Hawaii DLNR Invites Public Participation in 2008 Update of State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
September 19, 2008
HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of State Parks is seeking public participation on an update of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) that will help shape the future of hiking, biking, boating, hunting, fishing and ocean recreation in Hawai‘i.
“The 2008 Outdoor Recreation Plan update represents a cooperative effort between government agencies and Hawai‘i’s residents to identify the needs and priorities for acquiring, developing, and protecting all types of outdoor recreation resources within the State over the next five years. We encourage everyone to get involved and provide input about the future of outdoor recreation in Hawai‘i,” 
said Laura H. Thielen, Chairperson of DLNR.
The public is invited to participate in meetings which start October 1, via an online survey, and through written comments. Updating the plan will enable Hawai‘i to maintain eligibility to receive federal grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered through the National Park Service.
The public is encouraged to attend the public meeting on their island to share their thoughts on outdoor recreation in their community, county, and state. These meetings will address a broad range of recreational activities and sites, from ballfields, courts, swimming pools and golf courses to hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating, surfing, and other outdoor recreation and ocean sports.
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Amish Country Bike Tour Rescheduled for Saturday, October 25 in Delaware
September 16, 2008
DOVER, DE – The 22nd Annual Amish Country Bike Tour has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2008. The bike tour was previously set for September 6, but was cancelled due to unsafe road conditions caused by Tropical Storm Hannah’s high winds and rain. The bike tour will begin at Legislative Mall in Dover.
All pre-registrations will be honored, and those not registered can sign up online at www.visitdover.com
, or anytime between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on October 25 at the registration tent on Legislative Mall. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children under 16 years of age. The official bike tour start is set for 8 a.m., though cyclists may begin anytime between 7 and 10 a.m.
“We are truly sorry for the inconvenience that rescheduling the bike tour has caused to our faithful and loyal followers,” said Cindy Small, Executive Director of Kent County Tourism, the non-profit organization that sponsors the bike tour. “It is the first time in the event’s 22-year history that it has been cancelled. We thank our cyclists, the 100+ volunteers, community organizations, the news media and sponsors who are doing their best to assist us in rescheduling this event.”
Most of the scheduled activities will take place on October 25, including the team challenge awards and the picnic lunch. Return to Nature Kayaking will offer a sunset kayaking adventure from 5-7 p.m., launching from the beach on Silver Lake in Dover. Return to Nature will be available at Legislative 
Mall on Saturday morning, October 25, for those who want to sign up to kayak. Paddlers are encouraged to bring a non-cotton jacket in case of cooler weather. The cost is $25 per person, which includes the guided tour, equipment and kayak usage.
Last year’s event drew nearly 1,500 cyclists of all ages and abilities, as well as cycling clubs, to partake in the 15, 25, 50 and 62-mile loops that wind through Delaware’s Amish country. A perennial favorite is the first food stop, hosted by the Amish community at the Amish Country Schoolhouse. Home-baked pies and cookies, along with healthy snacks are a cherished commodity, served by members of the Amish community.
The Team Challenge competition will feature trophies for groups of 25 or more in the following categories: Finish Line Award – team completing the most miles; Community Pride Award – team with the largest
number of participating cyclists; and Best Dressed Award – send your team dressed in coordinated shirts to market your organization (t-shirts, golf shirts, cycling shirts, etc.).
Proceeds will benefit the Central Delaware YMCA and the Amish Schoolhouse. Those interested in learning more about the Bike Tour may call 302-734-4888, 800-233-5368 or register online at www.visitdover.com.
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Entire Length of Tunnel Hill State Trail Open Again In Southern Illinois
August 12, 2008
Sections of Southern Illinois Trail Damaged in Storms Last Winter
VIENNA, ILL. – The first phase of repairs have been completed on sections of the Tunnel Hill State Trail in southern Illinois that had sustained significant damage in a series of storms last winter, allowing access to the entire length of the trail from Harrisburg to the Cache River Wetlands Center.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) crews have been working on repairs to sections of the trail since a series of storms last February and March resulted in flash flooding, ice and tree damage all along the 45-mile trail.
Last February 2, heavy rains and flash flooding caused significant damage to the trail between Harrisburg and the trail headquarters in Vienna. On February 11, an ice storm resulted in further trail damage and downed trees on and along the trail. Heavy rainfall on March 18 again caused widespread damage along the trail.
