Issue Overview

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to provide a basic understanding of the issue by factually describing the issue, its scope, and dimensions.

Options & Trade-Offs

Demand for non-motorized trails, pathways and open space is on the rise across the State. In 2002, Utah State University 's Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism performed a statewide opinion survey to determine trail issues and needs by planning districts or regions of the state. The study revealed strong support and use levels of trails in all areas of Utah . Among other things, the study found that trail use is very much a family affair in Utah; 4 of 5 trail users say they have benefited personally from trails; hiking is the most frequent trail activity (71 percent); and 80 percent of trail users agree there are economic benefits from trails. In general, many of these same issues apply to a given county.

Potential for Conflict

While the uses of non-motorized trails, pathways and open space are fairly “clean” activities; there are a number of financial and other impacts. There are initial costs to trail development and open space acquisition. These features and activities frequently require property acquisition and facility development. There is a certain amount of liability regarding the construction (e.g., established standards), maintenance and removal of hazards associated with these facilities and activities. There will be costs associated with the operation and maintenance of these resources. There can be impacts on community infrastructure too. There can be increased search and rescue needs, and impacts on the community's ability to provide sanitation, water, food, and lodging for visitors.

Range of Alternatives

The following are some major management objectives identified in the 2003 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) concerning the development and implementation of non-motorized trails, pathways and open space. These recommendations were identified by public participants in eight regional trail planning meetings held during the fall and winter of 2000. Counties may consider these guiding principles with implementation of non-motorized trails, pathways and open space program:

•  Encourage business growth and vitality by attracting highly competent professionals to the state

•  Facilitate closer cooperation and collaboration with the Utah Department of Transportation and State Highway Commission in their highway planning and special enhancement programs

•  Encourage local planners and developers to incorporate innovative open space and pathway designs into subdivisions and commercial developments

•  Support program objectives of Envision Utah, the 21 st Century Cities Program, the Quality Growth Commission objectives , Community Impact Board efforts, while implementing high priority trail development (see www.envisionutah.org ; www.qualitygrowth.utah.gov/ ).

•  Collaborate with other state and federal agencies to implement trails and urban pathways, such as with the Alliance for Cardiovascular Health, Community Fitness and others to measure and assess physical and mental benefits

•  Help local trail sponsors craft clean, well designed, and easy-to-maintain trails and trailheads for their grant applications. Poor projects should not be funded with limited grants

These objectives may be used as guidelines to help obtain planning and development project funds under a variety of state and federal grant programs.

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Existing Condition

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to describe the existing condition.

Data Review

Counties are strongly advised to review the SCORP.

Is there anything else?

Items to Consider

In describing the Existing Condition, the author should address… (opportunity costs).

Boilerplate Language

• Non-motorized trails, pathways and open space have been shown to be important components of livable communities. Studies show that trails and open space increase real estate values, make communities more desirable and attractive to potential residents and businesses, and, frequently, are the source for new business opportunities and development, such as equipment rental and repairs, shuttle services, and food and lodging services. Trails and open space can attract visitors from outside of the area, again providing many economic benefits. Counties should research and consider these benefits when completing plans.
• Studies have also shown that the physical activity associated with trails and open space has numerous health benefits. These benefits include weight control, and, lower risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. Exercise from these activities has also been shown to have a positive effect on depression and anxiety in individuals. Of course, there is an economic benefit to having healthy people, too.

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Desired Future Condition

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to describe the improvements and changes that need to be made to the existing condition in order to achieve the desired future condition. It also provides the basis for the development of policy statements that support the desired future condition.

Range of Alternatives

Counties should consider their desired role in providing opportunities and facilities for these activities. They should move to protect public access to existing trails and open space, and to potential locations. They should be leaders in promoting the coordination, cooperation and partnering of all entities that provide these opportunities. It makes sense that the counties lead the way in connecting the opportunities that are available from the various agencies and communities within each county and surrounding area.

Are there any more alternative future conditions?

Boilerplate Language

We also need to link this to the “items to consider” list. Can you site examples of a desired future condition.

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Policy and Position Statements

The purpose of this section is to provide boilerplate policy statement language that will support the desired future conditions. A range of possible conditions is provided here.

Boilerplate Language

The following are some major objectives identified in the 2003 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) concerning the development and implementation of non-motorized trails, pathways and open space. These recommendations were identified by public participants in eight regional trail planning meetings held during the fall and winter of 2000. Counties may consider these guiding principles with implementation of non-motorized trails, pathways and open space program:

• Improve the quality of life in Utah by developing trails and urban pathways
• Provide trails or urban pathways within 15 minutes of each home and workplace
• Improve economic benefits to rural communities that often host motorized and non-motorized trail recreation activity arising from trails, pathways and functional open space
• Increase walkability of our communities, and improve the use and enjoyment of alternative transportation; i.e., walking, bicycling, skating, and equestrian
• Improve statewide tourism and the health and fitness of our citizens
• Restore and improve public access to state and federal lands in urban and rural areas of Utah
• Enhance tourism and the local economy

