State Paddling and Multi-Use Trails Being Updated

7/10/08

By Clint Cox
Marianna was the site of a regional meeting last Wednesday as staff from the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Greenways and Trails Office hosted a meeting to discuss the updating of the state’s paddling and multi-use maps. These maps outline opportunities and locations for native Floridians and out of state visitors to paddle, hike, bike or ride horses.
The meeting was held at the Jackson County Agriculture Conference Center and began with Heather Pence giving a power point presentation on the process of updating the state paddling and multi-use trails. The process of updating the maps includes regional meetings throughout the state to solicit input from citizens. They will compile the comments, which can also be sent in via the internet, through July 14th. After that they will finalize the maps and determine future acquisitions needed to enhance the trail systems.
After the power point presentation a question and answer time was provided. Local resident Chad Taylor suggested that the Upper Chipola River Management area, which is managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District, be added to the maps. Also in attendance was Jackson County Parks and Recycling Director Chuck Hatcher. He spoke on several initiatives by the county, including the improvements at Spring Creek Park, the recent obtaining of the Yancey Bridge park area property and efforts to develop a multi-use trail on the east side of the Chipola River from Citizen’s Lodge Park to Highway 90.
Those wanting to provide comments via the internet can log in at www.floridatrailsnetwork.com.