From the time that the storm damages occurred, IDNR crews have been making repairs to the trail surface and removing trees and debris from the trail. Surface repairs have made areas of the trail useable, though sections of the trail surface remain rough. Bicyclists are encouraged to use extra caution and to be prepared for possible tire problems due to the rough surface. As always, trail visitors should use caution at all times when visiting IDNR sites.
For information regarding trail conditions, call the Tunnel Hill State Trail headquarters at 618/658-2168 or visit the Tunnel Hill State Trail webpage on the IDNR website at http://dnr.state.il.us.
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Take a Hike in West Virginia State Parks on National Trails Day June 7
May 20, 2008
National Trails Day events are scheduled at West Virginia State Parks, Saturday, June 7. National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society. Its purpose is to promote hiking trails throughout the nation by encouraging anyone to get outside and take a hike. Community involvement in trail use and maintenance has been a tradition for more than 100 years. Events on June 7 include:
10 Mile Trek Greenbrier River Trail. Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. at the Greenbrier River Trail parking area in Seebert (near Watoga State Park). State Park personnel will then shuttle participants 10 miles down the trail for a hike back to the vehicles at Seebert. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch and plenty of water. A shuttle van will be available to store lunch and other gear. For more information about the 10-mile Trek, please contact the Greenbrier River Trail at (304) 799-7416.
Hike Kumbrabow. Hike departs at 10 a.m. from parking area at forest headquarters for a two-mile walk on the Mowery Trail, to Mill Ridge Fire Trail and return via the Clay Run Trail. Forest Superintendent Stephanie Bailey is the event host. Kumbrabow State Forest is in Randolph County. (304) 335-2219
Hike and Bike National Trails Day at Twin Falls Resort State Park
Throughout the day, a series of guided hikes and rides will be conducted. Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at the Scout Field parking lot. A mountain bike skills clinic with Mike McGraw will start the bikers off with mountain bike rides following the clinic. In addition, there will be morning hikes at the park. This event is for all age groups. For more information about the mountain bike clinic or rides, please contact Mike McGraw at (304) 294-5550. For information about the hikes, contact Twin Falls at (304) 294-4000.
Rail Trail Festival/ National Trails Day - North Bend State Park
The weekend of June 6 - 8 is full of fun activities for the whole family and sponsored by the North Bend Rail Trail Foundation. Contact: DJ Allen (304) 628-3100 or (304) 628-3777
A Bluestone Turnpike Hike - National Trails Day
Pipestem State Park to Bluestone State Park team up for a 10-mile hike along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park. Hikers should meet at Mountain Creek Lodge (bottom of the tram) at Pipestem Resort prior to 10 a.m. The hike will be from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and pack water and lunch. A shuttle is provided by to Pipestem Resort. The Bluestone Turnpike Hike is part of the WV Hiking Program Contact: Jim Phillips 304-466-1800 x. 344 for reservations for this hike.
“Encounter Naturalist” National Trails Day - Hawks Nest State Park
Naturalist Willa Grafton at Hawks Nest State Park will be hiking the Hawks Nest Rail Trail starting at 8 AM. Join the naturalist for the hike, or bike it on your own and hope to encounter the naturalist to learn about the area and some brief history along this rail trail. Contact: Hawks Nest State Park (304) 658-5212 or (304) 658-5196.
Hike Across West Virginia - Cacapon Resort State Park
Hikers Wanted! Naturalist Kelly Smith invites you to hike across a short cross section in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and “essentially walk across the state!” Cacapon Mountain is the highest mountain west of the three Eastern Panhandle counties. This hike will travel down the ridge of the mountain with a gradual elevation change from 2,350 feet to 1,700 feet. The final view near Prospect Rock provides a wonderful panoramic scene of three states and two rivers. Fairly level hiking and a wonderful view at the end. Contact: Cacapon Resort State Park (304) 258-1022
Hike Canaan Valley - Canaan Valley Resort
Naturalist Destiny Phillips invites hikers to meet at the nature center on June 7 and enjoy hiking through the park. This hike will be approximately 10 miles and includes hiking Backhallow, Club Run, Middle Ridge, Deer Run, and Mill Run trails and back to the nature center. Wear comfortable shoes. Participants should bring lunch and adequate water supply. For more information: Canaan Valley (304) 866-4121.
“If you hike on National Trails Day at a West Virginia State Park, let your hiking/walking or biking miles be counted,” explains Sissie Summers, Program Service Coordinator for state parks. “Log cards will be available at every state park and forest on this day. A convenient log sheet is available online at www.wvstateparks.com under the Hikes/Walks icon. If folks want to walk independently from an organized hike on a trail at a state park or forest, simply keep track of the number of miles hiked on June 7, complete the entries and forward to the address on the log sheet.”
