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American Trails names Florida as Best
Trails State in the Nation!
The Best Trails State Award was presented to the
State of Florida-Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, Office of Greenways & Trails on November 17th,
2008, during the National Trails Symposium in Little Rock,
Arkansas. This first ever
“Best Trails State Award” presented by American Trails
recognizes Florida’s success in facilitating an outstanding
statewide system of trails.
Florida has embraced the value of greenways and trails with
an enthusiasm and level of quality that is a model for the
nation”, said Bob Searns, Chairman of the Board of Directors
for American Trails. “Exemplary programs like the Office of
Greenways and Trails online trails database and regional
trails forums have set a standard. Local and regional
projects are delivering a first class infrastructure for
residents and an example for tourists to take back home.”
Following its legislative mandate, the Office of Greenways &
Trails (OGT) has played a lead role in working to establish
a statewide system of greenways and trails including master
planning, legislation, funding, and program implementation.
OGT has entered into many forms of partnerships to
accomplish the planning, acquisition, development and
management required to bring greenways and trails projects
to reality. For all that OGT and its partners have achieved
in furthering the establishment and expansion of the state’s
trails network during the past two years, Florida has been
honored as the inaugural recipient of this award.
American Trails is
the only national, nonprofit organization working on behalf
of all trail interests. Since 1988, American Trails has made
it a part of its mission to promote cooperation among user
groups and pursue a national infrastructure of trails and
greenways that serves a full range of activities.
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