and actions was developed at the fourth public forum. The draft list was then mailed to approximately 600 trail enthusiasts, state and federal agency representatives for additional comments. The additional comments were complied and presented to the Advisory Committee for review and adoption. The list of actions and recommendations was then presented at the final public forum. The Final Forum was held In Macon on May 13, 1993 for the central area of Georgia. The discussion at this forum was the Draft Trail Corridors and Greenways Plan.
In addition to the public forums, flyers and summaries on the plan were sent to approximately 800 Individuals and agencies In the state. This mailing list included Individuals, local parks departments, local governments, regional development centers, local planners, environmental organizations, and other Interested parties. Any Individual who expressed an interest in the plan was automatically placed on the
mailing list.
Inventory of Regional Trails and Greenways
Existing and proposed regional trail corridors and greenways were Inventoried as part of the planning process. Only regional trail corridors (I.e. trail corridors over fiVe miles) were mapped. These types of trail corridors were examined as possible linkages to establish a statewide system of regional trails and
greenways. Local traUs under five miles were determined to be part of a local community's Individual trail network.
Proposed trails and greenways were mapped If they had received some type of consensus at the local
level. The consensus could be either In the form of a local planning document or resolution of support from the local elected officials. A trail and greenway database was developed and categorized by their primary use: hiking, bicycling, canoeing or kayaking, horse riding, off-road vehicle riding, or greenways.
Using the U.S. Geological Survey Center for Spatial Analysis Technologies at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the regional trails and greenways database was transferred to a Geographic Information System (GIS) computerized mapping program. The GIS database established a trail corridor and greenway database that can be easily updated using a standardized map scale (U.S. quad sheets at the 1:100,000 scale). The trans and greenways GIS database will then be distributed to the regional development centers as well as any federal and state agency Involved In trails and greenways planning.
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With the development of a computerized mapping database for trails and greenways, each regional development center can help coordinate future trail and greenway connections. This will be used a tool for Intergovernmental coordination on trail and greenway planning and development. For example, the Georgia Department of Transportation can coordinate the state's highway program with any proposed trails and greenways In the state.
WhUe the GIS database will be used as a planning tool by local governments, regional planning agencies, local recreation departments, and state and federal agencies, a paper presentation that provides a statewide perspective of possible connections among the diverse local trails and greenways Is also needed. A printed map of the trails and greenways database will be made available to the public in September, 1993. The printed map will demonstrate the Importance of all trails and greenways as vital links In a statewide trail network.

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Chapter Ill.
Benefits of Trails and Greenway&
Trails provide a wide range of benefits to trail users, local landowners, and local communities since they are multiple-use, multiple-benefit resources. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the aesthetic beauty and protected open spaces of traU corridors, while local communities receive benefits from Increased business and tourism and Increased community pride.
Greenways give us access to open spaces along river valleys, mountaintops, forested lands, coastal lands, urban and rural areas. They serve as natural conservation areas and wildlife habitats and are ideal for outdoor recreation.
"Trails For All Americans, a report submitted to the National Park Service by American Trails, related the benefits of trails as follows:
Trails have multiple values and their benefits reach far beyond recreation. Trails can enrich the quality of life for individuals, make communities more livable, and protect, nurture, and showcase America's grandeur by traversing areas of natural beauty, distinctive geography, historic significance, and ecological diversity. Trails are important for the nations' health, economy, resource protection and education. 1
Trails can showcase areas of historical significance. Historical resources can be experienced first hand as the visitor travels along trail corridors. Trails can also serve as outdoor classrooms. Trails and greenways provide the opportunity to observe wildlife and plants In the varied habitats of Georgia.
Environmental Protection
Trail and greenway corridors preserve vital habitat for wildlife In both urban and rural settings. Within urban areas, a key method to maintaining wildlife populations and preserving ecosystems is to protect corridors of natural habitat or to use these corridors to connect habitat areas. Although the use of corridors for wildlife preservation depends upon the behavior of the targeted species, studies have demonstrated that wildlife corridors can Increase the chances for some species to survive In the face of Increasing development pressures. 2
Corridors along rivers and stream beds serve as buffers to protect water quality by taking up excess nutrients from lawns and farmlands, slowing the flow of water so that soli is not washed downstream and filtering residential and agricultural chemicals before they enter the stream.
Transportation
As transportation corridors, trails provide avenues for people en route to work, school and
entertainment. Trail corridors connect the community and can be an Important element of an intermodal transportation system. The noise and congestion of automobile traffic are removed. In many urban and suburban areas, bicycle commuting can compete favorably with commuting by car, often completing short trips of less than five miles In less time, while allowing the same degree of Individual mobility.
Although cities In the United States may never reach the high levels of bicycle usage of European cities (50 percent of daUy passenger trips in Groningen, Netherlands, are made by blcycle3) demand exists from those who wish to reduce their dependency on cars. In 1990, almost eight percent of all work trips in the U.S. were made by walking or bicycling.
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Economic BenefitS
A 1992 study of three raU-traUs found that use of these trails generated significant levels of economic actlvlty.4 RaU-traUs are recreational trans constructed on the beds of unused railroad rights-of-way. These economic benefits were from two major sources: total trip-related expenditures for services and non-durable goods and additional expenditures made on durable goods related to trail activities.

One of the three rail-trails studied was the Heritage TraU, a 26 mile rail-trail in eastern Iowa. The trail, surfaced In crushed limestone, Is bordered by farms along much of its length. On the trail, users spent an average of $9.21 per day as a result of their traU visits, and made a total of 135,000 trips per year. These two factors resulted In a direct annual economic impact of over $1.2 million per year, of which $818,000 was spent In the host county. The amount of "new money" brought into the county by trail visitors from elsewhere the county was $630,000.

Summary of Annual Estimated Expenditures Made by Trail Users on the Heritage Trail, Iowa.*

Total VIsits to the Trail Average Daily Visit Expenditures Total Visit Expenditures Total Spent Within County Total New Money Spent Within County by Non-county Residents

135,000
$ 9.21
$1,243,350 $818,000 $630,000

* Represents direct expenditures only, no multiplier for secondary economic impacts has been applied.

Along the Heritage Trail, restaurant and auto-related expenditures were the largest categories of triprelated expenses, and visitors staying at least one night in the local area spent the largest amounts. Equipment for use on the rall-traU (such as bicycles) was the largest category of durable expenditure.
The economic benefits of trails and greenways would affect Georgia's economy in a similar manner. Historic and recreational trails In Georgia would appeal to visitors from out-of-state, as well as from outside the United States. In 1991, tourist Income in Georgia amounted to $10.3 billion5, and tourism is the second largest Industry In state. Interpretation of historic trails and recreational traU opportunities along these corridors will add to the tourist attractions in Georgia.
Efforts to preserve and promote the historic heritage and natural resources of Georgia may also result In other benefits to Its communities. Revitalization of declining downtown areas, aesthetically and architecturally-controlled development, maintenance of the historic character and culture of an area, enhanced private and commercial property values, improved public services, and expanded tourism are some of the added economic benefits.8

Benefits to Property Values
The effect on values of a property located near a park or open space has been evaluated by several studies. These studies have revealed that trails and greenways have a positive impact on property values7
Over 60% of the residents IMng near Seattle's greenway felt that the trail increased the quality of life of their neighborhood. Only 5% felt It lowered the quality of life. This stands In stark contrast to the time before the traU was constructed, when there was a definite opposition to the trail from adjoining property
owners.

