Working alongside utility companies across the country, many communities build safe and accessible trails within utility corridors. Some of the most visible examples of these trails span miles under large power lines, but there are many other types of utilities – including water, sewer, natural gas, electric and fiber optic – that also share trail corridors.
This webinar discusses the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of co-locating trails and utilities. Our panelists share lessons learned and experiences from both the trail manager and utility company perspectives to highlight these powerful partnerships.
PANELISTS
- Mary Moore, Forest Supervisor, Hiawatha National Forest
- Silas Chamberlin, Vice President, Economic & Community Development, York County Economic Alliance
- Dawn Neuy, Director of Real Estate Service, WEC Energy Group
- Anya Saretzky, Project Manager for Circuit Trails, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (moderator)
RELATED LINKS
- Trails & Utilities Toolbox Page: https://www.railstotrails.org/build-trails/trail-building-toolbox/basics/utilities/
- Hiawatha National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/hiawatha
- St. Ignace to Trout Lake Trail: https://www.traillink.com/trail/st-ignace-to-trout-lake-trail/
- York County Heritage Rail Trail https://www.traillink.com/trail/heritage-rail-trail-county-park/
- York County Economic Alliance: https://www.yceapa.org/fiber/
- York County Utility Crossing Trail Fee Schedule: https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/york-county-utility-crossing-trail-fee-schedule/
- Route of the Badger: https://www.railstotrails.org/our-work/trailnation/route-of-the-badger/
- New Power Generation: Trails and Utilities in Wisconsin & across the US https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/new-power-generation/ This article from Rails to Trails Magazine's Fall 2021 issue narrates how trail developers in Wisconsin along the Route of the Badger, and around the nation, are finding willing partners in utility companies to lay down some miles.
- We Energies: https://www.we-energies.com/
- WEC Energy Group: https://www.wecenergygroup.com/