These objectives may be used as guidelines to help obtain planning and development project funds under a variety of state and federal grant programs. For instance, the Utah State Parks Non-motorized Trail Program administers funds that are available to municipalities, counties, and state and federal agencies as matching fiscal assistance grants for planning, acquisition and development of non-motorized trails and pathways. While funding for this program has been reduced considerably in recent times, it has helped fund important trail projects throughout the state in communities and on public lands, and still has limited opportunities to provide funding support. The Utah Department of Transportation Enhancement Program can provide funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

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Goals, Objectives, and/or Action Items

The purpose of this section is to provide boilerplate examples of the types of improvements or changes that typically would be needed to reach the desired future condition. “Goal” is the desired condition. “Objectives” are improvements or changes that need to be made to reach the goal. “Action Items” are specific actions that can be taken in order to achieve the objective.

Goal (Desired Future Condition)
Trails and open space can lead to healthier and more enjoyable lifestyles. They provide opportunities for social interactions with family, friends, other community members, and visitors. Finally, trails and pathways provide an avenue for alternative transportation and can connect community features such as neighborhoods, schools, parks and businesses.

The “Objectives” should be improvements that can be made.

Action Items
…the Utah State Parks Non-motorized Trail Program administers funds that are available to municipalities, counties, and state and federal agencies as matching fiscal assistance grants for planning, acquisition and development of non-motorized trails and pathways. While funding for this program has been reduced considerably in recent times, it has helped fund important trail projects throughout the state in communities and on public lands, and still has limited opportunities to provide funding support. The Utah Department of Transportation Enhancement Program can provide funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

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Monitoring Methods and Mechanisms

The purpose of this section is to provide suggested techniques and methods for monitoring progress towards the desired condition.

How does a county monitor the effectiveness of their planning efforts for non-motorized trails?

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Sources and Resources to Assist

This section is intended to be a reference guide to help locate any sources of assistance.

• Contact John Knudson, Non-motorized Trail Program Coordinator, (801) 538-7344, P.O. Box 146001 , 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City , Utah 84114-6001 . For grant information; expertise in trail planning and construction, and for information on resources available to aid counties in their planning efforts.
  •  www.cnr.usu.edu/interdisciplinary/iort/trails_toolbox/

For trail toolbox that includes trails 101 and information on safety and impacts, laws and ordinances, trail acquisition, mapping and funding

• www.stateparks.utah.gov/grants/default.htm

For funding and grant information.

Utah Department of Transportation

• UDOT Enhancement Program – Contact John Quick, Planner, (801) 965-4808, P.O. Box 143600, 4501 South 2700 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-3600. For funding information.

Envision Utah

• Contact Tim Watkins, Community Planner, (801) 303-1457, 254 South 600 East, Suite 201, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102 . For information on economic and community impacts of trails and open space.
• www.envisionutah.org

Utah Quality Growth Commission

• www.qualitygrowth.utah.gov/

For benefits and impacts of trails and open space.

Utah State University

• Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, (435) 797-7904, Contact Steven W. Burr, Director, 5220 Old Main Hill, Logan Utah 84322-5220. Program of research, extension/public service, to improve understanding of the relationships between outdoor recreation and tourism, natural resources management, community economic vitality, and quality of life. Economic benefits of trails and open space, and surveys of citizens and visitors.
• www.cnr.usu.edu/default.asp?category=interdisciplinary&section=iort&content=mission

Federal Highway Administration

• Office of Planning and Environment, 400 7 th Street SW, HEPH-30, Washington D.C. 20590. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and manual “Designing sidewalks and Trails for Access.”

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

• Contact, 444 North Capital Street NW, Suite 225, Washington D.C. 20001. Bicycle and pedestrian facility standards.

National Park Service

• Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, Contact Duane Holmes, Program Leader, (303) 969-2855, National Park Service, P.O. Box 25287, Denver, CO 80225-0287. For funded planning assistance with trails, open space and greenways.
• www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/contactus/regions/intermountain.html

• Utah Valley Trails System, (801) 229-3800, 586 East 800 North, Orem , Utah 84097 . For sample trail plan, trail 101 and advice.
• www.mountainland.org/trails/

American Trails

• www.americantrails.org/about.html

Source for economic and health impacts and benefits of recreational trails and greenways, and connection to user groups.

American Hiking Society

• www.americanhiking.org/

Source for economic and health impacts and benefits of recreational trails and greenways, and connection to user groups.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• www.cdc.gov/

Provides of information on health benefits of trails and recreation.

Cardiovascular Alliance

• www.utahwalk.org

Provides information on health benefits of walking and trails.

Other land management agencies can provide information and expertise about trail and open space issues. They can provide information on trails and open space under their jurisdiction and join partnerships to enhance the counties' economic climate and promote healthy lifestyles by increasing the availability of trails and open space. Similarly, other Municipal and County Planning Departments can share expertise and past experiences dealing with these issues.

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