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In a survey of adjacent landowners along Minnesota's Luce Une Trail, 87% believed the trail increased or had no effect on the value of their property. And 61% of the suburban land owners noted an increase in their property values.
In Raleigh, North Carolina, developers who once argued strongly against creation of the Raleigh Greenway are now strongly supportive of it. (Many have reportedly realized larger profits due to the Greenway.)
ENDNOTES
1. Trails for All Americans, The Report of the National Trails Agenda Project, Summer 1990, submitted by American Trails to the National Park Service., p.3. 2. Michael E. Soule, "Land Use Planning and Wildlife Maintenance: Guidelines for Conserving Wildlife in an Urban Landscape," Journal of the American Planning Association, Vol. 57, No.3, 1990. pp. 313-23. 3. Marcia L Lowe, The Bicycle: Vehicle for Small Planet, Worldwatch Paper No. 90, Washington, C.D.: The Worldwatch Institute, September 1989. 4. R. Moore, The Impacts of Rail-Trails: A Study of Users and Nearby Property Owners from Three Trails; Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior I~ 111-3 (1992). 5. Georgia Department of Industry and Trade. 1992.
6. The Economic Benefits of Preserving Community Character: Case Studies. National Trust for Historic Preservation by J. L.eithe, T. Muller, J. Petersen, S. Robinson 1991, The Government Finance Officers Association.
7. U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, Greenways Impacts Handouts, 1993.
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Chapter IV.
Goals, Objectives, and Actions Five public forums were held throughout the state to receive Input on the Plan. The goals were based on comments received at the first public forum. Objectives and actions were Identified from Input received at the public forums, along with Individual comments, and were adopted by the TraU Corridors and Greenways Advisory Committee. The Plan recognizes that traU and greenway partnerships wUI play a vital role In the establishment of a Georgia Trails and Greenways System.
The Goals, Objectives and Actions will be achieved through:
+ Initiative of local trail and greenway groups, + open communication between all parties Including adjoining land owners, + cooperation of local governments and state and federal agencies, + funding and technical assistance from trail and environmental protection
programs and private resources, and
+ management and maintenance partnerships with public and private
organizations.
GOAL: To promote the enjoyment and appreciation of Georgia's outdoor areas while protecting the state's cultural and natural resources.
Objectives: To develop trails by assessing compatibility with the surrounding environment and compatibility with proposed users. To incorporate trail and greenway planning as part of Georgia's local comprehensive planning process. To conduct research into proper traU construction and effective traU management and. provide Information exchange and training. To Increase public awareness of the economic and social benefits of providing greenways and other opportunities for traU recreation.
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+ Encourage the development of greenways at the local, state, and federal level. + Develop Model" trail design and construction standards. + Develop a '1"raU and Greenway Planning, Development, and Maintenance Handbook" that provides
models for acquisition of land and easements and distribute handbook to trail planners and developers.
+ Establish a state clearinghouse on trail and greenway development and conduct forums
throughout the state on local trail and greenway projects.
+ Purchase lands for state trails and greenways for all types of trail users. + Encourage the development of protected buffers along rivers as trail corridors. + Promote coordination between the Department of Natural Resources' Nongame-Endangered
WUdlife Program and local greenway projects.
+ Use nature education centers to promote trails and greenways In the state.
GOAL: To provide for the outdoor recreation needs of an expanding resident and tourist population by promoting the development of regional recreational trails for all users.

Objectives:

To Identify the needs for various types of trail users and encourage the development of trails that meet those needs.
To encourage the development of a Statewide Trail and Greenway Network through a coordinated trail and greenway promotional campaign.
To provide better trail access, opportunities, and Information for persons with disabilities.
To educate trail users to respect the trail environment and other trail users.
To encourage an open local trail and greenway planning process that includes participation and communication with adjoining property owners.
To extend current trail segments through state recreational lands and federal recreational lands, thereby creating regional trail systems.
To Identify actual liability exposure related to traU use and Identify means to minimize llabUity.
To evaluate alternative dedicated sources of funding for traU and greenway acquisition and development.

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+ Consider the passage of legislation that recognizes, supports and protects a comprehensive
statewide trail and greenway system.
+ Support the National Recreational Trails Fund Act and support federal appropriations at the
authorized level.
+ Encourage the development of trail corridors that accommodate needs of different trail users
within the corridor, either by one path or with two or more separate paths.
+ Promote trail design that provides access for all trail users rather than separate facilities for the
disabled.
+ Encourage the development of trail maps that provide information on the level of "accessibility"
within the trail.
+ Evaluate Interstate trail and greenway connections. + Promote the use of easements through private lands (e.g. hunting preserves may be used during
non-hunting times) for trail activities.
+ Investigate the development of state linear parks. + Encourage local participation in Georgia's Recreation Planning Process on an ongoing basis to
maintain awareness of changing priorities and trail opportunities.
+ Develop a statewide code of behavior for all trail users and educate trail users through trail-side
and trail-head signs, brochures, and inclusion of codes of behavior In trail maps.
+ Promote trails and greenways In coordination with the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and
Tourism.
+ Consider the passage of legislation to clarify right-of-passage along Georgia's waterways. + Adopt a state mascot for trails and greenways.
GOAL: To broaden the scope of regional recreational trails as an alternative transportation mode.
Objectives: To evaluate possible usage of linear corridors such as utility lines, rail lines, linear waterways, reservoirs and public rights-of-way as recreational trails.
To support the establishment of bicycle and pedestrian trails as an element of local transportation systems.
To encourage coordination of trail and greenway planning and development across jurisdiction lines, agencies and levels of government.
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+ Support multimodal transportation systems within population centers to provide urban trail
opportunities.
+ Promote the development of alternative community transportation modes that also can serve as
recreational opportunities.
+ Encourage coordination of planning efforts as part of the criteria for selecting trail and greenway
projects for funding.
+ Coordinate the Georgia Trail Corridors and Greenways Plan with the State Bicvcle Plan. + Provide to local agencies and trail groups examples of comprehensive transportation plans that
Incorporate trail planning .
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Chapter V.

Trails Demands, Trends, and Users

Americans are spending more time on trails. In a survey by the National Park Service, walking is the most popular traH activity with 53 percent of those surveyed participating., Thirty-two percent participate In bicycling, and 26 percent participate in running or jogging. Day hiking ranks fourth (14 percent) and offroad vehicle riding ranked fifth (11 percent).

Percentage of U.S. Citizens Participating in Trail Activities.

1960

Walking for Pleasure

Bicycling

9

Running or Jogging

Day Hiking

Birclwatching/Nature Study -

Oft-road Vehicle Riding

Horseback Riding

6

Canoeing or Kayaking

2

Backpacking

1982 53 32 26 14 12 11 9 8 5

National participation data for some trail activities have been kept since 1960 (bicycling, horseback riding and canoeing or kayaklng). The proportion of bicyclists, twelve years and older, tripled from nine percent In 1960 to thirty-two percent in 1982. Horseback riding remained stable at six to seven percent In 1982. In 1991, ten percent of adult Americans rode a bicycle at least once a week and 3.2 million were bicycle commuters.2
Trends of traU use In Georgia are similar to those found on the national level. A 1989 survey of Georgia households Indicated that 50.4 percent walked, jogged or bicycled, 2.0 percent used mountain bikes, and 12.42 percent canoed or rafted.3 Participation in some activities, such as running/jogging, was extremely low twenty years ago. Running and jogging had the highest average frequency with 81.25 percent of the survey participants. Other activities, such as roller-blading or mountain biking, did not exist twenty years ago yet are now some of the most popular types of trail activities. There is now a variety of trail users and types of traUs.
Walking The most popular trail activity, walking is the least dependent on trail facilities and the most accessible. Walking as part of a fitness program is a major motivation for many people, who walk several times a week. Though stUI a small sport, race-walking has increased in participation. Most major running
events now Include a race-walking division.

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Hiking Hiking generally means a longer distance walk on a natural-surface trail in natural surroundings. Research by Or. Glenn Hass of Colorado State UniversitY suggests that hikers, like other trails users, are a diverse group. He has identified four types of hikers with distinct motivations:
Tourist Hiker: Emphasis on sightseeing and short hikes.
Naturalist Hiker: Wddlife, photography, and nature education.
Harvest Hiker: Fishing, hunting, food gathering.
Adventure Hiker: Seeks challenge, risks, and solitude.

Running Jogging and running are also driven by the Interest in health and fitness. Although running is primarUy done near participants' homes, typically on paved surfaces, there has been an Increase in the demand for running on natural surface hiking trails. Runners will often seek the same challenge and scenery as hikers.

Bicycling Two distinct types of bicycles have emerged: the traditional narrow-tired bike and the fattired, mountain" or "all-terrain" bike. Mountain bikes currently make up as much as 70% of the bicycle market. Within the U.S. Forest lands several mountain bike trails have been expanded through cooperative agreements with volunteer groups. Bicycling also has an extremely high frequency of participation. People bicycle more days a year than any outdoor activity, with 57% of all bicyclists riding 11 or more days a year and 38% on 25 or more days.

