Invitation to Trail Users - Register by Oct. 7

Anyone involved in the planning, construction, and use of recreational trails is invited to attend and participate in Boots, Bikes & Boats. The program is Friday, October 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at the Oberhaus Park Pavilion, 750 W. Maumee Ave. on the banks of the Maumee River in Napoleon. This is the second year for the program presented by Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor.

Registration fee is $45.00 and includes coffee, break snacks and a box lunch. Register as late as October 7. See registration information at this link or call 419-891-2222 with questions.

The conference will bring together representatives from all three areas of recreational travel: cycling, hiking, and canoe/kayaking. An intensive program will discuss such trail issues as finding funding sources; route planning and considerations; trail marking, signage and maps; infrastructure requirements and features; and promotion. Along with the basic issues shared by all trails, connectivity will also be discussed.

Speakers and topics include: Christine Connell from Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) will discuss a statewide initiative to certify 3,000 miles of signed hike/bike trails; Eric Oberg of the Rails to Trails Conservancy will address issues around bike trails; Douglas Leed from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will discuss the Ohio Water Trails Program; and Sharon Strouse with the National Scenic Byway Foundation and Oho Byway Links will talk about the packaging and promotion of trail assets. Angie Quinn of Fort Wayne Trails will also offer a concise history of travel in the Maumee Valley.



Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments | www.tmacog.org