This award is given in recognition of successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection, trail development, or maintenance.
Trail building in New Jersey
Wally Tunison is a long-standing member of the New Jersey Trails Council representing mountain biking interests.
As the founder of NJ's first statewide mountain biking advocacy organization, the NJ Cycling Conservation Club, and as a charter member of its current statewide advocacy organization JORBA (Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association), Wally provided the guidance and direction to author the two organizations' current success. Wally has also been state representative for IMBA and is a National Mountain Bike Patrol Instructor.
Wally's most recent accomplishment would be the opening of the Southern Extension of the Henry Hudson Rail Trail between Matawan and Freehold, NJ. Wally also helped form the Monmouth Heritage Trails group, bringing people together from all walks of life to support the acquisition of the former railroad right of way. As opposition to the trail emerged, Wally worked to convince not only the neighbors but local and county officials of the value of the trail. As a trail advocate Wally has had a long and lasting influence on the vision of multi-use trails in New Jersey, and strives to be a voice of fairness for all trail users.
465 views • posted 01/16/2018