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Horseback Riding Along with hiking, riding horses through the backcountry dates to the earliest days
of exploration and settlement. Nationally, 9% of the population participates In equestrian trail riding, with
women somewhat outnumbering men.
Overnight traU riding opportunities are also a major Interest of many equestrians. Competitive
endurance rides over routes of 50 mUes or more are also popular. Equestrians have supported horse use
on urban and suburban traUs, and the Inclusion of primitive trails within greenway corridors.
Water Trail Users Users of water trails range from white-waters rafters, kayakers, and canoeists to the basic weekend tuber. Water traU users can generally be separated Into those who desire routes which allow for haH-day to ali-day trips, and those who desire overnight camping for longer outings. The existence of
a safe and navigable waterway does not create a water trail. A waterway must have Identifiable put-In and take-out points In order to be called a water traU.
-------------------------------------16

Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) In recent years, new specialized motorized recreational vehicles have been widely used for backcountry trail riding. In Georgia, there are three main types of ORVs, primarily In primitive roads and trails on federal public lands: trail motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles. Demographics of ORV users are similar to those participating In non-motorized trail activities, and typical ORV enthusiasts also participate In hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Most ORV users share the motivation of non-motorized trail users, vistas, opportunities to see wildlife, family recreation, and exploration.
Wheelchair and Disabled Access While visitors in wheelchairs are the most famUiar trail users, there are different types of motorized and self-propelled chairs with various capabilities and limitations. In addition, there are many kinds of mobility Impairments as well as other handicaps such as blindness, hearing loss, etc.
Disability also seems to make no difference In the kind of trail experience that people are seeking. People In wheelchairs or with other handicaps pursue fishing, nature study, exercise, sightseeing, kayaklng, and most other trail-related activities. Disabled interest groups stress that they want to use the same facilities and trails as other trail users. While flat, paved trails accommodate some wheelchair users, others want varying degrees of steeper, challenging, natural surface trails.
ENDNOTES:
1. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service, 19821983 National Recreation Survey, 1986.
2. National Bicycle Dealers Association,~ Costa Mesa, CA. 1991.
3. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Georgia Recreation Planning Process, 1989. 4. Colorado State Parks, 8tate Recreational Trails Master Plan, August 1992., p.7.
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Chapter VI.
Trail Conidor and Greenway Opportunities
A variety of opportunities exists for traU and greenway development beyond traditional parks, natural
areas and historic sites. Possibilities for trails and greenways exist within railroad, river, utility, and transportation corridors.
Railroad Conidora
Historically, Georgia has had the most extensive railroad system of the southeastern United States. Since raUroads were first Introduced, approximately 3,400 mUes of rail line have been abandoned. 1 Rail abandonment begins to when a railroad company formally relinquishes Its authority to operate a particular rail line and petitions the Interstate Commerce Commission to allow It to discontinue rail service along that rail line.
While abandoned railroad corridors offer an opportunity for trail development, It should be noted that the average railroad corridor represents a hodge-podge of different legal transactions that do not come unravelled until abandonment. In general, the raUroad will own some portions outright (in ,ee simple") while It wUI only have restricted use of other portions ("easements"). Trail enthusiasts should establish early direct communications with adjoining property owners. Open communications and inclusion of property owners in the traU planning process wUI help convert possible traU opponents Into trail proponents.
An alternative to losing raHway corridors through abandonment Is to preserve the corridor and transportation easements through raUbanking. Before Interstate Commerce Commission abandonment occurs, a railroad company has the right to "rallban~. which Is to defer the abandonment process indefinitely. RaUbanking is a voluntary agreement between a railroad company and a resource agency or non-profit organization (1983 National Trails System Act Amendments).2 Through railbanking, the corridor remains Intact, and bridges and culverts are preserved for future rail transportation. The rail corridor will be intact and readUy usable In case of national emergency, energy crisis or renewed need and profitability of rail transportation. The raUroad right-of-way remains under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission.
In the interim, the right-of-way may be transformed Into a raU-trall using the existing rail bed. A rail-trail may be a multi-purpose path, to be used by walkers, runners, bicyclists or equestrians and should be accessible to persons with disabDities. Portions of a right-of-way may also be suitable for horseback riders. By linking parks, historical sites and natural areas, a rail-trail can serve to integrate historic and natural areas.
In 1990, the constitutionality of Section 8(d) of the Trans Act, allowing for rallbanking, was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court unanimously held in that rallbanking Is a reasonable and legitimate exercise of government power.3 The court held that "Congress...belleved that every (railroad] line is a potentially valuable national asset that merits preservation."
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------------------------------------18

River and Stream Corridors
Georgia's rivers and streams give the state much of its character. As they thread through cities and
towns, natural river corridors provide a welcome change in the urban landscape. They are ideal for satisfying canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and backpacking demand. The development of access sites for parking areas, day use facilities, and boat launching is a key to increasing recreation along these rivers.
River levees and canals are excellent for paths and trails such as the City of Augusta's Riverwalk, which parallels the Savannah River along the city's downtown area. This paved trail provides a passive recreational opportunity for tourists and residents alike. Brick lined paths with 19th century lighting follow the levee, lined with trees, flowers, and plaques that describe the city's history. Festivals and concerts are held in an amphitheater with the Savannah River as a backdrop. The cities of Rome, Columbus and Albany are other Georgia cities that are in the process of building extensive trail systems along riverbanks.
Utility Corridors
Private and public utility corridors represent another opportunity for the development of new trails. Together with the conversion of railroad lines scheduled for abandonment, the use of utility corridors provides a means for the private sector to contribute to the bridging of the gap between a limited supply of trail opportunities and an escalating demand. Utility corridors, such as those for sewer, water, electric, gas or fiber optics, often already exist and in heavily developed areas may be the only open space where a trail right-of-way can be placed. In areas of high density land use, development of trails within corridors set aside for water lines or fiber optics adds to the quality of life for the community. For example, the city of Columbus has developed part of its Riverwalk Trail along sewer easements. A paved 5-foot walking trail and a 12-foot bicycling trailjservice road were developed over the sewer easements along the Chattahoochee River from 12th Street to the Dillingham Street Bridge. The construction of this 6 3/4 mile segment was combined with a Columbus' Water Works capital improvement project that combined the storm water and sewer systems.
Transportation Corridors
In 1991, the lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) imposed new state and local transportation planning criteria that require comprehensive plans at the state and local level. Integration of pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths into the transportation planning process is mandated. Inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the Georgia Department of Transportation's Statewide Transportation Plans allows these facilities to be eligible for highway funding. Georgia will be developing a long-range plan for bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways, which will be included In the Georgia Department of Transportation's Statewide Transportation Plan.
Another Important aspect of ISTEA is the requirement for transportation planners to consider a wider range of Issues and to provide citizens and interested agencies an opportunity to contribute to the transportation planning process. ISTEA will enable federal transportation dollars to provide a greater source of funding for the development of trails. The degree to which spending priorities actually shift toward bicycle and pedestrian needs, however, will depend on the integration of intermodal transportation at the local level.
----------------------------------------- 19

ENDNOTES:
1. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Georgia Rails Into Trails Society, and the Trust for Public Lands, The Statewide Railroad Industry Context, 1991. 2. 16 U.S.C. 1247 et seq. (1983). 3. Presault v. ICC, 494 U.S. 1 (1990).
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Chapter VII.

Technical and Funding Assistance Sources for Trails and Greenways

A number of technical and funding assistance sources exist for trans and greenways. In this chapter, each source Is briefly described. The program's administrative agency or organization should be consulted as to the current appllcabUity, criteria, funding, and Implementation.

Technical Assistance

Program Title: Statewide Trails and Greenways Coordination Program

Type of Program: Coordination and technical assistance for trails and greenway Issues and projects across Georgia.

Program Description: This program facilitates coordination of statewide trails and green-space planning In Georgia. The State Outdoor Recreation Planner Is a liaison with trails groups, task forces and committees and other state and federal agencies. Provides data on Inventory of trails and greenways, trails planning, coordination of rail-trail conversions, promotion of regional trail systems, and coordination with local trails organizations, state and federal agencies on trails Issues.

Program Contact:

State Outdoor Recreation Planner Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources 205 Butler Street, Suite 1352-E Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (404) 656-6530

Program Title: Office of Historic Preservation-Historic Preservation or Interpretation Program
Type of Program: Technical assistance for historic preservation and Interpretation.
Program Description: The Historic Preservation program fosters the preservation of the historical, archaeological, architectural, and cultural heritage of Georgia. Available to assist protecting, preserving, and utilizing Georgia's historical and archeological resources. Provides survey and planning technical services and grants to local governments, preservation, historical organizations, educational institutions, and citizens.

Program Contact:

Office of Historic Preservation Ga Dept. of Natural Resources 205 Butler Street, Suite 1462 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (404) 656-2840

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Program Title: Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning

Type of Program: Technical assistance

Program Description: In accordance with requirements of the lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GADOT) has designated a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. The Coordinator's duties include the following: develop the State of Georgia Bicycle Plan; review and make recommendations on projects requesting Transportation Enhancement Program funding; and In general, promote the development of bicycle and pedestrian transportation projects within GADOT and the State of Georgia.

