DEP CELEBRATES IMPROVEMENTS TO TALLAHASSEE-ST. MARKS TRAIL

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 10/06/2011 04:37 PM EDT

For Immediate Release: Oct. 6, 2011

Contact: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP CELEBRATES IMPROVEMENTS TO

TALLAHASSEE-ST. MARKS TRAIL

~Ribbon cutting commemorates a fresh look for Florida’s first paved state rail-trail~

Event participants cut the ribbon during the reopening of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail today.

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks, Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) celebrated the reopening of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail today. DEP held a special grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a resurfacing and widening project and to invite community members and visitors to take advantage of these improvements.

Designated as a National Recreation Trail, this 16-mile multi-use trail was Florida’s first paved rail-trail. The Trail was originally built with an 8-foot wide surface, but after 20 years of service, OGT widened the Trail to 12 feet to meet current state and national standards. It also resurfaced the Trail to address wear and tear and safety issues. Today’s ribbon cutting marks the Trail’s return to full service as a key recreational and economic resource for the region.

“Today we celebrated not only the Trail’s return to full service, but also the recreational value and economic significance of Florida’s trails and greenways,” said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “Trails are so much more than a corridor of pavement. They enhance communities, promote tourism and connect people to the local natural and cultural resources.”

Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione was the keynote speaker at today’s event, while the Chief of the Office of Greenways and Trails, Jim Wood, served as the emcee for the morning’s festivities. In addition, Kerri Post, Senior Marketing Director for Visit Tallahassee, spoke about the benefits of the trail to local tourism and Harry Reed, Executive Director for the Capital Regional Transportation Planning Agency, discussed the benefits of the Trail as an important component in the non-motorized element of the Regional Mobility Plan and the developing Capital City to the Sea Loop.

Susan Matthews, Supervisor of National Forests in Florida with the U.S. Forest Service, also joined the program to highlight partnerships and new properties, including land that connects the Munson Hills off-road bike trail to the North Trailhead of the St. Marks Trail. Representatives from the Capital City Cyclists and the Southern Trailriders Association also shared accolades and appreciation for the improvements. The event culminated with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and light refreshments provided by the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation, Inc.

About the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail

In addition to connectivity with the City of Tallahassee’s extensive trail system, the Tallahassee-St. Marks State Trail offers access to many valuable regional resources such as the San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, the Munson Hills/Twilight Trail off-road bike trail system managed by the U. S. Forest Service and the barrier-free, Felburn Foundation Boundless Playground® at the Wakulla Station Trailhead. Home to a portion of the congressionally designated Florida National Scenic Trail, the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail is also a contributing resource to the Big Bend Scenic Byway, which features the nearby Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Additionally, this state trail is a key component in the developing, regional trail network known as the Capital City to the Sea Loop. Visit the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The nation’s best state parks and trails have joined forces. Now a part of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service, the award-winning Office of Greenways and Trails manages the 110-mile Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, eight state trails and more. Florida’s award-winning state parks have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 160 parks, 700,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 600 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information on visit www.FloridaStateParks.org or www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/.

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