Rails to Trails Conservancy

The destruction across the Southeast caused by Hurricane Helene is catastrophic and it will be a long time before we fully understand its toll. We are hearing from partners about the extent of the damage to trail communities across Southern Appalachia and western Florida and expect the long-term implications for these small towns and rural economies will be significant. Our hearts are with everyone who has experienced such devastating loss because of this storm. RTC has compiled resources to help those who are seeking immediate aid, ways people can help right now, and resources to support economic recovery and infrastructure rebuilding: https://lnkd.in/emmANkip.

Reminder: Join us for our free webinar, "TrADE Talk: State Innovations for Transportation Alternatives" on Sept. 25! During this webinar with the TrailNation Collaborative, you will hear from Transportation Alternatives staff about how they are using their state’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds. Learn more + Register: https://lnkd.in/eJunW_ZQ.

Sept. 25: You're invited to "TrADE Talk: State Innovations for Transportation Alternatives" a free webinar with the TrailNation? Collaborative! Across the country, states are using federal Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funding in innovative ways to make safe, equitable connections in communities both small and large. Rails to Trails Conservancy's Transportation Alternatives Data Exchange (TrADE) is the nation’s go-to transportation-funding data source for trails and active transportation, tracking this spending for tens of thousands of projects since in 1991. Join us to hear from state department of transportation (DOT) staff about how they are innovatively using their state’s TAP funds. Topics will include technical assistance pilot projects, the role of grant coordinators assisting local agencies, stipends for disadvantaged communities, and using safety funds to meet match requirements. Meet the panelists: - Jennifer Kramer, Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Active Transportation Manager - David Holien, Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) Transportation Alternatives Engineer - Michael Smith, Michigan Department of Transportation's TAP Manager Learn more + Register: https://ow.ly/741950TtLUV

Congratulations to the 2024 RTC Trail Grantees! This year, we've awarded more than $420,000 in grants to groups that are making a difference by creating opportunities and equitable access to safe spaces where people can walk, bike and be active outside in the communities where they live. Around the country, there's a rising demand and need for trail and active transportation networks that help people safely get outside and get around their communities, whether or not they drive. These grants support the work of 41 groups working to develop and activate local and regional trail networks, connecting more people to these spaces in neighborhoods across the country. Learn more about the #RTCGrant recipients by visiting: https://lnkd.in/e2Kr6eE6

#TeamRTC was excited to be a part of the inaugural Great Trails State Conference in North Carolina! Yvonne Mwangi, RTC's trail resources and planning manager, joined our partners at the East Coast Greenway Alliance in giving a presentation on "How National Trail Organizations Partner with local Groups to Get Trails on the Ground." Thank you to everyone who attended the session, and to The Great Trails State Coalition and to all who helped make possible the conference!

We are grateful to have attended the PolicyLink #EquitySummit2024 in Atlanta, Georgia! The summit brought together community leaders, policymakers, researchers, advocates and students to focus on and exchange ideas about equity and social justice. Connecting more people with trails to help create healthier, happier places is central to our mission, and this summit provided a terrific opportunity to learn about how we can continue to leading our work with equity and inclusion. https://lnkd.in/e-qYEY5i

It was great connecting with fellow bicycle, pedestrian, and other active transportation and recreation professionals and advocates at the 2024 Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference (#TTAT2024)! We were excited to have the opportunity to share information about our work to create a nation connected by trails, including at sessions about: - "Building a Culture of Welcome Through Inclusive Marketing," a breakout with Brandi Horton, RTC's vice president of communications - "Choose Your Path: Strategies to Secure Local Bond Funding for Active Transportation," with Andrew N. Dupuy, RTC's director of state-level policy It was also terrific to spend time with members of our board, our partner Erick Cede?o (@TheBicycleNomad), and walking along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail while at the conference!

We're hiring! Learn more about our New Jersey Project Director position: The New Jersey Project Director is a member of RTC’s Trail Development team responsible for implementing RTC’s vision to create equitable trail networks that connect people to where they live, work and play in that region. This position plays a leading role in standing up the 5-year North Jersey Trail Network Initiative (NJTN). Ultimately, the NJTN seeks to develop an accessible and equitable regional trail network by connecting existing trail corridors in North Jersey to transform the region with a strong active transportation network of safe, off-road trails and greenways. This position will supervise 1–2 employees and provide support and technical leadership for RTC’s other Mid-Atlantic area trail projects, particularly those that are focused on equitable development. This position is located in North Jersey, within the project’s six-county footprint (Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Union, and Morris counties). The selected candidate is eligible for a remote work schedule, in accordance with RTC’s policies. Learn more + apply at https://ow.ly/KYxj50T6WQh

SPECIAL NOTICE FROM OUR EARLY WARNING SYSTEM: On or about July 11, 2024, CSX Transportation filed for the abandonment of 5.1 miles of track in Pike County, Kentucky. If this corridor is suitable for trail use, we strongly urge local trail advocates, or an appropriate local, regional or state agency or organization, to take action now. If you'd like to receive railroad abandonment notices for your state via email, visit: rtc.li/ews_ten.

Our "Resources for Improving Accessibility on Multiuse Trails" webinar is tomorrow, July 31! Join the TrailNation Collaborative, powered by Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC), as we explore how different groups are promoting, assessing, and improving accessibility on multiuse trails. Register for this free webinar: https://ow.ly/fIgo50SKsOG