Program Contact:

Steven L Yost Ga. Dept. of Transportation Bicycle Coordinator No 2 Capitol Square Atlanta GA 30334-1 002 (404) 656-5351

Program Title: Bicycle Federation of America

Program Description: The Bicycle Federation of America Is a national, non-profit organization founded In

19n to promote the Increased, safe use of bicycles. The Federation serves as a clearinghouse for

Information on all aspects of bicycling, organizes training programs and conferences and provides

Information and technical assistance to federal, state and local government agencies, community

organizations and professional associations involved in bicycling.

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Program Contact:

Bicycle Federation of America 1818 R Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20009 (202) 332-6956

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Program Title: National Park Service-Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program

Type of Program: Technical assistance for rivers and trails projects

Program Description: The Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance program was established In response to Increased public demand to conserve rivers and provide trail opportunities for all Americans. The National Park Service provides technical assistance to states and local governments In developing and to Implement plans to conserve rivers and trails; assists in inventory and evaluation of significant river and trail corridors; and provides training and advice on river and trail conservation methods and Information exchange with professionals and citizens groups.

Program Contact:

National Park Service Rivers{Trails Conservation Assistance Program 75 Spring Street Suite 1020 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 331-5838

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Program Title: Rails-to-Trails Technical Assistance
Type of Program: Technical assistance on rails-to-trans projects
Program Description: The RaUs-to-TraUs Conservancy (RTC) Is a non-profit organization created In 1985
by rail-trails enthusiasts. The RTC provides technical assistance, public education, advocacy, negotiation,
and legislative action. Through Its nationwide network of contacts In the recreation and conservation communities, RTC notifies traU advocates, local governments and groups of upcoming rail-traU opportunities;
assists public and private agencies In following proper legal procedures; and publicizes rails-to-trails Issues through the country. RTC provides extensive technical assistance to agencies, organizations, and Individuals seeking to convert raUs to traUs. RTC has assisted In many of the over 500 rail-traUs developed In this nation.

Program Contact:

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy 1400 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 797-5400

Program Title: American Farm Land Trust
Type of Program: Technical assistance on preserving lands of historical, agricultural, and environmental significance.
Program Description: The American Farmland Trust (AFT) Is a non-profit organization that works with
farmers, business people, legislators, and conservationists to encourage sound farming practices and preserve critical agricultural resources. The AFT provides advice to landowners on ways to include
conservation strategies In land-use and estate plans for farmers, and accepts donations of land and
conservation easements for conservation.
Through Its Farm Legacy Program, the AFT can assists In the preservation of farm lands that are threatened
by development. The Farm Legacy Program Is a flexible program. allowing prospective program, allowing the prospective donor and AFT staff to structure gifts to meet the landowner's needs. Landowner's donating their agricultural lands to AFT may retain lifetime use of the property. Donors may also receive significant Income and estate-tax deductions. Upon receiving the donated property, AFT will sell the farm with conservation easements to guarantee preservation of the property. Proceeds from the sale will then be used to protect other threatened farms.

Program Contact:

American Farmland Trust 1920 N Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 659-5170

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Program Title: Land Conservation and Acquisition Technical Assistance
Type of Program: Technical assistance on land acquisition for conservation projects
Program Description: The Trust for Public Land is a non-profit organization created in 1972 to help citizen groups and public agencies to protect open space lands having significant natural, recreational, historical, cultural or scenic resources. The Trust provides extensive technical assistance to agencies, organizations, and Individuals seeking to develop trail and greenway projects and also provides technical assistance for communities seeking to apply for lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act's (ISTEA) enhancement funds.
The Trust also works with local land trusts. The Trust provides assistance to land trust and groups
Interested In starting land trusts on variety of topics, ranging from non-profits organization to land trust
acquisition techniques. The Trust provides specialized training In conservation real estate transactions for local land trust leaders through Its National Land Counselor Program.

Program Contact:

The Trust for Public Land 1447 Peachtree St. NE Suite 601 Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 873-7306

Program Title: The Land Trust Alliance
Type of Program: Technical assistance on land trust
Program Description: The Land Trust Alliance Is the national organization land trusts and serves as the clearinghouse for Information about land trust movement. The Alliance publishes a variety of useful books and newsletter, has a training program for land trusts, and sponsors the National Land Trust Rally very 18 months. LTA has also packaged an Insurance policy, "The Green Umbrella", specifically tailored for the
needs of land trust. The Alliance's statement of Land Trust Standards and Practices" is the single best
guide for how a land trust should conduct Its business, legally, ethically, environmentally, and in the public Interests.

Program Contact:

Land Trust Alliance 900 Seventeenth Street N.W. Suite 410 Washington, D.C. 20006-2501 (202) 785-1410

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Program Title: Land Acquisition of Unique Biologically Diverse Communities

Type of Program: Land Conservation Technical Assistance

Program Description: The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization formed In 1951 to assist In the preservation of biologically diverse communities throughout the world. It acquires land both to sell to the government and to be maintained in its own substantial landholdings. The land acquisition emphasis of the Conservancy Is on large parcels of generally rural, undeveloped, and unspoiled lands that will help protect the state's best examples of unique plant and animal habitat.

The Conservancy manages land it has acquired. Usually called "preserves", these lands are often available for research and public use compatible with the purpose of the preserve.

Program Contact:

The Nature Conservancy 1401 Peachtree St. Suite 236 Atlanta, GA 30309 {404) 873-6946

Program Title: Directory of Technical Assistance Materials for Trails Development and Maintenance

Program Description: The Directory of Technical Assistance Materials for Trails Development and Maintenance, compiled in 1990, is a detailed listing of trail-related technical assistance publications, articles, and visual aids, and groups with technical expertise. The Directory is designed for the benefit of the trailusing public and for Improving the information currently available to trail groups, communities, states, and federal agencies. The Directory cost is $4.00.

Program Contact:

American Hiking Society
P. 0. Box 20160
Washington, D.C. 20041-2160
{703) 385-3252

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Funding Assistance

Program THie: Transportation Enhancement Program

Type of Program: Financial assistance for state and local historic, scenic and environmental, and bicycle and pedestrian projects

Program Description: Ten percent of the federal Surface Transportation Program funding must be spent on Transportation Enhancement projects according to the lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. Enhancements are defined as principally ten activities Including; ..provisions of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles, acquisition of scenic easements or historic sites, scenic or historic highway programs, landscaping and other scenic beautification, historic preservation, rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, preservation of railway corridors, control and removal of outdoor advertising, archaeological planning and research, and mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff. The Enhancement Program is administered by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Currently, this program is scheduled through Fiscal Year 1996.

Program Contact:

Tim Klob Ga. Dept. of Transportation-Enhancements Program No. 2. Capitol Square SW. Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 656-5351

Program THie: National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF)
Type of Program: Acquisition, development and maintenance grants for trails projects.
Program Description: NRTF establishes funding to states for the acquisition, development and maintenance of recreational trails. The State will award grants to federal and state agencies, local governments and legally constituted authorities or commissions. Funding assistance for this program will be on an 80/20 funding ratio. Grant recipients will be required to provide 20 percent of the total project
cost.
At least 30 percent of the funds received by the state must be reserved for uses related to motorized
recreation, 30 percent of the funds must be reserved for uses related to non-motorized recreation and 40
percent must be used for multiple-use trans.
This program was created as part of the lnterrnodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and has not received continuation funding appropriation. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources developed Interim program guidelines to administer the program In this state.

Program Contact:

Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources-Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division
Funding Unit 205 Butler Street, Suite 1352-E Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (404) 656-3830

------------~---------------------~

Program Title: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

Type of Program: Financial assistance; acquisition and development grants for local and state outdoor recreation projects.

Program Description: Federal LWCF dollars, generated by the sale of leases for outer-shelf continental oil drilling, are used to finance state and local government land acquisition and outdoor recreational development. The LWCF program was enacted to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility to outdoor recreational resources for all citizens of present and future generations. LWCF provides matching grants to the State and through the State to local units of government, for acquisition and development of public outdoor recreational areas and facilities. Grant recipients provide 50 percent of project costs. Application deadline: Annually about December 31

Program Contact:

Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources-Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division Funding Unit 205 Butler Street, Suite 1352-E Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (404) 656-3830

Program Title: Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants
Type of Program: Survey and planning grants to cities, historical societies, regional planning commissions, universities, and other bona fide groups or organizations.
Program Description: The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) is administered by the National Park Service through the GA DNR Office of Historic Preservation. The HPF grants are awarded as 50/50 percent matching grants. The recipients match can be either a cash or "in-kind" match as long as they represent the actual necessary costs of the project.
Eligible survey and planning projects In the past have Included local comprehensive historic resource and archaeological resources surveys, preservation planning, preparation of rehabilitation guidelines to be used by property owners in historic districts, preparation of publications that disseminate survey results and evaluations. Projects involving historic railroad lines, historic bridges, or other transportation related structures, or other historic trail corridors may be eligible.

