Oregon

Oregon provides multiple examples of creative and effective use of RTP funds.

Oregon utilizes of team of experienced professionals to maximize the limited resources available, including a State Trails Coordinator, a Grant Program Coordinator and staff from the All-Terrain Vehicle Program and Recreation Programs and Planning Office. In its administration of the RTP program, Oregon uses a scoring criterion that is specific to motorized, non-motorized and water trail projects. They are equally weighted. The criteria are based on statewide planning for the State Trails Plan and SCORP, that is, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, and take into account rural and urban differences and the regional trail needs in Oregon.

Oregon relies on an RTP Grant Committee that is representative of trails users in Oregon. The committee consists of motorized, non-motorized, federal land manager and ADA representatives. Oregon also works to get representation from all regions in the state. Up to one third of the Grant Committee membership rotates each year, adding new members while ensuring that two thirds of the committee has experience and history with the grant program.

Oregon provides multiple examples of creative and effective use of RTP funds, including the Prospector Trail linking two rural communities (Canyon City and John Day) via a four-mile trail. All the schools are in one community, but shared park and ball fields are in the other – and no trail connected them. The state trail program worked with community leaders to design and build a trail at reasonable costs that is now used for many purposes, including a "Walking School Bus" effort, where adults walk students home from school.

In the City of Salem, RTP funds converted an abandoned railroad bridge to connect two city parks and Downtown Salem with West Salem.

In the City of Salem, RTP funds converted an abandoned railroad bridge to connect two city parks and Downtown Salem with West Salem.

The OregonTrailFinder.com project was the first effort at a comprehensive web page for all trails in Oregon. This has evolved into The Intertwine Alliance website, which allows residents and visitors to search for trails by proximity to a location or by trail type.

Oregon supports trail program efforts in many ways. It communicates regularly with trail, environmental and other outdoor interests through mail and email and conducts three grant-writing workshops annually to educate potential applicants.

Oregon views the RTP Program as an integral component of a statewide trails program, and integrates RTP efforts with other planning and assistance programs. This helps keep trails centrally involved in statewide recreation and transportation plans. The agency has made the State Trails Coordinator a member of the Oregon Scenic Byways Committee.

The State Trails Coordinator also reviews and scores Transportation Enhancement program projects that pertain to non-motorized projects. The program is represented on the Oregon DOT Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Recently, the agency developed a new Scenic Bikeway program that increases communication with Oregon DOT, federal land managers, local road masters, and tourism organizations throughout the state.

---

More winners of this award

2021: Maryland State Recreational Trails Program

2019: Vermont

2017: Arizona State Parks and Trails

2015: Montana

2015: Washington

2013: West Virginia

2012: Tennessee Greenways and Trails Program

2011: California

2010: Vermont