DUBOIS – On behalf of the PA Wilds Trail Committee and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Headwaters PA will hold the upcoming 2014 Trail Summit.
Sessions will be held on Nov. 12-13 at the Genetti Hotel and Conference Center, 200 W. Fourth St. in Williamsport.
Pennsylvania is becoming recognized as a destination for trails; especially in the PA Wilds. Trails are an important asset to rural communities.
In fact, more than 50 million people live within a day’s drive of the PA Wilds, making it an attractive place to experience some of the most scenic and beautiful wild lands in the northeastern United Stated. P
Also, the PA Wilds has helped increase visitation to the area, employment opportunities and entrepreneurial business start-ups, as well as improved the quality of life for residents.
The keynote speaker for this event is Neil Fowler, Appalachian Regional Commission PA State program manager, who will provide insight on Pennsylvania’s Priorities for Nature Based Economic Development. Representatives from DCNR will update participants on revisions to the Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
The PA Wilds Trail Summit is geared towards local governments, trail professionals, advocates, volunteers and users. It is a venue for sharing practical, up-to-date trail management and advocacy skills, as well as a forum for networking and building support for accessible, inter-connected and sustainable trail systems in the PA Wilds region. This investment and sharing of knowledge will allow for the opportunity to ensure the revitalization of our rural communities.
Summit topics include building, maintaining and promoting land and water trails; choosing the best design for your trail; the wide range of trail surfaces available; what works best; and long-term sustainability.
Breakout sessions will cover three main tracks, which include local capacity building, technical trail design and trail gap connections. Professional Development Hours are offered for engineers and an exhibit area will showcase trail associations and professional expertise.
Registration includes breakfast and lunch on both days and an evening reception. A guided tour of the Susquehanna River Walk is also planned.
For more information about the Summit and to register, please go to www.headwaterspa.org and click on the PA Wilds Trail Summit link.
Registration deadline is Nov. 5. For questions about the summit, please contact Cheri Micale, Headwaters PA at 814-503-8653 or e-mail cmicale@headwaterspa.org.