Program Contact:

Grants and Budget Coordinator Office of Historic Preservation Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources 205 Butler Street, Suite 1462-E Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (404) 656-2840

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Program Title: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Type of Program: Financial Assistance; Acquisition and development grants for local and state recreation projects

Program Description: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are available to develop viable urban communities by providing, among other things, a suitable Jiving environment. Proceeds may be used to establish parks and neighborhood centers. Trails may be incorporated Into such facilities. Grants are awarded annually to states and large counties and municipalities. Small cities and counties receive funds by applying to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Under the state's criteria, all projects must be designed to benefit at least 70% low or moderate income persons. Certain groups are assumed to be low and moderate income (seniors, disabled, etc.) unless there is evidence to the contrary. Large cities and urban counties receive grants directly through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Program Contact:

Community Development Block Grant Program Ga. Dept. of Community Affairs 1200 Equitable Building 100 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 656-2900

Program Title: World Wildlife Fund Innovation Grants

Type of Program: Grant program to nonprofit organizations to spur new approaches to conservation and sustainable development.

Program Description: Grants will be awarded only to private local, regional, or statewide nonprofit
organizations. Projects may include, but are not limited to: assessing natural resources, building public support for conservation, developing Innovative regulatory mechanisms and cooperative resource management strategies, and forging partnerships to ensure conservation and sustainable development. Grants average between $6,000 and $7,000.

For the 1993 grant cycle, preference was given to projects that the conservation of : wetlands, endangered species, neotropical birds, coastal resources, and protected natural areas.

Program Contact:

Luther Propst, Executive Director The Sonoran Institute Suite D, 6842 E. Tanque Verde Road Tucson, Arizona 85715 (602) 290-0828

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Program Title: "Walking" Magazine Trail Restoration Fund

Type of Program: Financial assistance for the cost of trail restoration undertaken by volunteers

Program Description: "Walking magazine, hoping to encourage more volunteerism among trail users, has established a trails fund for the restoration of walking trails. With a starting kitty of $100,000, the magazine hopes to persuade advertisers to donate more funding to help offset the costs of volunteer trail restoration. The National Park Service estimates that it costs $50 to maintain one mile of trail with volunteer help.

Small grants, generally from $200 to $500 are available to help walking trail groups achieve their goals. Funding could go toward equipment such as weed whackers, clippers, bow saws, or other traD construction
tools. The trails may be urban, suburban, or rural.

Program Contact:

Trails Restoration Fund Walking, Inc. 9-11 Harcourt Street Boston, MA 02116

Program Title: American Greenways DuPont Awards

Type of Program: Grants for planning and design of greenways

Program Description: The American Greenways DuPont Awards, a joint partnership project of DuPont, The Conservation Fund, and the National Geographic Society, provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design of greenways In communities throughout America. Although applications will be accepted from public agencies and individuals, the program Is aimed primarily at community groups and non-profit organizations.

Grants may be used for activities such as mapping, ecological assessments, surveying, conferences,
design activities, developing brochures, Interpretive displays, audio-visual productions, public opinion surveys, hiring consultants, Incorporating land trusts, building a foot bridge, planning a bike path or other creative projects. The maximum grant Is $2,500, though most grants range from $500-$1000. The annual deadline for grant applications Is December 31.

Program Contact:

American Greenways The Conservation Fund 1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1120 Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: (703) 525-6300

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....

Program Title: National Bicycle and Pedestrian Advocacy Campaign Grant

Type of Program: Financial assistance for state and local advocacy Initiatives and organizations

Program Description: The National Bicycle and Pedestrian Advocacy Campaign Is an Initiative of the Bicycle Federation of America (BFA) to ensure the comprehensive Implementation of the bicycle and pedestrian provisions In the lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and the Clean Air Act, and to strengthen state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy.

Grants are available to state and local pedestrian and bicycle advocacy groups In three grant types: Minimum Support Grants ($1,000) for routine membership activities and Improving contact with BFA; Growth Grants ($1,000-$5,000) to enhance membership acquisition and development programs and to fund advocacy projects; and Model Program Grants ($5,000-$15,000) to develop and Implement projects and programs of more than local significance.

Program Contact:

Pro Bike Bicycle Federation of America
1818 R. Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009 Phone: (202)332-6986

Program Trtle: Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) Grants
Type of Program: Grants for non-profit organizations
Program Description: Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), an outdoor retan company, allocates a portion of Its pre-tax profits to Improving the quality of life through environmental efforts. The grants focus on the protection and enhancement of natural resources needed for muscle-powered sports and are made available for trails and outdoor recreation. The Corporate Contribution Program awards grants to non-profit organizations that encourage the development and continuation of outdoor education courses that teach people how to safely participate in outdoor recreational activities.

Program Contact:

Recreational Equipment, Inc. Office of Public Affairs
P. 0. Box 88126
Seattle, WA 98138-2126 Phone: (206) 395-3780

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Program Title: Farmers Home Administration Wetlands- Related Program
Type of Program: Allows for reduction of borrower debt in exchange for granting conservation easements on wetlands for a period of 50 years.
Program Description: The Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) allows farmers to have their debt readjusted In exchange for placing wetlands in their property in a permanent conservation easement. Wetlands placed In easement by farmers may be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division.
To be eligible for FmHA debt reduction easements, the farmer must have borrowed from the FmHA. Debt reductions will not apply to debts with other lending institutions.

Program Contact:

Farmers Home Administration Stephens Federal Building Athens, Ga 306190 (706) 546-2166

Additional Funding Options

Local trail projects can be Included in a community's annual budget or capital improvement plan. Bond Issues are the most consistently popular funding sources of park and recreation programs for financing trails In parks or buying rights-of-way through open space acquisition. County millage levies can be allocated to the county department of parks and recreation for trail development. Trail projects in low-to-moderate Income residential areas can be Included as part of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. A county sales tax can be used as special county initiative to fund park or trail projects.
The leasing of subsurface utility rights within a trail corridor for uses such as sewer, water, natural gas or fiber optics Is a potential source for funding development or maintenance of a trail. A perpetual easement
was granted for fiber optics rights In exchange for the paving of a 48-mile rail-trail In Wisconsin. A twenty
year lease for fiber optics provides $250,000 per year to cover maintenance and operations for a trail in Virginia. Local governments can also require that new developments provide facilities for bicyclists,
especially where those projects receive public assistance such as tax abatement or tax increment financing
(TIF).
While not considered to be direct financial assistance, direct labor consisting of preparing a trail bed
or building bridges, installing signs, and planting trees may be a significant resource. Army National Guard units have cleared brush and graded trails as part of training exercises. Scout troops have constructed trails. Fund raising sales or events such as fun runs, bake or t-shirt sales, or events such as "Mother's Day on the Bridge" have been successful projects for some trails. Donated materials from individuals and businesses In the form of signs, picnic tables, benches, trees, Interpretation materials, bird houses, bicycle parking racks or brochures add to the success of a trail project. Donated real estate may provide part of the land area needed for a particular trail.
Donations can be sought from individuals and businesses and foundations. Small corporate grants may be available to finance the project. Establishing a "Friends of the Trail" may be the best asset in developing a trail. The group could be responsible for fund raising, building projects, and some of the maintenance.
User fees can be an Important source to defray the costs of ongoing trail maintenance and repair. The financial responsibility of the trail Is thus assisted directly by the users of the trails and as such Is a readily accepted system. A differential rate for residents and non-residents may be applied. User fees on rail-trails have been successfully applied in Wisconsin with resident daily fees of $2.50 or $5.00 for an annual pass; non-residents pay $2.00 or $7.00 bringing in an annual revenue of $100,000. Iowa's Cedar Valley Nature Trail has a fee system of $1.00 for daily or $5.00 for an annual pass with a $25,000 annual revenue.
--------------------------------------31

Chapter VIII.

TRAILS AND GREENWAY CONTACTS

Georgia's trail and greenway system can only become a reality through a working partnership among federal and state agencies, local governments, the private sector, trail advocates, land owners, and individual efforts. All of these players will create Georgia's trail and greenway system. Below is a list of trail advocates who
can be resource people for trail and greenway development.