Everyone participating in National Trails Day and submitting a log card will receive a 2008 Trails Day patch and National Trails Day certificate. Mileage will be totaled and posted to the West Virginia State Park Web site. “National Trails Day is a great excuse to get outside with your children, family and friends and enjoy you West Virginia State Parks. We hope our scheduled hikes are well received and our trails well traveled on this special outdoor day.”
For more information about a scheduled hike on National Trails Day, call the specific park for details or go online, www.wvstateparks.com under Hikes & Walks.
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Gov. Blagojevich Announces nearly $950,000 in Recreational Trail Grants
May 19, 2008
Federal Recreational Trails Program projects in eight counties
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $949,800 in grants for multi-purpose recreational trail projects that will create or improve trails in eight Illinois counties. Funding for the projects is supported by the federal government’s Recreational Trails Program.
“These grants will increase recreation opportunities for people who love the outdoors - hikers, runners, bike riders, snowmobile riders, and boaters,” Gov. Blagojevich said. “The recreational trail projects supported by these federal and local funds are good news for both residents and visitors to these communities.”
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides up to 80 percent of the cost of the trail projects. RTP grants may be awarded for the acquisition of land from willing sellers, for trail construction and rehabilitation, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail uses, construction of trail-related support facilities such as picnic areas, parking and restrooms, and for educational programs. The grant program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The grants for the projects announced today were recommended by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, which includes representatives of statewide motorized and non-motorized trail user organizations, statewide agency organizations, organizations with expertise in greenways and trails, and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.
This year’s Recreational Trails Program grant recipients, grant amounts and project descriptions are listed below.
Des Plaines, City of (Cook County), $149,745 to construct approximately 1 mile of an equestrian/hiking trail. This trail will connect to a segment of the Des Plaines River Trail, currently under construction, along the Des Plaines River (part of IDNR’s Levee 50 Flood Control Project). (Local contact: Timothy Oakley, 847/391-5390).
Freeport Park District (Stephenson County), $104,000 to purchase a 165-horsepower tractor to groom the Jane Addams Trail and other public snowmobile trails within Stephenson County during the winter and to mow the shoulders of the Jane Addams Trail during warm weather months. (Local contact: Steve Ehlbeck, 815/235-6114).
Freeport Park District (Stephenson County), $144,000 to acquire a 50-foot wide corridor, 3.18 miles long that will be developed with a 12-foot wide graded path for snowmobile use and a 12-foot wide asphalt path (with two-foot aggregate shoulders) for bicycling and walking. This corridor will tie into the Jane Addams Trail. (Local contact: Steve Ehlbeck, 815/235-6114).
Glenview Park District (Cook County), $55,280 to construct 1.8 miles of limestone screenings nature trail with associated interpretive signs at the 123-acre Grove National Historic Landmark. (Local contact: Steve Swanson, 847/299-6096).
Highland Park Park District (Lake County), $26,160 to design, fabricate and install 28 trail signs (interpretive, trail marker, trail head and site map) to be placed along the three miles of trails within the 97-acre Heller Nature Center. (Local contact: Jeff Smith, 847/433-6901).
Kane County Forest Preserve District (Kane County), $192,960 to construct approximately 3.5 miles of equestrian/hiking trails, a shelter for horses and riders, and a primitive horse campground at Burnidge Forest Preserve. (Local contact: Monica Meyers, 630/232-5980).
Openlands (Cook/DuPage/Will counties), $28,055 to design, fabricate and install approximately 330 various water trail signs along 40 miles of the DuPage River in DuPage and Will counties and along 20 miles of the Salt Creek in DuPage and Cook counties. Signs will include directional signs for parking, launches/landings, portages, dams, and bridges; map signs; and, signs on bridges that face car traffic to raise public awareness of the water trail. (Local contact: Laura Barghusen, 312/863-6253).
Shelbyville, City of (Shelby County), $200,000 to construct a one-mile extension of the General Dacey Trail, a snowmobile/bicycle/hiking trail. As with the first two sections of this trail, this phase will be a 10-foot wide limestone screenings trail with two-foot shoulders. The trail will be constructed on both City of Shelbyville and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ property. (Local contact: Gary Crowder, 217/774-5531).
Yorkville, City of (Kendall County), $49,600 to construct approximately 3/4-mile of nature trail, an interpretive shelter and signs within the 7.5-acre Wheaton Woods Park. (Local contact: David Mogle, 630/553-4341.nbsp;
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