The Real Estate Guidelines & Procedures Handbook will discuss real estate guidelines and procedures for the Next Level Trails (NLT) program. The procedures explained in this handbook should be read with extreme care. If the procedures are ignored, the applicant could encounter problems in receiving payment for eligible costs or claiming match value for land, […]

This sample MOU demonstrates an agreement between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and a Wisconsin county for the acquisition, development and operation of a rail-trail.  Author: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association developed model trail easement agreement for the benefit of owners, charitable organizations, government and their respective legal counsels. These models are periodically updated to reflect user experiences and advances in the field. The most recent editions are posted at ConservationTools.org. A commentary accompanies each model and explains the reasoning behind each […]

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has developed this Guidebook to increase awareness of the linkages between flood resilience and greenspace protection. Designed for local elected officials, floodplain managers, recreational directors, land trusts, and other stakeholders, this Guidebook emphasizes innovative projects across Georgia where communities have captured multiple benefits from projects that increase their flood […]

This is a Multi-purpose Recreational Trail Easement Agreement between the Franklin County Metro Parks and Camp Chase Railroad Company for a multi-use trail adjacent to the CCRA rail line. The railroad will provide access to the right-of-way, and the park district will build and maintain the trail, including fencing. Created by Franklin County Metropolitan Park District

This 2012 lease renewal between Union Pacific Railroad and the Rockford Park District defines the premise of use and property agreements between the railroad and the Rock River Recreation Path in Rockford, Illinois. The city is required to indemnify Union Pacific from damages and provide proof of liability insurance at an amount determined by the […]

This 2011 report from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy discusses preliminary considerations and strategies in the process of developing a trail along a waterway. Topics include land ownership, developing an agreement, owner use, liability, maintenance, public safety and other considerations. The report includes sample cooperative agreements between water districts and local jurisdictions for trail development.

This 2009 License Agreement between St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority and the City of Duluth outlines the agreements of a 20 year lease ($1 per year) for the Duluth Lakewalk in Minnesota. This agreement details all aspects of trail development, including construction specifications, materials preferences and shared access agreements. Specifically mentioned is […]

This General License Agreement for a multi-use trail between the Utah Transit Authority and Draper City outlines the relationship between the Porter Rockwell Trail and the municipal light rail. The city is required to indemnify the railroad, provide proof of insurance, and build fences along the corridor. Created by Utah Transit Authority

This guide serves to help local trail advocates interact with railroad companies when pursuing a trail on or adjacent to active or unused trail beds. It works to further advocates’ understanding of the economic and regulatory contexts which railroads operate in, as well as their interests and concerns with trail projects. This guide provides assistance […]