TRAILS AND GREENWAYS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Charles Aguar Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission 715 Riverbend Parkway Athens, GA 30605 (706) 549-0867
Jimmy Boyett Columbus Alternative Transportation System 6522 Highridge Drive Columbus, GA 31904 (706) 323-8669
Pratt Cassity Universitv of Georgia School of Environmental Design 609 Caldwell Hall Athens, GA 30602
Charles Cochrane Apoalachian Trail Club 2320 Buis Circle Lithia Springs, GA 30057 {404) 941-1244 H
Marty Dominy Benton MacKaye Trail Association
Rt. 1 Box 141
Toomsboro, GA 31090 (912) 933-5278 H {912) 742-3526 B
Gloria English Rockdale Trail Blazers 678 Pleasant Hill Rd. NW Conyers, GA 30207 (404) 922-7995 H (404) 763-7059 B

Jay Franklin Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association CSORBA) ATECK Associates 1300 Williams Dr.Suite A Marietta, GA 30066-6299 {404) 427-9456 B
Kevin Fishback Fishback Stultz 1117 Perimeter Center West Suit N-411 Atlanta, GA 30308 {404) 551-8522
Janice Halderson Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association P.O. Box 566 Dahlonega, GA 30533 (706) 864-4654 H (706) 864-5800 B
Gary Jenkins GRITS P.O. Box 371 Lithia Springs, GA 30057 (404) 920-2881 H
Bob Lawhon Coastal Kayak Trail cjo Wilderness Outfitters 103 E. Montgomery Crossroad Savannah, GA 31406 {912) 354-6999 H {912) 927-2071 B
Shawn Milner S. 4-Wheel Drive Association 3930 Brooksbridge Crossing Alpharetta, GA 30202 (404) 442-1737 H

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Jim Patsies Ga. Canoe Association 2274 Tiffany Court Jonesboro, GA 30236 (404) 477-9747

Don SherrUI Southern Bicycle League 1486 Scholar Dr Lawrenceville, GA 30244 (404) 955-5725 H (404) 923-1600 B

Louise Shriber Rockdale Trail Blazers 3675 Centerville/Rosebud Lithonia, GA 30058 (404) 972-5228

Sam Thomas Ga. Recreational Trail CGARTRA) Wagoner Cycle Works 4026 Lawrenceville Hwy. Tucker, GA 30084 (404) 934-2453 B

Riders

Association

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Joseph N. Anderson Polk Co. Chapter of Georgia Ralls Into Trails Society CGRITS) P.O. Box 292 Cedartown, GA 30125 (404) 748-2815
Bill Arnold Chattahoochee River Trail 4613 Warm Springs Rd. Columbus, GA 31909
Tim Banks, Asst Director Rome-Floyd Ped-Ways System Rome/Floyd Parks & Rec Authority 300 West Third Street Rome, GA 30165
(706) 291-0766
Roger Bradley Blue Ridge GRITS P.O. Box 1107 Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Jim Bell Broad River Watershed Assn. Coalition P. 0. Box 661 Danielsville, GA 30633
(706) 245-0909
Steve Dockter Columbus Alternative Transportation System Chief, Transportation Planning Division Columbus Consolidated Government P.O. Box 1340 Columbus, GA 31993
(706) 571-4767
Dr. Richard Gayle Savannah Waterways Forum 1944-L Walton Way Augusta, GA 30904
Dr. Albert Ike Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission 300 Old College University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602
(706) 542-0013
Pat Katz DeKalb Coyntv Bike Trails DeKalb Roads and Dralnage-D&S
120 W. Trinity St., Room 209
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 371-2850
Alison Krohn Comer Heritage GreenwaY P.O. Box 247 WatkinsvUie, GA 30677
(706) 769-7922
Sandy Kurtz South Chickamauga Creek Alliance 3701 Skylark TraU Chattanooga, TN 37416
Ed McBrayer, Executive Director PATH P.O. Box 14327 Atlanta, GA 30324 (404) 355-6438
Allen G. Nicas, Ex. Dir. Pine Mtn-Warm Springs Bike Trail Meriwether Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 9 Warm Springs, GA 31830-0009 (404) 655-2558

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Lynn Pace Coastal Ga. Land Trust P.O. Box 66 Allenhurst, GA 31301 (912) 368-93n
Nancy Paine Moultrie GRITS 115 Dogwood Circle Moultrie, GA 31768
Dayton L Sherrouse, AICP Augusta Canal Authorttv Trust Co Bldg. Room 507 Augusta, GA 30901
Brian Stafford Rockdale County Trails Task Force 1395 Iris Drive, Suite 203 Conyers, GA 30208 (706) 483-0279
BUt Stemwell Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society P.O. Box 2165 Savannah, GA 31402 (912) 232-8685
Pamela Stubbs Ga. contact for National Trails Day P.O. Box 998 Oarkston, GA 30021
(404) 296-8n8
Mary Beth Sutton Lookout Creek Protection Alliance 400 Garden Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37419
Morning Washburn Cobb GRITS
681 Hyde Rd. Rt. 2
Marietta, GA 30068
Ma~orie Weaver Waycross-Ware Olymoic Committee 603 St. Catherine Dr. Waycross, GA 31501 (912) 285-1005
John Wilson Ocmu!gee GreenwaY
Rt. 4, Box 3000
Macon, GA 31201 (912) 742-9846

Marty Willett Ocmulqee National Monument Association 200 Cherry Street Macon, GA 31201
ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS:
Christine Lambert Altamaha River Bioreserve P.O. Box 484 Darien, GA 31305 (912) 437-2161
Nancy B. Smith Athens-Clarke Env. Education Dept. 325 E. Washington Street Athens, GA 30601 (706) 354-2932
Anselm Atkins Atlanta Audubon Society 2525 McKinnon Dr. Decatur, Ga 30030
Dr. Undsay Holliday Browns Mount Association 3091 Ridge Avenue Macon, GA 31204
Barbara Baird Citizens for Responsible Environmental Planning 5254 Zebulon Road Macon, GA 31210
Lorraine Dusenburry Coastal Georgia Audubon Society 22 Capt-Wylly Road Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Rex Boner The Conservation Fund P.O. Box 1362 Tucker, GA 30085
Season Platt Interpretive Naturalist Education Dept. Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain, GA 31822 (706) 663-5101

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Susan W. Wooton The Georgia Conservancy Vice-President, Membership
1n6 Peachtree St. Suite 400 South
Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 876-2900
Becky Shortland The Georgia Conservancy-Coastal Office 711 Sandtown Rd. Savannah, GA 31410-1019 (912) 897-6462
Georgia Coastal Conservation Assn. P.O. Box 15034 Savannah, GA 31416 (912) 927-1123
Laurie Fowler, Director Ga. Environmental Policy Institute 554 Boulevard Athens, GA 30601 (706) 546-7507
Mark Williams Ga. Sierra Oub
820 E. Whitehall Road Athens, GA 30605
John Campbell Ga. Sierra Club Outings Leader
P.O. Box 66 Zebulon, GA 30295
Ga. Wildlife Federation
1930 Iris Drive Conyers, GA 30207 (404) 929-3350
Barbara Edwards
Ocmulgee Audubon Society 3428 Mogul Road Macon, GA 31201
Jerry Amerson Ocmulgee Audubon Society 701 Plantation Drive Macon, GA 31211
Tavla McCuen The Nature Conservancy
1401 Peachtree St Ste. 136
Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 873-0946

Brenda Burnette The Trust for Public Land 1447 Peachtree St. NE Suite 601 Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 873-7306
Rand Wentworth The Trust for Public Land 1447 Peachtree St. NE Suite 601 Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 873-7306
Peter Kirby The Wilderness Society 1447 Peachtree St. Suite 812 Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 872-9453
BICYCLE GROUPS:
Mike Burgess Bicycle Club of Atlanta P.O. Box 12341 Atlanta, GA 30355
Rick Howard Gwinnett Touring Club P.O. Box 464365 Lawrenceville, GA 30246
Dennis Hoffarth Atlanta Bicycle Camoaign P.O. Box 5525 Atlanta, GA 30307 (404) 659-2036
Larry Madden Coosa Valley Cycling Assoc. 815 Oakland Ave. Rome, GA 30165
Cynthia Orleski Bicycle /Pedestrian Manager Atlanta Regional Commission 3715 Northside Parkway 200 Northcreek, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30327 (404) 364-2575
Pete Sanders Athens-Clarke Safe CVcling Association P.O. Box. 745 Athens, GA 30603 (706) 353-3258

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Henry Slack Southern Bicycle League 139 Erie Avenue Decatur, GA 30030
Gary Vandiver N.Ga. SOBRA P.O.Box 278 Ellijay, GA 30540
Steven L Yost Ga. Dept. of Transportation-Bicycle Coordinator No 2 Capital Square Atlanta GA 30334-1 002 (404) 656-5351
Bicycle Federation of Georgia 139 Erie Avenue Decatur, GA 30030
ATV GROUPS:
Peter Tehorst America Honda 1450 Morrison Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30201 (404) 442-2402
Paul Carson ATV Safety Institute 3424 Spinnaker Way Acworth, GA 30101 (404) 975-7363
Lucius Herman Ga. Jeepers 556 S. Candler St. Decatur, GA 30030
Don Shanks Ga. Rainbow Riders 6408 Fairburn Rd. Douglasville, GA 30134

