MEDIA ADVISORY: May 23, 2012
FLORIDA TRAIL PROJECT TO RECEIVE
NATIONAL AWARD
-Chattahoochee’s Nature Trails project recognized by The Coalition for Recreational Trails-
 Chattahoochee Nature Trails increases eco-tourism and economic benefits for Gadsen County.
CHATTAHOOCHEE — The Coalition for Recreational Trails is recognizing the Chattahoochee Nature Trail with an Annual Achievement Award in the Construction and Design Category for work completed as a partnership between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Chattahoochee. The award, which is one of nine national awards the coalition gives, will be presented during Great Outdoors Week 2012 in Washington D.C. A grand opening event for the completion of the project was today in Chattahoochee.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways & Trails (OGT) within the Division of Recreation and Parks administers the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The award recognizes the quality of trail experiences made available to the public through the federally funded Recreational Trails Program.This program aided improvements to this trail by providing the city a $95,145 grant, which was coupled with city funds of $63,430.
“We congratulate the City of Chattahoochee on receiving this prestigious national award for a trail project that promises to increase eco-tourism and economic benefits for the region,” said Office of Greenways & Trails Chief Jim Wood. “This well-designed trail system has been chosen as a prime example of what can be accomplished by local communities with the support of RTP funding.”
The City of Chattahoochee is a community in Gadsden County, which falls within Florida’s identified “Rural Areas of Critical Economic Concern” and its scenic location on the Apalachicola River bluffs makes it ideally situated to attract nature-based tourism.
“With the assistance of grant funding from OGT’s RTP program and many hours of sweat equity by the dedicated employees of the City of Chattahoochee, a sustainable and accessible trail of approximately 1.7 miles has been added to our already world-renowned Angus Gholson Nature Trails,” said Chattahoochee City Manager Lee Garner. “We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the OGT on this project.”
The project involved development and enhancement of three trails, a new trailhead, as well as amenities that include kiosks, benches, water fountains, picnic areas and restrooms. The program accepts grant applications every March for motorized and non-motorized trails. For more information on Florida’s Recreational Trails Program and Florida’s greenways and trails, visit www.FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com.
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