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"Recreational trails are America's new front porch," said Joel
Brunsvold, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
"People get back to nature when they are on the trails, but they
also have a chance to interact with the neighbors they meet along
the way." The Tunnel Hill State Trail extends from downtown
Harrisburg to Karnak. The 45-mile trail, located on a former
railroad right of way, connects numerous communities and provides a
link to a larger trail network, including the Trail of Tears
National Historic Trail and Harrisburg's bike trail. This trail
offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking,
biking and fishing. Trail users can also observe the wildlife
habitat of the Cache River State Natural Area.
"Southern Illinois is a treasure of Illinois," said Brunsvold.
"This trail is integral to the expansion of tourism in the region,
which is having a tremendous economic impact."
Illinois has approximately 1,000 miles of trail frequented by
bicyclists and hikers. Surveys show approximately 45 percent of all
adults in the state bicycle for recreation. Recreational trails are
credited with spurring economic development as they add to quality
of life.
"Time Magazine is focusing attention on American's fitness
levels," said Dick Westfall, trail planning expert with the
Department of Natural Resources. "The bottom line is that it's
cheaper to go to a neighborhood trail than join a health club, and I
think it's more fun as well. As Americans, and Illinoisans, look to
increase their fitness levels and overall health, the roll of trails
is very important. It's fortunate that community and state leaders
are answering the need for trail development in Illinois."
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Along with inclusion in the National Recreation Trails System, each
of the 37 trails announced will receive a certificate of designation
and National Recreation Trail markers. There are now more than 900
National Recreation Trails that have been designated throughout the
United States, totaling more than 10,000 miles. "The Interior
Department plays a vital role in the public land recreation network,
managing one-fifth of the land in the nation," said U.S. Secretary
of the Interior Gale Norton. "National trails are a significant part
of that outdoor network, providing an excellent opportunity for
visitors to reconnect with nature and stay active and healthy in the
process."
National Recreation Trail designation is an honor given out to
those existing trails that have been nominated and meet the
requirements for connecting people to local resources and improving
their quality of life. The national trail designation is part of a
continuing campaign to promote community partnerships and foster
innovative ways to encourage physical fitness. The National Trails
System Act of 1968 encourages the secretary of the interior to
recognize existing community trails that qualify as additions to the
National Trails System. The act promotes enjoyment and appreciation
of trails and greater public access.
To learn more about
bicycling and
hiking trails in Illinois, visit
www.dnr.state.il.us. To
learn about trails nationwide, visit online at
www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails.
[Illinois
Department of Natural Resources news release]
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