WV TRAIL invites interested parties to conference

WEST VIRGINIA (WVDN) – WV TRAIL invites trail users, enthusiasts, trail organizations, agencies, local government representatives, outdoor business owners and others who have an interest in nonmotorized trails to the WV TRAIL Conference on Oct. 28, 2024. Pre-conference tours and post-conference workshops are also planned. The host location is Stonewall Resort State Park in Roanoke, West Virginia.

Sam England, Executive Director of WV TRAIL, is excited about the conference focus and speakers involved. “Bringing together trail builders, planners, users, and enthusiasts, creates a collaboration of the many aspects of nonmotorized trail systems in West Virginia,” says England.  “The conference goal is to convene trail stakeholders and leaders to discuss and learn ways of improving nonmotorized trails for West Virginia.  Every West Virginian deserves well maintained, safe and accessible trails.  The benefits are too strong to ignore.”

The conference opens with a lively narrative about the vision for non-motorized trails in West Virginia. England and Andy Williamson, along with WVU’s Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, will provide updates on the state of WV trails.  The morning sets into motion the value of collaboration and long-term success.

Various sessions for the remainder of the morning include assistance with capacity building, incorporating trails into municipal planning, volunteer engagement, and water trail development. Afternoon sessions include information from grant funding sources, natural surface trail planning and design, land managers’ perspectives of public lands and appropriate methods for access, and non-motorized trail use successes and resources for youth. The afternoon will also include creative strategies for outdoor recreation businesses, legislative engagement and advocacy and leveraging technology and social media. “We are excited about the professional panel of presenters leading sessions during the conference”, stated England.

Ta Enos, CEO and founder of PA Wilds for Entrepreneurship will be the keynote speaker.  She brings a wealth of knowledge in developing rural communities through outdoor recreation. Her focus on working together at a regional level is important for advancing trails in WV.

WV TRAIL offers three post-conference sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 29. One session is a Grant Writing Workshop presented by the West Virginia Grant Resource Center. A second session is a Trail Stewardship 101 Workshop which includes a basic understanding of trail maintenance techniques, sustainable trail standards, tools and encouraging volunteers, conducted by Rich Edwards, OEDC. Lastly, a workshop on Interpretation and Trails which includes creative ideas and resources supporting the importance of interpretation in protecting and promoting the values of non-motorized trails will be led by Valerie Chaney, Chief Naturalist, West Virginia State Park.

Two pre-conference field trips are scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27.  One field trip will be a hiking tour of trail facilities at Stonewall where leaders will highlight various trail construction techniques and observe protection of historic resources. Another field trip will be a mobile tour of Lewis County highlighting the surface and water trail plans, AARP grant and waterfront grant improvement plans.

For more information or to register for the conference, visit www.wvtrail.org/registration .

About WV TRAIL

WV Trails & Recreation Advocacy & Information Link (WV TRAIL) is a 501.c.3 nonprofit statewide trail organization that is working to build and inspire a West Virginia trails movement.  WV TRAIL and the WV TRAIL conference is funded in part by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

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