Exploring State Water Trail Programs

Transcription

1 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Exploring State Water Trail Programs Barbara Nelson- Jameson Corita Waters Jessie Egan E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

2 Participation: Canoeing - 7% to 10% Rafting doubled Kayaking - grown across all kayaking segments at roughly the same rate. Kayaking has enjoyed steady growth since

3 E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

4 State Water Trail Programs Review Organization and Partners Purpose/Goals Criteria (if existing) Funding Benefits E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

5 State Water Trail Programs # of state programs 26 # of water trails 1,394 # of water trail miles 40,824 miles (approximation) *There is at least 1 water trail reported in every state except Oklahoma, but only 26 states have statewide water trail programs *These numbers reflect the most up to date responses as of 5/16/2016, but only 9 out of the 26 states with programs have updated their water trail counts thus far. We are currently in the process of updating information for E X all P E the R I states. E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

6 National Water Trail Forum

7 National Water Trails System Designation: Secretary of the Interior Secretary of Agriculture Review/Recommendation: Interagency Team, administered by NPS Learning Network and Tool Development, in partnership with: American Rivers River Management Society River Network Management Local management entity; ongoing management responsibility and associated costs of the designated national water trail are the sole responsibility of the management entity.

8 NWTS Program Goals Connect Americans to the nation s waterways and strengthen the conservation and restoration of these waterways through the mutual support and cooperation of federal, state, local, and nonprofit entities by: Establishing a national system of exemplary water trails. Becoming a catalyst for protecting and restoring the health of local waterways and surrounding lands. Becoming a catalyst for increasing sustainable access to outdoor recreation on shorelines and waterways. Building a community that mentors and promotes the development of water trails and shares best management practices

9 NWTS Program Criteria/BMPs The trail (and its access points) must be open to public use and be designed, constructed, and maintained according to best management practices, in keeping with the anticipated use. The trail is in compliance with applicable land use plans and environmental laws. The trail will be open for public use for at least 10 consecutive years after designation. The trail designation must be supported by the landowner(s), (public or private), on which access points exist.

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11 NWTS Program Benefits Inclusion in the NWTS Learning Network, a community that mentors and promotes the development of water trails and shares BMPs Inclusion on the NWTS website and database Receipt of a set of NWTS markers Access to technical assistance from NWTS program partners and through the learning network Access to funding opportunities

12 Statewide Water Trail Programs Connecticut NGO Georgia NGO Pennsylvania Partnership Florida Partnership Minnesota - State Texas State Iowa - State

13 Connecticut Water Trails Program Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, in partnership with: American Canoe Association Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection National Park Service American Rivers Appalachian Mountain Club

14 CT Program Goals Paddle and Protect Rivers Alliance of Connecticut is the only statewide nonprofit dedicated to protecting and enhancing Connecticut's rivers, streams, and watersheds. To promote the use and appreciation of our recreational waterways through: collaborating with local and regional groups, publicizing existing trails, helping in the development of new trails, promoting responsible stewardship of our waterways, fostering connections to communities and advocating boating safety.

15 CT Program Designation Criteria The American Canoe Association (ACA) defines a water trail as meeting the following five requirements: 1. The trail must be a contiguous or semi-contiguous waterway that is open to recreational use by paddlers. 2. The trail must have public access points for paddlers. 3. The trail must be covered by a map, guide, signage, or website that is available to the public. 4. Published or printed materials for the trail (e.g., guidebook, map, sign, website) must communicate lowimpact ethics to trail users. 5. The trail must be supported and/or managed by one or more organizations.

16 CT Program Benefits ACA Water Trail Designation and logo Included in statewide website maintained by RACpaddler safety and etiquette, lessons/boat vendors, USGS streamflow, online interactive map, guidebooks, and links to WT sites Technical assistance for development of new WT and responsible stewardship of waterways Networking weekly online newsletter

17 Funding Sources CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Recreation Trails Program, U.S. Dept. of Transportation s Federal Highways Admin CT Community Foundation REI Inc. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

18 Interactive Maps

19 Georgia Water Trails Program Management Georgia River Network, statewide nonprofit Goal Working to ensure a clean water legacy by engaging and empowering Georgians to protect, restore and enjoy our rivers from the mountains to the coast.

