RTP News - March 2005

March 22

1. NATIONAL RECREATION TRAILS BROCHURE: LAST CALL [Item for States]
   We want to reprint the National Recreation Trails Brochure. So far, I received requests for a whopping total of 1,250 brochures. Please let me know if you want any of these brochures. If I don't get more responses from the States, then I will only ask for a small number.

2. RTP AWARDS
   The Coalition for Recreational Trails is accepting applications for its 2005 achievement awards to recognize outstanding trail projects funded by the national Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Award categories will include: construction and design; maintenance and rehabilitation; education and communication initiatives; accessibility enhancement; multiple-use management or corridor sharing; environment/wildlife compatibility; and use of youth conservation/service corps. A nomination form is attached. The deadline is April 1, 2005. Winners should be notified no later than April 30, 2005.

3. RTP DATABASE
   The Coalition for Recreational Trails posted the March 2005 version of the RTP Database at www.funoutdoors.info/rtphome.html. It has been updated with projects obligated through FY 2003. CRT says the next round of updates will allow the State Trail Administrators to update their project data electronically.

4. NATIONAL TRAILS TRAINING PARTNERSHIP (www.NTTP.net)
   The NTTP website, www.NTTP.net, is updated frequently with all kinds of trail training opportunities, trail conferences, etc. We encourage you to provide links to www.NTTP.net from your website to help people find the trail training they need. If you have training available, or if you have an upcoming conference, please forward the information to Stuart Macdonald at mactrail@aol.com. And check back at www.NTTP.net.

5. FHWA TRAINING AVAILABLE
   FHWA has many training opportunities available through the National Highway Institute. Top suggestions for Trails interests:

   • NEPA and Transportation Decision Making
   • Linking Planning and NEPA: Towards Streamlined Decision Making
   • Pedestrian Facility Design
   • Bicycle Facility Design

   Other Environment related courses are at www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/category.asp?category_id=10, and the general course catalog is at http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/train_catalog.aspx.

6. NATIONAL TRAILS DAY, June 4, 2005 [shortened version of original email]
   From: Ivan Levin
   Sent: Monday, March 07, 2005 11:53 AM

   This year marks American Hiking Society's 13th year coordinating National Trails Day (NTD). Last year was a huge success, with 925 registered events, and, with your help, this year's NTD will surpass that number. Visit our web site for event planning ideas: www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/ideas.html and help with sending out press releases: www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/kits.html. We would like to provide a few suggestions and reminders as you continue to plan your event:

   This year's theme, "Take the Path to a Healthier You," increases public awareness of the health benefits of trails -- health information and fact sheets are available on American Hiking's website to help you incorporate this theme into your event.

   Four goals for National Trails Day are:
   1. Raise awareness of trails and the need to help conserve them
   2. Build partnerships and alliances that work together beyond National Trails Day
   3. Broaden the constituency for trails
   4. Raise awareness of the many health benefits of trails.

   The newly updated 2005 NTD Event Organizer's Manual is available at www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/ideas.html. The manual includes a timeline for planning your event.

   Check American Hiking's listings to see if a nearby group is holding a NTD activity. Be sure to keep your event listing updated by sending all changes to NTD@AmericanHiking.org. Feel free to contact me should you need any help.

   Happy trails!
   Ivan Levin, National Trails Day Coordinator
   American Hiking Society
   1422 Fenwick Lane
   Silver Spring MD 20910
   301-565-6704 ext 208
   www.AmericanHiking.org

7. NOHVCC's OHV ON LINE LIBRARY - NOW AVAILABLE
   From: Mary Frye
   Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 9:00 AM
   Subject: NOHVCC's OHV On Line LIbrary - NOW available.

   For the past year, the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) and USFS Southern Region have conducted a literature search to update the existing NOHVCC library and then brought this updated library on line. With over 1000 references, about one fourth have PDF files that may be downloaded for your instant information needs. Many more documents will be brought on line over the next few years. Go to NOHVCC: www.nohvcc.org/ and Click on "Library". Let us know what you think about this new tool. If you have any additions to the library, contact NOHVCC.

   Mary Hughes Frye, Recreation Specialist
   USFS Southern Region 404/347-3357 phone, 404/347-6217 fax
   1720 Peachtree Rd NW Suite 716N
   Atlanta GA 30309