What
are greenways and trails?
What
is the Implementation Plan for Florida's Greenways and Trails
System?
Who
do I contact to learn more about Florida's Greenways and Trails
System?
What
are greenways and trails?
GREENWAY
is
defined in the Florida Statutes (Chapter
260) as a linear open space established along either a natural
corridor, such as a riverfront, stream valley, or ridgeline, or over
land along a railroad right-of-way converted to recreational use, a
canal, a scenic road, or other route; any natural or landscaped
course for pedestrian or bicycle
passage; an open space connector linking parks, nature reserves,
cultural features, or historic sites with each other and populated
areas; or a local strip or linear park designated as a parkway or
greenbelt.
Within the landscape, greenways serve at least three major
functions: they protect and/or enhance remaining natural, cultural
and historic resources; they provide linear open space for
compatible human use; and they maintain connectivity between
conservation lands, communities, parks, other
recreational facilities, and cultural and historic sites.
These connections are critical to the health, well-being and
aesthetic values of human communities, and vital to native ecosystems
and landscapes.
TRAILS
are defined as linear corridors and their adjacent land or water
that provide public access for recreation or authorized alternative
modes of transportation.
Greenways can expand recreational opportunities when trails
are located within them. Cultural sites also enhance the quality of the recreational
experience for trail users. Compatible recreational opportunities
should be actively promoted to encourage maximum usage throughout
the system with due consideration for environmental and
archaeological sensitivity.
What
is the Implementation Plan for Florida's Greenways and Trails
System?
Connecting
Florida's Communities with Greenways and Trails is the five year
implementation plan (the Plan) for the Florida greenways and trails
system. The Plan was developed through the work and consensus
of a broad range of groups and stakeholders.
The foundation for its development consists of various
legislative actions and efforts that occurred throughout the more
than 20 years prior to its adoption.
Among those important steps was the legislative establishment
of the Recreational Trails System in 1979.
Nearly a decade later,
1000
Friends of Florida
and the Conservation
Fund
began the visionary work of creating a connected Florida.
In subsequent years, the Florida Greenways Commission was
established making the bold recommendation that Florida create a
system to link natural areas and open spaces, conserve native
landscapes and ecosystems and offer recreational opportunities
across the state.
This “green infrastructure” would connect residents and
visitors to the state’s natural heritage, enhance their sense of
place, and enrich their quality of life.
Above all, it would be an integral step toward creating a
more sustainable Florida. View the Commission's report, Creating
a Statewide Greenways System.
In
1995, the Florida Greenways Coordinating Council was created to
continue the pioneering work of the Greenways Commission.
That same year, the Department of Environmental Protection
was directed to take the agency lead in the state’s greenways
efforts.
Working in coordination with the Florida Recreational Trails
Council, these groups spent the next three years developing the
Plan, identifying existing and potential pieces of the statewide
system and developing specific strategies for making it a reality.
The
Plan was completed in September of 1998 and was legislatively
adopted in 1999.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of
Greenways and Trails is charged with overseeing implementation of
the Plan in coordination with the Florida
Greenways and Trails Council.
The
broad vision underlying the Plan is summed up in its title,
“Connecting Florida’s Communities with Greenways and Trails.”
A Statewide System of Greenways and Trails not only connects
human and natural communities, but also helps to reconnect people
with one another and to nature.
At its core, the Plan promotes a system that will help to
ensure a more sustainable future for Florida.
One
of the important foundations for Florida's greenways and trails
planning effort has
been the identification of ecological greenways throughout the state
through the Florida
Statewide Greenways System Planning Project.
The goal of this effort is preparation of a recommended design or physical plan for
Florida's greenways system.
A premise behind the project is that connecting
ecologically important areas results in a system that is truly
greater than the sum of its parts.
By linking native ecosystems and landscapes, greenways
provide habitat for sensitive wildlife species and corridors for the
movement of wildlife.
Greenways are, in essence, an important component of
statewide, regional and local conservation strategies.
Who do I
contact to learn more about Florida's Greenways and Trails System?
If
you have questions about the Statewide Greenways and Trails System, please contact the Regional Greenways and Trails Consultant that represents your
county.
Also,
be sure to visit our Community Assistance and
Resources web page and the
Ecological Greenways and Trails Networks web page.
Florida Greenways & Trails System