20 Georgia WT Designation Criteria Trail is sponsored, maintained and promoted by a local entity or partnership. Publicly accessible areas that paddlers can legally access and safely unload boats and park vehicles. River access sites are appropriately spaced apart on the river so that they may be reasonably paddled in a few hours or a full day. Depending on the length of the trail, water access to public overnight camping sites. Information about the water trail provided to paddlers through a website and maps created by the sponsoring entity Signage/ kiosks placed at all water trail access points that include: river etiquette information, paddling safety information, and a map of the water trail.

21 Georgia WT Funding Sources Donations Recreation Trails Program, U.S. Dept. of Transportation s Federal Highways Admin American Canoe Association (Paddle Georgia) E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

22 Georgia WT Benefits Website Toolkit e-newsletter

23 Partnership Programs PA and FL E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

24 PA Water Trails Partnership PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources PA Environmental Council PA Fish & Boat Commission National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Gateways & Watertrails Network and Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program The partners are available to assist with local efforts and advance statewide projects Funding Fish and Boat Licenses, Chesapeake Bay Gateway (NPS)

25 PA Water Trail Partnership Goals To encourage and further the development of water trails in PA, To strengthen the connections between and among existing water trails to promote a system of water trails, To better market and promote PA s water trails as a recreational resource to residents and visitors alike, To provide technical assistance to local project managers who are implementing and maintaining water trail projects, To promote the national recognition of PA s water trails, To promote the development and management of water trails as a means to enhance citizen stewardship of local water resources

26 PA Water Trail Program Criteria Every water trail must have A local managing organization to care about and manage the trail. Public involvement by the local community. A map providing information for using the trail. Information provided to users on the internet and/or printed materials. Water trail feasibility study or plan to determine if your waterway can be a water trail. The Partnership strongly advocates for the following water trail activities: Active volunteers who will participate in the management of the trail. Signage that can direct users, interpret the resource, provide safety and orientation information. Maintenance of existing and new amenities (boat access points, signage, information provided, etc.).

27 PA Water Trail Program Criteria Every water trail project should consider Designation by the CBGN (where relevant), National Recreation Trail, American Canoe Association or other nationally recognized organization. For-Sale water trail map & guide. Volunteer recruitment & development program. Conducting outreach educational programs. Trail amenities & facilities including campsites, comfort stations, access points, a full range of signage, etc. There are a variety of additional planning and implementation efforts to consider: Stewardship & conservation plan. Interpretive Plan Management Plan Marketing & promotion plan Three page application

28 PA Program Benefits Use of the PA Water Trails logo Link WT map/guide/website on PA Water Trails Handbook (planning & development guide) Technical assistance workshops or statewide water trail conferences to be held each year Management and promotion of the PA Water Trails Yahoo Group and other social media development Technical assistance provided to local groups on an as needed/requested basis from statewide program partners Inclusion in any statewide marketing effort related to water trails

29 Website Guides and Maps

30 Interactive Maps & Download Guides

31 Florida Paddling Trail Program Goals Florida Dept. of Env. Protection, Greenways & Trails Designation program was established to: Further the purposes, goals, and objectives of the Florida Greenways and Trails System Ensure an inclusive and interconnected system of greenways and trails Encourage voluntary partnerships in conservation, development and management of system components Provide recognition for individual components of the system and those partners involved Raise public awareness of the conservation and recreation benefits of the system components

32 Florida Paddling Trail Program State and Nonprofit Managed The first Florida paddling trails were designated in the early 1970s, total mileage is now more than 3,500 miles. The Florida Office of Greenways and Trails coordinates the designation program and seeks to identify local and regional managers. Partners with the Florida Paddling Trails Association For a waterway to be included as a state-designated paddling trail, a government or non-profit entity must agree to manage the trail and apply for designation through an established process:

33 FL Designation Criteria In order to be designated, lands or waterways must: Protect and/or enhance natural, recreational, cultural or historic resources; and Provide linear open space or a hub or a site; or Promote connectivity between or among conservation lands, communities, parks, other recreational facilities, cultural sites, or historic sites. Must Have Property Consent and Management Certification From OGT to Greenways and Trails Council to Secretary of Dept. Env. Protection.

