The Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT), a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations, is pleased to announce its 2020 Achievement Awards to recognize outstanding trail projects funded by the national Recreational Trails Program (RTP).
Twelve trail projects and programs have been chosen by the Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT) as recipients of its 2020 Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Awards. The awards – honoring former U.S. Representative Tom Petri (WI) – recognize outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds. These projects will be honored at a live virtual ceremony on October 22 with participation by award recipients and key trails champions, including Members of Congress.
2020 Multiple-Use Management and Corridor Sharing
Pine Street Woods
Pine Street Woods became the heart of a thriving 320 acre public access area when it opened to the larger Sandpoint community in September of 2019. Hundreds of volunteers soon descended upon the property under the auspices of collaborative local trail groups with affinities for mountain biking, nordic skiing, and quiet forest walks.
2020 Community Linkage
Gwinnett Countywide Trails Master Plan
Gwinnett County is currently the second most populous county in Georgia with more than 936,000 residents and also has a minority-majority population. By 2050, estimates project Gwinnett could grow to as many as 1.5 million residents, making it the most populated county in the state.
2020 Maintenance and Rehabilitation
Cal-Ida connector Trail
Program Manager Paul Hart has almost completed the construction of a new 20 mile multi-use motorized single-track trail connecting the Cal-Ida area to the greater Downieville trail system. The connection will successfully link the Hall’s Ranch trail to the Chimney Rock trail.
2020 Accessibility Enhancement
Boardwalks and Observation Deck Rehab/Replacement
The network of trails, wildlife viewing venues, and educational resources at LCNP now welcomes well over 100,000 visitors per year. LCNP continues to be 'fee-free' and highly accessible to a diverse community of patrons who enjoy the myriad benefits of immersion in nature, outdoor exercise, and healthy lifestyles. LCNP is the only Important Bird Area of Global Significance in Upstate SC, is the Upstate partner with South Carolina Audubon, has 221 species of birds identified, and is a regional must-see birding hotspot
2020 Public-Private Partnerships Enhancing Public Lands Access and Use
Trailhead and Trail Construction in the Shawnee National Forest
The Shawnee Trail Conservancy (STC), a 501(c)3 trail advocacy organization in southern Illinois, engaged officials at the US Forest Service/Shawnee National Forest (Shawnee) in a public-private partnership to utilize Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding to improve access to public lands for hikers, backpackers and equestrians. The project also enhanced public safety, improved trail conditions and decreased impacts to water quality within the Candidate Wild and Scenic--Big Grand Pierre Creek. This public-private partnership utilized $200,000 between 2014 and 2018 in completing this work.
2020 Public-Private Partnerships Enhancing Public Lands Access and Use
Thurston Hills Natural Area Trail Project
After many years of pursuing land acquisitions on the edge of Springfield, Oregon, and with the passage of a bond measure by local citizens, the Willamalane Park and Recreation District (WPRD) was able to acquire land sought for outdoor recreation trails.
2020 Construction and Design
Milan Trail Huggers Nash Stream Bridge
Project constructed a 10'X90' bridge over Nash Stream in Stark.
2020 Construction and Design
Blue Ridge Tunnel Rehabilitation & Trail Project
The Blue Ridge Tunnel was constructed between 1850 and 1858 beneath Rockfish Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia. The tunnel is 4,273-feet-long and approximately 700 feet below the surface at its deepest point. It was originally constructed to move goods and people back and forth from the coastal plain to the Piedmont, Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
2020 Youth Conservation/Service Corps and Community Outreach
Monadnock Trail Improvement Project
From July 30th to September 27, 2019, five crews of six SCA NH Corps members worked on the White Dot and White Cross Trails in Monadnock State Park to improve hiking conditions and safety by addressing high need maintenance issues. The goal of the work was to provide trail users with more footing and route options while narrowing the trail corridor and reducing erosion. Project work included the construction of stone staircases, setting step-stones, maintaining and repairing drainage features, and restoring impacted areas along the trail.
2020 Education and Communication
Nevada’s Outdoor School’s Outdoor Ethics Program
Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) inspires exploration of the natural world, responsible stewardship of our habitat and dedication to community.
2020 Enhancement of Federal Lands
Sam Houston National Forest - Eastside Multi-use Trail Rehabilitation
The Multiple Use Trail (MUT) on the Sam Houston National Forest (SHNF) provides the only legal riding opportunities for Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on National Forest land in the state of Texas.
2020 Engaging Public-Sector Partners
Maricopa Trail Volunteer Stewardship Program
The 315-mile Maricopa Trail links 27 communities and many public land management agency partners through its volunteer trail maintenance program in Arizona.