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.

The City of San Jose Reflective Striping Specifications outlines the specifications, requirements and execution of retro-reflective thermoplastic pavement striping for the City of San Jose trail system. Created by the City of San Jose

This April 2010 draft lease agreement between the city of Columbus, Ohio, Recreation and Parks Department and Franklin County, Ohio, regional parks system MetroParks is part of an agreement in which MetroParks assumes maintenance responsibility for maintenance of trails within the city of Columbus. Created by the City of Columbus

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 sample resolution produced by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy provides a template to use with government entities you would like to support your trail project.

You can take various approaches when working with people who may oppose your rail-trail project. In general, you should always stress the benefits of rail-trails and keep adjacent landowners involved in the process. Here are 10 techniques you may find helpful.

Although the general public thinks of a corridor as being “owned” by a railroad, in reality the average rail right-of-way is often a hodgepodge of conflicting ownership interests, which may begin to unravel upon abandonment of the right-of-way. The railroad may own outright some portions of the corridor (which were acquired in “fee simple”), while […]

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 is a Toolkit for Building Rail-Trails to assist in organizing your project and building your rail-trail. We provide tips and suggestions. We provide tips and suggestions, as well as models for you to adapt to your particular community and trail situation. Use this guide as you rally your first supporters, meet with the public to […]

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 […]