34 FL Benefits of Designation Public recognition Included in Statewide website of designated trails As resources allow, DEP may enter into mgt., patrol, and protection agreements DEP will identify sources of funding for mgt. and restoration needs Gives private landowners liability protection Additional consideration for certain public land acquisition and grant programs run by the State

35 Online Interactive Mapping & Itineraries

36 Florida Paddling Trails Association The FPTA is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and a statewide, community of paddlers, clubs, outfitters and other water trail supporters, which has a common purpose of "connecting paddlers to water trails" Office of Greenways & Trails relies heavily on NGO Florida Paddling Trails Association as volunteer stewards of Florida Water Trails The major missions of the FPTA are: Develop Protect Resource & Voice

37 State Managed Programs MN, TX, IA E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

38 State Managed Programs Minnesota - Program administered by the MN DNR, Division of Trails and Waterways. Designation is a legislative action requested by interest groups/local gov. Goal: Find a water trail within an hour of almost anywhere in MN Funding Sources: Canoe/kayak boat registration Partial gas tax Water Recreation Program ($650k out of $16 million)

39 MN Designation Criteria Potentially free of numerous snags & manmade obstacles River shore lands are suitable for campsite and rest area development Water quality is high enough to allow for body contact, etc. Minimum 5-mile reach Navigable at least 3 months of the year

40 MN Program Benefits Map and survey work, Water trail development plan, Acquisition grants and small grants for development and maintenance of facilities, Manage river level reporting, Coordinates volunteer efforts, Interactive website map development, published maps E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

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42 Texas - Administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Goals State Managed Programs Promote sustainable economic development and build public support for conservation of waterways and wildlife. Offer communities a way to partner with Texas Parks and Wildlife to benefit locally and help an extensive network of paddling trails across the state for Texans and tourists. Funding Sources TPWD s Recreation Grants Branch offers recreational grants for park development or improvement.

43 TX Paddling Trail Characteristics Public access must be a minimum of four paddling miles to a maximum of twelve paddling miles for each segment on linear trails; ponds, lakes and bays may be shorter Presence of natural or historical attractions such as rapids, mature trees or unique habitat, wildlife diversity, historic sites, etc. Adequate water quality, river flows or water depth (seasonal flows acceptable) Population center within 100 miles Local partner(s) to maintain put-in/take-outs Canoe and kayak rentals from local sources (not required but helpful in promoting paddling tourism in your community) Designated parking TPT marker signage and kiosk

44 Texas website E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

45 E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

46 Iowa Administered by Iowa DNR Goals: State Managed Programs Provide safe opportunities and experiences in a variety of locations/landscapes/stream conditions Minimize user impact to natural resources and foster stewardship Predictability through consistent signage, launch, and portage trail design, as well as a classification system to help users self-select appropriate water trail segments. Funding: Iowa DNR water trails program RTP community foundations individual donations.

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48 IA Designation Criteria A water trail project is eligible for state designation after DNR approval of final design plans and the construction or implementation of amenities included in it, including the installation of all wayfinding and hazard warning signs. Formalized agreement for on-going management and maintenance Manchester Whitewater Park

49 IA Designation Standards WT Experience Classifications

50 IA Program Benefits Water trail is published on the Iowa DNR web site, Staff promotion at events throughout the year, Access to water trail enhancement funding for construction, signage, mapping, etc.., DNR water trail crew assistance (if available). Funding to construct or enhance water trail components

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52 State Water Trail Programs Organization State-led (DNR, DEP, etc.) Nonprofit-led (watershed alliance, paddling org.) Partnership-led E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

53 State Water Trail Programs Benefits Communications/Promotion Technical Assistance (planning) Access to Network Funding/Access to Funding Private Landowner Liability Protection Access to Trail Crew Assistance E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

54 State Water Trail Programs Funding Sources State recreation grants DNR, DEP Community Foundations Donations/Membership Outdoor Retailers Licenses and Boat Registrations Tax Events Map/Guide Special consideration for funding Technical Assistance E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

55 National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Barbara Nelson-Jameson Corita Waters National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A