Trails funding continued
RTP funds have also been used in every State for trail projects that employ youth and conservation corps. For project sponsors, the corps crews are versatile, teachable, and cost effec- tive. For crew members, the varied experiences offer valuable lessons in working with different agencies, and learning the skills required to be quali- ty employees. Corps organizations also work to recruit, train, and provide advancement opportunities for eco- nomically or educationally disadvan- taged young adults.
Safety and Environmental Education
RTP funding has been used in every State for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection. OHV safety training and educational materials have been the largest type of RTP expenditures for this category. The emerging popularity of human-powered boating and designat- ed water trails has brought out new safety issues for the trails community and outdoor recreation managers. There are specific risks associated with water trails and a variety of needs for education on boating safety. States and organizations are pro- viding information for recreationists and creating new safety programs. Safety is a key part of training and resources they provide for planning, managing, and promoting water trail facilities. Trails and the natural areas they
pass through are outdoor laboratories for schools as well as adults. For chil- dren active in natural settings, research seems to indicate a number of benefits in better understanding of the environ- ment as well as improvements in phys- ical and mental health. While trails promote environmen- tal education, it is not about advocacy. It is an educational process that teaches
Safety and Environmental Education - Sample poster for School Messaging Safety and Environmental Education project, Minnesota
38 WINTER 2017-18
about economic, social, and ecological interdependence while experiencing nature and the outdoors.
Sustainability
To trail managers, an important aspect of sustainability is reducing expenditures on maintenance by better design of trails, and the use of appro- priate materials and structures. RTP funding applied to training is most often specifically intended to improve the quality of trail development by project sponsors. Other goals of sus- tainability are to: - ronment
for users
- ent user groups
This review of nationwide trends is drawn from annual reports of the Recreational Trails Program. Read more about RTP fund- ing and projects across America at https://
recreationaltrailsinfo.org/reports.php.
Sustainability - Rubicon Trail reconstruction project, California
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