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ALABAMA TRAIL NEWS

BILLS TARGET LEADING NATIONAL ROLE FOR ALABAMA RECREATIONAL TRAILS FOR RELEASE:

JANUARY 28, 2010

MONTGOMERY, AL

Companion bills filed in the Alabama legislature (SB 258, HB 376) would create an Alabama Trails Commission to foster widespread development and link-up of green and blue-water trails throughout the state. Focused on health, family, economic and tourism incentives, the bills call for the proposed commission to coordinate local needs, goals and leadership in trail design, operation, build-up and maintenance for hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, motorized off-highway vehicles, and water sport.

Great News for Trail in Alabama

An initiative of the Alabama Recreational Trails Advisory Board (ARTAB), the plan was moved forward by Senator Wendell Mitchell (Luverne) and Representative Cam Ward (Alabaster). Both legislators have long histories in the outdoor recreation communities. An ARTAB committee chaired by Fairhope City Council member Debbie Quinn led in the plan’s preparation.

“This would be a first for Alabama,” said Quinn. “The Commission would promote and coordinate recreational trail projects across an array of organizations such as local, regional, state and federal agencies, trail advocates, business interests, higher education centers and non-profit organizations.” Quinn said a similar program has been underway in Florida since 1995.

Under the proposed legislation, there would be a twelve member Alabama Trails Commission. Five state agencies would be members: Alabama Department of Transportation, Alabama Department of Conservation and National Resources, Alabama Tourism Department, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Governor’s Office. Other board members would represent trail users, local government and the business community.

The legislation also calls for an Alabama Trails Commission Advisory Board and a tax-deductible non-profit foundation to advance the Trail Commission’s goals by fund raising and supporting recreation in education.

The Commission would be housed in the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

“Alabama’s diverse terrain provides some of the most splendid trails anywhere in the nation, said ADECA Director Doni Ingram. “This commission will help identify trails in the state and work to promote them and encourage usage.”

CONTACT:

Debbie Quinn

Alabama Recreational Trails Advisory Board

P.O. Box 429

Fairhope, AL 36533

Phone (cell)

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Events-Newsflash

National Trails Day Event At 5 Rivers

For Immediate Release
Date: May 4, 2010
Contact: Joe Cuhaj, Gulf Coast Chapter Alabama Hiking Trail Society
Email: , Phone: 251-533-1812

The Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society, the LA Hikers, will co-host a celebration of the state’s hiking trails with the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort as part of National Trails Day. The event will be held June 5, 2010, from 9am to 3pm.

The event will be a workshop on hiking and backpacking and will feature lectures on a variety of topics sure to be of interest to hikers of all stripes from beginners to more seasoned walkers. Topics include hiking destinations in Alabama, plant identification, the new Alabama Trail from Fort Morgan to Florence, and Leave No Trace. Hands-on demonstrations will focus on choosing the correct hiking gear, everything from packs to boots and more.