P.G. Geillard S.E. Endo and Trail Riders Association
1399 River Cove Ct.
St. Marys, GA 31558
HIKERS\WALKERS\RUNNERS:
Jud German Appalachian Trail Club Conservation Chair 941 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30307 (404) 377-4960
Mike Leonard Pinhotti Trail P.O. Drawer 84 Winston Salem, N.C. 27102 (919) 721-3721
D. Neal Wickham Pine Mountain Trail Association cjo Cross Country Plaza Columbus, GA 31906
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club P.O. Box654 Atlanta, GA 30301
Benton Mackaye Trail Association P.O.Box 53271 Atlanta, GA 30305
EQUESTRIAN GROUPS:
Ann Cofield Ga. Endurance Riders Association 2677 Kilgore Rd. Buford, GA 30518
Ann Long North American Trail Riders 150 Hearthstone Dr. Stockbridge, GA 30281
Dave Rozelle S.E. Fox Trotters Organization 106 Highway 70 Suwannoa, NC 28778

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Tamra Williams Schoech Ga. Endurance Riders Association 440 N. Farm Or. Alpharetta, GA 30201
Ellen Stara Atlanta EQuestrian Society 217 Antioch Rd. Canton, GA 30114 (404) 475-3258
Jean Thayer North American Trail Riders 355 Chambers Rd. McDonough, GA 30253
Sharon Wheat Western Saddle Club 816 Compton Rd. SUver Creek, GA 30173
WATER TRAILS:
Kathy Bragg Central Ga. River Runners 1062 St. Andrews Road Macon, GA 31210
Danny Lewis Satilla River Canoe trail City Manager P.O. Box 470 Douglas, GA 31533 (912) 384-3302
Bruce Rowan Atlanta Whitewater Club.Conservatlon Chair
190 Round Table Ct.
Athens, GA 30606 (706) 546-1968
Jim SUavent President Ga. Canoe Association P.O. Box 7023 Atlanta, GA 30357

RAIL-TRAILS:
David HUI GRITS of Moultrie P.O. Box929 Moultrie, GA 31n6
Dan Miller Lake Ravmond to Luthersville Rail to Trail Coweta Chamber of Commerce 84 Wall Street Newnan, GA 30263 (404) 251-8581
Dr. Michael! Taylor ~ Dept. of Physical Education & Leisure Management Columbus College Columbus, GA 31993-2399 (404) 568-0844
GREENWAYS:
Walter Cook Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission 360 Round Table Road Athens, GA 30606 (706) 542-2521
Susan Hanberry Ocmulgee GreenwaY 4182 Forsyth Rd Macon, GA 31210 (912) 4n-3232

s
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Regional Development Centers
The 17 Regional Development Centers (RDCs) help develop human, natural, physical, and economic resources within their respective regions. The RDCs are responsible to the elected officials of the municipalities and counties in their region. ROC staff assists local governments and citizens in formulating plans and policies on economic development and land and water resource development.

Altamaha Georgia Development Center 505 W. Parker Street Baxley, GA 31513 912/367-3648

Southern

Regional

Atlanta Regional Commission 3715 Northside Parkway 200 Northcreek, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30327 404/364-2500
Central Savannah River Regional Development ~ 2123 Wrightsboro Road Augusta, GA 30914-2800 706/737-1823
Chattahoochee-Flint Regional Development ~ Route 2, Highway 34 East Franklin, GA 30217 706/675-6721 522-4024 (Atlanta Une)
Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center 127 F Street Brunswick, GA 31521 912/264-7363
Coosa Valley Regional Development Center Jackson Hill Drive Rome, GA 30163-1001 706/295-6485
Georgia Mountains Regional Development Center 1010 Ridge Road Gainesville, GA 30503 404/536-3431

Heart of Georgia Regional Development Center 501 Oak Street Eastman, GA 31023 912/374-4n1
lower Chattachoochee Reaional Development Center 930 Second Avenue Columbus, GA 31994 404/324-4221
Mcintosh Trail Regional Development Center 408 Thomaston Street Barnesville, GA 30204 404/358-3647
Middle Flint Regional Development Center 228 W. Lamar St. Americus, GA 31709 912/928-4120
Middle Georgia Regional Development Center 600 Grand Building Macon, GA 31201 912/751-6160
North Georgia Reaional Development Center 503 West Waugh Street Dalton, GA 30720 706/272-2300
Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center 305 Research Drive Athens, GA 30610 404/369-5650
South Georgia Regional Development Center 327 West Savannah Avenue Valdosta, GA 31603 912/333-52n
Southeast Georgia Reaional Development ~ 3395 Harris Road Waycross, GA 31501 912/285-6097
Southwest Georgia Regional Development Center 30 E. Broad Street Camilla, GA 31730 912/336-5616

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ADA CONTACTS:
Betty Meehan Walton Rehabilitation Hospital 1355 Independence Drive Augusta, GA 30901 (404) 823-8559
Stacey McPherson National Handicapped Soorts P.O. Box 327
aarkston, GA 30021
(404) 498-7204
Dennis Shelley Walton Rehabilitation Hospital 1355 Independence Drive Augusta, GA 30901 (404) 823-8559
Barb Trader, Director Theraoeutic Recreation Shepherd Spinal Center 2020 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 350-7374
Atlanta Para Olympic Organization Committee 1201 W. Peachtree Street. NE 19th Aoor Atlanta, GA 30327-1200 (404) 588-1996
UTIUTY COMPANIES:
Hank Ross Oqlethoroe Power Corn. P.O. Box 1349 Tucker, GA 30085-1349 (404) 270-7168
Jack Stroud Georgia Power Comoany P.O. Box 4545 Atlanta, GA 30302
(404) 526-3804
Steve Weatherby Greystone Power Corooration P.O.Box 897 Douglasville, GA 30133
(404) 942-6576

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Henry Chambers Ga State Parks Trails Coordinator Region 1 Office P.O. Box 1029 Helen, GA 30545 (706) 878-1590

Karen Easter Office of Historic Preservation 205 Butler St. Suite 1462 Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-2840

Alexis Harris Environmental Protection Management 7 MLK Jr. Dr. S.W. Room 143
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656~82

Division-Aoodplain

Terry Johnson, Program Coordinator WildlifeResourcesDivision-Nongame-Endangered Wildlife Route 5, Box 180 Forsyth, GA 31029 (912) 994-1438

Ron Odom Wildlife Resources Division Trails Coordinator Rt 2. Box 119A Social Circle, GA 30279 (706) 557-3035

Harvey Young Wildlife Resources Division Preservation 2000 Program 2070 U.S. Hwy 278, S.E.
Social Circle, GA 30279
(706) 557-3020
Georgia Dept. of Transportation (DOT} and related agencies

David Kelley U.S. Dept of Transoortation-FHWA 1720 Peachtree St. Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30367
(404) 347-3037

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Tim Klob Georgia DOT-Enhancements Program No. 2. Capitol Square SW. Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 656-5351
Cart Spinks GfK)rgia DOT-Scenic Bvwavs Program No. 2. Capitol Square SW. Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 656-5356
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Chris Abbett National Park Service RiversjTrails 75 Spring Street Suite 1075 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 331-5838
Terry S. Chllchot Recreation Planner Tennessee Valley Authorttv-Natural Resources Building Ridgeway Road Norris, TN 37828 (615) 632-1605
Charles Oegg, Assoc. Dir Recreational Technical Assistance Office Institute of Community and Area Development 1234 S. Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30602 (706) 542-3350
Dr. Kerry Dawson Dean. School of Environmental Design 609 Caldwell Hall Athens, GA 30602-1845 (706) 542-1816
Steve Dempsey Recreational Technical Assistance Office Institute of Community and Area Development 1234 S. Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30602 (706) 542-3350

George Dodson US Air Force-Environmental Program Mgr. 77 Forsyth St. SW Suite 295 Atlanta, GA 30335-680' (404) 331-5313
Charles Ellenburg Tennessee Vallev Authorttv-Recreational Planner Central Land Resources District P.O. Box 606 Athens, TN 37303 (615) 745-1783
T.M. Ewing President Georgia Farm Bureau P.O. Box 7068 Macon, GA 31298 (912) 474-8411
Jim Herd US Forest Service-Chattahoochee National Forest Forest Landscape Architect 508 Oak Street, NW. Gainesville, GA 30501 (706) 536-0541
Dan Hope Recreational Technical Assistance Office Institute of Community and Area Development 1234 S. Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30602 (706) 542-3350
Charlie Huppuch US Forest Service River & Trails Specialist 1720 Peachtree Rd NW Room 962 Atlanta, GA 30367 (404) 347-4278
Bob lzlar Georgia Forestry Association
505 Pinnacle Ct.
Norcross, GA 30071 {404) 416-7621
W. Ross King Association Countv Commissioners of Georgia Director of Policy Development 2600 First Atlanta Tower 2 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303 {404) 522-5022

