This award is given in recognition of successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection, trail development, or maintenance.
After taking over the Recreational Trails Program for the state of Alabama a few years ago, Rob Grant has managed to create an enthusiasm throughout the state of Alabama that has never existed as far as I am aware.
Rob brought the Recreational Trails Advisory Board together to work as a team to create a focus on all trail systems throughout the state instead of their own related trail system. He has helped to foster trail development throughout the state for many types of trail systems such as river trails, biking, hiking, Off Highway Vehicle, equestrian to name a few. Rob has taught each of the leaders in these areas how to apply for RTP grant funds and guides them in completing their applications along with encouraging them to develop more trails with the correct design mechanisms.
Rob developed the idea of creation a Recreational Trails Commission in the State of Alabama by helping to draft a law that would become an advocacy group for all types of trail systems in Alabama. This law was passed by the Alabama Legislature in 2010.
Rob is also a hands-on type of manager. He is constantly visiting trail systems where funds have been allotted to ensure the proper use of the funds, but mainly to show his and ADECA’s support for each and every project.
Rob is an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoys all types of trail systems. One of his favorite sports and ways of relaxing is to take his family out with their two Polaris RZRs and ride the trails all day.
He participates in functions such as Make-A-Wish foundation event rides to try and raise money for these precious children.
He has helped both public and private trail systems get started across the state of Alabama.
Because I am nominating Rob and come from the OHV perspective, I can focus on several OHV trail systems that have been developed since Rob took over the helm of the Recreational Trails Program: Minooka OHV Park in Chilton County Alabama, Stony Lonesome OHV Park in Cullman County Alabama, Doc Hilt OHV Trails in Clay County Alabama and many other trails not related to OHV. He is in the process of promoting probably one of the largest OHV and multiuse parks in the Southeast which is located in Talladega County Alabama. This park will contain trail systems such as OHV, Equestrian, Walking, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Biking and Canoeing on the Lakes.
We in Alabama are proud of the accomplishments of Rob Grant in his efforts to promote and advocate for trail systems across the State of Alabama. With his direction, nine trail systems in the State of Alabama were designated as National Recreation Trails in 2010.
505 views • posted 01/16/2018
