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The New Jersey Trails Program was established with the passage of the New Jersey Trails System Act in 1974, laying the groundwork for a network of trails that provide for outdoor recreation and an appreciation of the outdoor, natural and remote areas of New Jersey. The act charged the Department of Environmental Protection with the task of establishing a trails plan, accomplished in 1984 and updated in 1996. The plan established a foundation for certain trails to be included in the State Trails System after a review of all long distance trails in the state. Aiding the Trails Program is the New Jersey Trails Council, an advisory body to the Department consisting of citizens with interests in different types of trail use, representatives from conservation or recreation organizations, and other state agencies. With the establishment of the federal Recreational Trails Program Act in 1993, the New Jersey Trails Program administers grants that provide for trail development and restoration, as well as education about the natural and cultural resources found along trails.
PLANNING FOR A NETWORK OF TRAILS IN NEW JERSEY - THE NEW JERSEY TRAILS PLAN The 1996 New Jersey Trails Plan is being updated and we are requesting the trail-using public to review and comment on the plan. The 2008 New Jersey Trails Plan Update addresses and analyzes key issues related to trails development and the State Trails System, establishes a vision for trails and recommends strategies and actions required to move toward that vision. The visioning process engaged the trails community and the general public through surveys, focus groups, open houses and workshops. The content of the Plan Update is now available at www.njtrailsplan.org for your review and comment. The State Trails System was designed to be a network of trails interconnecting with each other as well as with schools and urban areas. Some trails were included in the system because they stand alone as exemplary for their type, such as the Appalachian Trail. After a review of over 1,500 miles of marked or mapped trails in New Jersey, 26 trails and trail systems were identified as initially eligible to the State Trails System. The criteria used to evaluate trails includes scenic quality, accessibility to the general public, length of more than four miles, providing for more than one use when appropriate, low development and maintenance costs, public support, and negligible environmental impact. Also listed were 18 trails and trail systems that required further study to determine their eligibility. The 1996 Plan also included recommendations that addressed issues affecting trail development and management, such as public use of private land, trail access for the disabled, motorized trails and mountain biking. MANAGING TRAILS IN THE STATE TRAILS SYSTEM Regulations for trails in the State Trails System formalize the designation of trails to the State Trails System under N.J.A.C. 7:5D. Any state-funded project affecting a designated trail must be reviewed for its impact on use of the trail. Currently designated to the system are:
The rule also establishes procedures for designating trails to the system and standards for completing management plans. Management plans are a tool to maintain the best use of trails in the State Trails System. Each year, New Jersey celebrates the values of trails on the first Saturday in June. The Trails Program compiles a listing of events to take place on trails or proposed trails sponsored by public agencies and trail interest groups. Events have included hikes or bike rides, dedications of new trails, and volunteer cleanup projects. National Trail Day June 7th and 8th RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM FACT SHEET Recreational Trails Program Fact Sheet (PDF format) Recreational Trails Program Fact Sheet (Word format) RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM GRANTS The federal Recreational Trails Program provides financial assistance to governmental and non-profit agency landowners for developing and maintaining trails and trail facilities. Over $6 million has been awarded to public and non-profit agencies for non-motorized, multi-use and motorized purposes. Projects are funded on an 80% federal share and 20% matching share basis. In 2005, approximately $800,000 was available for projects. At the federal level the program is administered by the Federal Highway Administration. Of the funding available each year, 30% is allocated for non-motorized trail projects, 30% for motorized projects, and 40% for diversified trail projects. General requirements of the program include:
Recreational Trails Program Grants Awarded in 2007 Download a 2009 Recreational Trails Program Grant package (PDF format) Download a 2009 Recreational Trails Program Grant package (Word format) To request a Recreational Trails Program Application by mail, summary of the New Jersey Trails Plan or a list of National Trails Day events, contact: Office of Natural Lands Management |
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