California's Bayshore Bikeway, one of San Diego's premier rail-trails. More Information
	To learn more about RTC's involvement in the conference and other regional projects, contact Laura Cohen at 415.397.2220 or laura@railstotrails.org.

RTC to Take Part in California Trails Conference

The 2008 California Trails and Greenways Conference  will be held May 29-31 at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego. "The conference offers a great opportunity for trail professionals and enthusiasts to come together with colleagues for both classroom and outdoor hands-on activities that provide practical skills applicable to virtually every trail system in California," says says Steve Musillami, conference chair and statewide trails manager California State Parks. "As recreation budgets become even tighter, we need to work together more efficiently to increase hiking, biking and equestrian trail networks in our communities."
 
This year's theme, "Building Partnerships, Building Trails," will emphasize the importance of collaborative partnerships in the improvement and management of urban and front-country trail systems. Trail managers from federal, state and local agencies will join together with nonprofit organizations, volunteer trail stewards and students from throughout the state to share their experiences in order to promote stronger non-motorized recreational trail systems in California. 
 
As part of the agenda, Laura Cohen, director of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's (RTC) Western Regional Office, will take part in a plenary session highlighting victories in the last federal transportation legislation (SAFETEA-LU) and developments in RTC's 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation. 
 
To register for the conference or learn about rates and student discounts, visit the event home page  or contact Cheryl Essex with California State Parks at 916.651.0386.