carrie's blog
Marcia H. Cloninger Rail-Trail is growing
Lincolnton's Marcia H. Cloninger Rail-Trail is growing! A new section of this popular rail-trail is scheduled to open December 15th...just in time for those New Year's Resolutions!
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Board Member's book featured on CNN
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Rail-Trails = Sustainable Tourism
Researchers from New Zealand and Austrailia expound on the many wonderful characteristics of rail-trails. Dr. Ariann Reis and Carla Jellum of the University of Otago just released a study on rail-trails and tourism. The key finding "The relatively low development and maintenance costs associated with rail trails, the educational opportunities available due to historical significance of some railway lines and the potential for community involvement can be considered significant facilitators for the development of a a strong tourism product based on rail trails. For more information continue reading here.
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RTP Reauthorized through 2014
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) has been reauthorized for two more years. The RTP is the funding program that has sustained state trail programs for the past two decades. The RTP will receive $85 million in annual funding for the next two fiscal years. Since the RTP was first authorized in 1991, the program has become the foundation for state trail programs nationwide, providing essential partnerships among diverse trail enthusiasts, government officials, and national organizations in the conservation recreation and transportation fields. The Leaders of the Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT) credits this success to the RTP's Congressional champions, Senator Klobuchar(MN), Representative Petri(WI) and Representative Michaud(ME). The CRT also thanked the coalition's member and thousands of grass-roots advocates, who contacted their Congressional delegations repeatedly during the year-long reauthorization process to express their support for the RTP and explain the importance of RTP-funded trail projects to their communities.
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Lowe’s Donates Money for E & A Rail Trail Suspension Bridges
Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to Elkin Valley Trails Association. The grant will be used for the building of two 90-foot suspension footbridges over Elkin Creek on the Elkin & Allegheny Rail-Trail. The funds will help expand the existing trails and greenways to Stone Mountain State Park. Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, shows that Lowe's understands the importance of and supports the efforts that enrich the lives of their customers and neighbors.
Marshall Croom states “By supporting organizations like the Elkin Valley Trails Association, we believe we are contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees and helping build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow’s employees, homeowners and community leaders.”
North Carolina Rail-Trails is the fiscal sponsor of the Elkin Valley Trails Association.
Please visit the Trails Association's site for more on this story and see Lowes Community Programs for more on their community/educational efforts.
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Southern Part of the American Tobacco Trail Closed as of June 11, 2012
Beginning June 11, the southern portion of Durham’s American Tobacco Trail will be closed for 13 months between N.C. Highway 54 southward to the Chatham County line. Trail parking on Fayetteville Road near New Hope Church will also be closed. This portion of the trail is set to reopen by March 2013. The new portion of the trail going from N.C. Highway 54 to Renaissance Parkway and the bridge construction will be done by July 2013.
The project will include paving a 10-foot-wide asphalt path on 2.8 miles of existing trail; installing 1.4 miles of new trail, and installing a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Interstate 40. The .7 mile section from Scott-King Road to the Chatham County line will have both a 10' wide asphalt section and an adjacecent 6' wide section with a granite screenings surface.
The trail is closed for your safety during construction. Please note that the trail will not be passable during this time period.
During construction trail users wanting to connect to or from the sections in Chatham and Wake Counties may want to look at this detour routing posted on Map My Rides https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/fullscreen/73395606/
Bike, Kayak, Run, and Eat at the Erwin Wilderness Challenge
The Erwin Wilderness Challenge is an event dedicated to encouraging an active lifestyle for the health of our community; bring awareness of the natural and recreational amenities available in Erwin and surrounding areas; and to celebrate Erwin’s capacity and desire to work, live, and recreate as a community. Part of the proceeds of this event will help support Team Pope’s participation in a nation-wide readiness competition.
JUNE 2, 2012
Bike: 10 Miles
Kayak: 8 Miles
Run: 3 Miles
Eat: All You Can Handle!!!
For more information and Registration visit https://www.erwinchamber.org/wilderness-challenge.cfm
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National Trails Day
National Trails Day® is a celebration of trails that evolved from the report of President Ronald Reagan's President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. In 1987, the report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day® in 1993.
Trails do not just magically appear for our enjoyment; it takes many hours of planning, labor, and negotiating to develop them. National Trails Day®, the only nationwide celebration of trails, increases awareness about trails and celebrates the hard work and support of many people and partners -- including volunteers, land agencies, and outdoor minded businesses. It is also a day to introduce people to the many joys and benefits of trails. To continue reading about National Trails Day visit https://www.americanhiking.org/National-Trails-Day/Info/
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Celebrate National Trails Day with the Historic Gold Hill Rail Trail Hike
The hike is June 2, 2012 and will begin at 9:30 AM at the E.H. Montgomery General Store in the Historic Village of Gold Hill. The hike will trace the roots of pioneers who sought for gold in the once famous gold mining boom town. Gold history will be retold as the Rail Trail passes through Gold Hill Mines Historic Park.
For more information
- Visit: www.HistoricGoldHill.com
- Email: Vivian@HistoricGoldHill.com
- Call: 704-267-9439
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