872 views • posted 02/19/2018 • updated 05/02/2022


Blue Ways

Long Trails, Education Opportunities, Dealing with Obstacles

Alabama Scenic River Trail, the longest river trail in a single state.

Speakers: Dr. Jean Lomino, Executive Director, Chattanooga Nature Center; Tina Harvey Crawford, Director of Development and Marketing, Chattanooga Nature Center; Brad Shelton, AIA, Elemi Architecture; Jim Felder, Executive Director, Alabama Scenic River Trail; John M. Pflaum, P.E, Senior Project Engineer, WHPacific, Inc.

Come hear about the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the longest river trail in a single state, stretching 1000 miles, and learn how in less than two years the trail has become a centerpiece of the activity affecting nearly every land, trails, and recreational agency in the state, turning recreational opportunity into community development. Explore concepts for dealing with obstructions such as low head dams and utility crossings to facilitate passage along water trails. Learn how a creative idea became reality through community networking and partnerships including effective strategies for working with foundations, architects, builders, and city and county agencies. You will hear a firsthand account of the mistakes made and lessons learned. Learn how paddling provides another venue for teaching conservation education.

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