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Dr. Lewis Larson State Archeologist W. Ga Co!leae 208 Martha Munro Hall Carrollton, GA 30118 (404) ~54
Randy Lescault Georgia Forestry Commission P.O. Box 819
Macon, GA 31298-4599
(912) 751-3326
Robin Morgan US Forest Servlce-Coooerative Forestry 1720 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30367-9102
(404) 347-1648
Patricia Schmidt Deoartment of Community Affairs-Office of Coordinated Planning 1200 Equitable Bldg. 100 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 656-7526
Steve Storey Department of Community Affairs-Office of Coordinated Planning 1200 Equitable Bldg. 100 Peachtree St.
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 656-7526
Thad StudstUI Georgia Recreation and Parks Association 571 Oubland Court Conyers, GA 30207 (404)760-1403
Susan Whittington
U.S. Army Corns of Engineers: South Atlantic
Division Office-Natural Resources Division ATTN:CESAD-CO-R
n Forsyth St. S.W. Room 313
Atlanta GA 30335-6801
(404) 331-6746
Georgia Municipal Association
201 Pryor St S.W. Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 688-0472

NATIONAL CONTACTS:
Sara L Block Legislative Assistant Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association 1625 K Street N. W. Suite 900 Washington, D.C. 2006-1604 (202) 775-1762
Robert Dingman Motorcycle Industry Council. Inc. 1235 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Ste. 600 Arlington, VA 22202 (703) 521-Q444
Christopher B. Douwes Office of Environment and Planning. HEP-23 Federal Highway Administration 400 Seventh Street SW Washington, D.C. 20590 (202) 366-5013
Susan Henley Executive Director The American Hiking Society P.O. Box 20160 Washington, D.C. 20041-2160 (703) 385-3252
Edward T. McMahon The Conservation Fund 1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1120 Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 525-6300
American Volkssport Association. Inc. Suite 203, Phoenix Square 1001 Pat Booker Road Universal City, Texas 78148 (512) 659-2112
The League of American Wheelmen 190 W. Ostend Street #120 Baltimore, Maryland 21230 (301) 539-3399 Allen Greenberg Government Relations Director

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National Association of State Trail Administrators cjo Div. of Parks & Outdoor Recreation 1313 Sherman Street, Room 618 Denver, Colorado 80203 Tel: (303) 866-3203 ext. 306 Mr. Stuart H. MacDonald, Co-Chair
National Camoers and Hikers Association 4555 North 24th Street Artington, Virginia 22207 (703) 524-6998 Mr. Edwin Kibler National Legislative Director
National Recreation and Park Association
2n5 South Quincy Street #300
Artington, Virginia 22206-2204 Tel: (703) 578-5540 Mr. A. Dean Tice Executive Director
The Ralls-to-Trails Conservancy Suite 300 1400 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 797-5400 Ms. Marianne Fowler Government Affairs Manager
Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association
3252 Old Lee Highway #500
Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Tel: (703) 591-7130 Mr. Robert Strawn, President
United 4 Wheel Drive Associations 105 Hyland Avenue Battle Creek, Michigan 49015 Tel: 1-800-448-3932 Mr. Dave Hook Director, Environmental Affairs Tel: (717) 246-2162
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APPENDIX A DEFINITIONS
The following is a list of trail and greenway terms that are used within this plan. Trails are routes on land or water, used for recreational purposes such as walking, jogging, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, and vehicular travel by motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain off-road vehicles or motorized watercraft. Trails may be located within parks or greenways, or they may stand alone. Non-motorized trails are those involving hiking, jogging, walking, equestrian, biking, canoeing, or kayaking activities. Motorized trails are those involving all-terrain vehicles, trail motorcycles, four-wheel drive vehicles, other off-road vehicles and motorized water craft. Facility trails are those found within another recreation or community facility such as a park. Unkage trails are those which connect two destination points such a school to a local park.
Trail corridors can be likened to the right-of-way for a trail.
Trailhead facilities are designated starts or ends of a trail. They are often accompanied by various public facilities such as horse unloading areas, parking areas, toilets, water, guide maps, directional and informational signs, and trail use registers. Greenways are linear corridors of protected open space managed for conservation andjor recreational purposes. They may include conservation areas which are larger in size and whose purpose is to connect wildlife habitats. They often follow rivers, stream valleys, ridges, railroad corridors, utility rights-of-way, canals, scenic roads or other linear features. Greenways link recreational, cultural and natural features, provide pathways for people and wildlife, protect forests, wetlands and grasslands.
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APPENDIX B

MANUALS AND GUIDES FOR TRAIL DESIGN CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE, AND SIGNAGE

The following manuals and guidelines are recommended for use for trail design, construction, and maintenance. Copies may be purchased from the source Indicated.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. 1991 <AASHTO Gyidel; Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 225, Washington, DC 20001. The AASHTO guide Is recommended as minimum guidelines for the construction and design of bicycle facUlties, except bicycle trails over rough terrain Intended for use by mountain bikes.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines published in the Federal Register of July 26, 1991 ; from the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Washington DC 20530.
Birchard, WOllam, Jr. and Proudman, Robert J., Trail Design. Construction and Maintenance. Harpers Ferry, WV: Appalachian Trail Conference, 1981. Available from Appalachian Trail Conference, PO Box 236, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (304) 535-6331.
Design Guide for Accessible Outdoor Recreation under development for the Architectural and Transportation barriers Compliance Board by the United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service, and the United States Department of the Interior-National Park Service.
Little, Charles, E., Greenways for America. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1990.
Path Foundation, A Guide for Planning Greenway Trails, Path Foundation P.0. Box 14327, Atlanta, Ga 30324.
(404) 355-6438. 1991.
Path Foundation, Design and Maintenance Guidelines for Hard Surface Trails, Path Foundation, P.O. Box 14327, Atlanta, Ga 30324.(404) 355-6438. 1991.
Proudman, Robert D. and Reuben Rajala, AMC Field Guide to Trail Building and Maintenance, 2nd Edition, 1981; from Appalachian Mountain Cub Books, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108.
The RaU-To-Trails Conservancy, Multi-use TraD Design and Management Manual, 1992, under development, currently In draft form; from the Ralls-to-raHs Conservancy, 1400 Sixteenth Street N.W., Washington, DC 20036. This manual provides guidelines for the construction and design of multi-use trails, such as rail-to trail conversions, other slmUar existing corridors, and heavily used bicycle routes.
Uniform Federal AccesslbUity Standards published In the Federal Register of August 7, 1984; from the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, DC20530.
United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service, Standard Specifications for Construction of Trails, June 1984; from Forest Service- USDA, Engineering Staff-Washington Office, Attn: Publications Specialist, P.O. Box 2417, Washington, DC 20013.
United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service, Trails Management Handbook, revised November
1991; from Forest Service- USDA, Engineering Staff-Washington Office, Attn: Publications Specialist, P. 0.
Box 2417, Washington, DC 2.0013.
United States Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management, BLM Handbook 9114-1 Trails; from the Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240.
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United States Department of the Interior-National Park Service, NPS Trails Management Handbook, 1983; from National Park Service, P. 0. Box 25287, Denver, CO 80225. Van Ryn, Debbie M. and Carey, Henry H., Strateaies for Acquisition of Recreation Easements bv Municioal Governments. Santa Fe, NM: Forest Trust, 1988. Paper describing the use of recreational easements to create a network of trails and greenways. Available from Forest Trust, PO Box 519, Santa Fe, NW 875048992; (505) 983-8992. Curb cuts and other provisions that meet the requirements of the UnHorm Federal Accessibility Standards
(UFAS) or the American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) must be provided to the extent
feasible. Wernex, Joe, A Guide to Off-Road Motorcycle Trail Design and Construction; from the American Motorcyclist Association, P. 0. Box 141, WestervUie, OH 43081. The following manuals provide guidance for signs: United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Manual on UnHorm Traffic .Control Devices; from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Note that Part IX Is for bicycle facilities. United States Department ofTransportation, Federal Highway Administration, Standard Highway Signs; from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Note that many signs have dimensions for bicycle facilities and trails.
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