ROADS & TRAILS
On our public lands, the journey is as important as the destination. Traveling scenic byways and backcountry trails allows us to enjoy spectacular scenery while providing access to remote locations and national treasures. Projects that enhance roads and trails can improve recreation opportunities and provide environmental benefits, such as watershed restoration and wildlife habitat improvement.
Partnerships are working across the nation on roads and trails projects. These partnerships combine the knowledge and skills of engineers and natural resource specialists, the passion of local communities, and commitment from local and state transportation agencies. Read on to find resources to help smooth the way for your project.
Organizations and Programs
Key national initiatives and groups are highlighted below to provide inspiration and resources to budding partnerships. Also visit Find Partners for listings of potential partners for your local projects.
- Federal Highway Administration provides state, local, and tribal governments with financial and technical support for constructing, improving, and preserving America’s highway system.
- National Scenic Byways Program provides byway development professionals with program information, technical documents, marketing assistance, expertise, and online grant requests.
- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy aims to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people. It is a source of information, technical assistance, and training for local trail builders.
- Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (National Park Service) is an invaluable source of technical assistance for community groups and local, state, and federal agencies to conserve rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.
- SAFETEA-LU authorizes Federal transportation programs for years 2005-2009. The Act substantially increases funding for the Recreational Trails Program, the National Scenic Byways Program, the Federal Lands Highway Program, the Transportation Enhancement Program, bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements, and other programs. Toolbox for the Great Outdoors provides tips on accessing these funds.
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Connecting Communities through Managed Recreation
The Garfield County Trails Committee and the Dixie National Forest work collaboratively to enhance Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreation in south central Utah while protecting the ecological integrity of public lands. Learn more…. [PDF, 2 pages, 305KB]
Information and Training
- National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse is an information service sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. It helps community groups access funding for innovative transportation projects.
- National Transportation Library provides information vital to Federal, state, and local decision-makers. All information is available electronically and supports transportation policy, research, operations, and technology transfer.
- Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse provides technical assistance, information resources, and referrals to trails and greenway advocates and developers across the nation.
- Federal Surface Transportation Program Training On August 10, 2005, the President signed into law the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, known as SAFETEA-LU, which authorizes Federal surface transportation programs for highways, bridges, public trails, enhancements, highway safety, and transit for the 5-year period 2005-2009. In addition, the Act substantially increases funding for a number of programs relevant to Federal Land Management Agencies. The potential for partnerships is huge. However, employees may have difficulty locating the specific information they need because of the size and complexity of the program. The Forest Service (FS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have jointly developed training videos to show how the various programs authorized within SAFETEA-LU can benefit public lands and their neighboring communities.
Publications and Guides
Funding
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PARTNERING WITH THE FOREST SERVICE
