On Wednesday, the Rails to Trails Conservancy officially announced a new undertaking of a nationwide bike trail system, and the trails in northern Dallas County will be a part of it.
Dallas County Conservation Director Mike Wallace presented the Great American Rail-Trail project to interested parties at Hotel Pattee. It will include the Raccoon River Valley Trail segment running from Herndon to Perry, the currently unfinished connector trail between Perry and Woodward, and the High Trestle Trail from Woodward to Slater. All total, the Great American Rail-Trail will span 3,700 miles and cross 12 states, running from Seattle, Washington to Washington, D.C. It’s the first contiguous multi-use trail system across the United States, linking around 125 existing trails. Wallace said the project is exciting for central Iowa, as it will shine even more light on the local trail system. “It really brings a lot of prestige to what we already know is a really high-quality, fine trail. So we’re excited about that being designated. It’s going to help us down the road to help market and promote our trail system, and everything involved.”
In addition to revealing the Great American Rail-Trail, Wallace updated attendees on the progress of the connector trail. Phase one is complete, and Conservation has raised nearly $3.3 million of the $5 million pricetag, or around 65%. Wallace emphasized that every dollar makes a difference, and encourages people to give what and when they can. Phase two was initially planned to begin this year, but Wallace said due to the timing of some funding, it will instead commence in spring of 2020.
To learn more about the “Let’s Connect” project and the Great American Rail-Trail, stop in or call Forest Park Museum at 515-465-3577, or visit Dallas County Conservation’s website by clicking the link below.
