New National Trail Projects Funded In Parks

Grant awards in a National Park Service program are headed to five projects where national historic and scenic trails intersect with national park units.

“Connect Trails to Parks” will soon distribute $333,000 to these projects, said Dan Wenk, acting director of the National Park Service. The grant program was established during the 40th anniversary of the National Trails System in 2008.

 â€œThis grant program will enable our visitors to better appreciate both the national parks and the national trails that touch or cross the parks through new connections, better information systems, and upgraded facilities,” said Wenk. “It is wonderful way to commemorate the anniversary of the National Trails System.”

In addition to operating park areas across the U.S. and territories, the National Park Service plays a vital role in operating the 50,000-mile National Trails System.  This trails system dates from legislation in 1968 that created the Appalachian and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails. Today, the National Trails System is comprised of eight national scenic trails (NSTs), 18 national historic trails (NHTs), and more than 1,000 national recreation trails (NRTs).

The five selected projects restore or improve existing trails and trailhead connections, provide better wayside and interpretive services, or provide planning services for important trail gateways.  Wenk said nine more project grants will be awarded later this year.

Here are the projects:

• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP – Connector trail to Appalachian NST – $60,000
• Acadja NP – Rehabilitate the historic Jesupp Path (Dorr Mountain NRT) - $99,000
• Arches NP – Provide planning and coordinate for Lions Park trail and transportation hub (Slickrock NRT and Old Spanish NRT) - $100,000
• Scotts Bluff NM – Monument Valley historic trails, waysides and kiosks (OR, CA, MP and PE NHT’s) - $20,000
• Blue Ridge Parkway – Rehabilitate White Rock Falls trailhead and visitor parking area (access to Appalachian NST)