"Connecting Communities With Trails" will be the theme of the Montana State Trails Symposium to be held in Billings on April 5 - 7, 2001. Darlene Tussing, Coordinator of the Symposium Host Committee said the symposium will bring people together from across the state who are interested in developing trails and greenways, and promoting bicycle/pedestrian trails. "State trails planning has identified that even though there are 14,600 miles of trails in Montana, there is still a need for more urban trails and trails that connect municipalities together and municipalities with rural areas and the backcountry," Tussing said. Connecting Communities With Trails will also provide an opportunity for hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders, skiers, OHV users and snowmobilers to share information and discuss issues. The conference is a must for trail advocates, planners, engineers, landscape architects, consultants and park and recreation professionals. The symposium will touch on all aspects of trails but the greatest emphasis will be on urban and near-urban settings. The agenda includes such topics as design standards, accessible facilities, private lands-public trails, rail-trails and working with the railroad, historic trails-contemporary travelers, the state trails plan, where’s the money and training on how to apply for funding. "Planning for the State Trails Symposium has been an excellent example of connecting communities with trails," said Bob Walker, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ State Trails Programs Coordinator. "Several local and state organizations are involved including FWP, Montana Department of Transportation, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Montana Community Foundation, Montana Parks Association, Western Heritage Center, Yellowstone River Parks Association and BikeNet." For more information contact Bob Walker at 406-444-4585 or E-mail at bwalker@state.mt.us.
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