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Background
In April 2008, the Commonwealth of Virginia published the 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan (VOP) to serve as a guidance document, providing overall direction and advice for statewide conservation and outdoor recreation planning. The trails section of the plan included recommendations calling on DCR to work with stakeholders on a more detailed trails strategy that prioritizes recommendations from the VOP and identifies actions and partnerships needed to implement the plan. The VOP also has a recommendation regarding the appointment of an advisory committee to help accomplish the task.
In January 2008, the Greenways and Trails Task Force (GTTF) was formed to develop a vision and action strategy for the development of a statewide system of trails that link all regions of Virginia. The system will utilize a tiered approach to trail development consisting of local, community, region and statewide trail elements. The statewide trails will serve as primary long distance "spine" trails that form the framework for connecting regional and community trails. One of their first tasks of the GTTF is to assess current conditions of the statewide trunkline trails, as well as barriers and opportunities for their completion. In addition to research, mapping, field work and coordination with local and regional trial planners, collaboration with trail clubs, interest groups and other stakeholders will be vital to developing effective strategies for sustainable trail development.
Purpose and goals
The overall purpose of the Virginia Statewide Trails Strategic Action Plan is to advance the concept of a cohesive and interconnected statewide trails network that connects communities, promotes physical activity, conserves open space, and provides opportunities for children and families to explore and reconnect with nature.
The following goals guide development of an action plan to advance the network.
Goal 1: Enhance access to the outdoors through the development of a trails network that promotes healthy recreation and connects citizens, including children and families, to Virginia’s diverse open space and natural landscapes.
Goal 2: Improve linkages between communities and key tourist destinations in both rural and urban areas to promote regional outdoor recreation and heritage tourism initiatives, support local economies, and provide economic stimuli for small business start-ups and entrepreneurial expansion.
Goal 3: Create the foundation of a statewide system of interconnected open space corridors through which trails traverse, in order to support long-term protection of Virginia’s “green infrastructure” and the ecological services it provides.
Goal 4: Integrate trails as a critical component in Virginia’s transportation infrastructure, in order to provide efficient and convenient non-motorized connections to neighborhoods, schools, community facilities, and employment centers.
Goal 5: Educate citizens about the trail network’s social, ecological, transportation, and wellness benefits, and foster educational pursuits through environmental research, multi-cultural programs, and “outdoor classrooms.”
Comment period
To comment on these proposed goals or the five proposed trails that have been put forward to form the initial framework for a non-motorized system as authorized in § 10.1-204, please submit comments by Jan. 30, 2009, to Jennifer.wampler@dcr.virginia.gov or by mail to Jennifer Wampler, DCR-PRR Division, 203 Governor St., Suite 326, Richmond, VA 23219.
To learn more about any of the proposed statewide trails, please click on the appropriate link below.
