NEPA TRAILS FORUM
The Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Trails Forum is a loose alliance of organizations, government entities, and individuals who are involved with trail development in the region. These include recreational trails, mountain biking or snowmobile trails, park or municipal trails, water trails, or trails on public or private lands.
The Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area (LHV) hosted two workshops in July 2010, and February 2011, to convene the alliance. Representatives from trail user groups, municipalities and government agencies, civic organizations, professional firms, trail managers, and interested individuals attended the events to meet fellow trail groups, learn more about projects in the region, and share ideas and best practices.
List of NEPA Trails Forum Participants
July 2010 Workshop
The first NEPA Trails Forum Workshop was held on July 29, 2010, at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton, PA. There were 47 participants representing 14 organizations. The workshop provided an overview of current and planned trail projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Each organization gave a ten minute presentation about their trail project to the group. Participants identified some of the issues and challenges facing trail organizations in the region, as well as potential resources and best practices that can be used to address these concerns. The workshop had several networking sessions, and a discussion about the feasibility of developing a regional alliance of trail organizations.
Agenda
Presentations:
February 2011 Workshop
The second NEPA Trails Forum Workshop was held on February 17, 2011, at the Scranton Cultural Center in downtown Scranton, PA. There were 48 participants representing 27 organizations. The workshop had three panel presentations - “A Regional Trail System: What is the Vision?” “Public Awareness of Our Trails: Getting the Word Out,” and “Working with Volunteers: Get Dirty and Give Back!” Each presentation was followed by Q&A and discussion. The workshop included opportunities for participants to meet with DCNR representatives about trail mapping and funding opportunities, and it offered walking tours of the Downtown Scranton Riverwalk, the newest section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, and the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.
Agenda
Presentations:
Handouts:
Funding
The NEPA Trails Forum Workshops were generously funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund under the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape Initiative; the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Pennsylvania Recreation Trails Program funded through the Federal Highway Administration, and the National Park Service. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is the coordinator of the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape.
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