Champions Page 4

New Faces at RTC Lend New Perspective in Changing Times

Posted 02/20/13 by Keith Laughlin in Taking Action | Tagged with Champions, RTC in Action

Never an organization to rest on its laurels, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is always looking to bring new energy and ideas to the work we do - to reinvigorate our mission and keep it relevant in a changing world. One of the ways we do that is by keeping our volunteer Board of Directors fresh, injecting the skills and perspectives of new people on a regular basis and broadening the professions, regions and backgrounds we tap into.

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Photo of ribbon cutting on the Charter Oak Trail © Hartford Courant

Connecticut On a Roll As the Trail Gaps Disappear

Posted 01/16/13 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Building Trails, Policy, Success Stories | Tagged with Champions, Connected Systems, Connecticut, Products of Good Policy

Driven by a supportive governor and a forward-thinking state department of transportation that is conscious of the role of biking and walking in modern planning, Connecticut has done some great things in recent years to connect, and expand, its network of trails.

Sally Jacobs, 'Force of Nature'

Posted 11/15/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Taking Action | Tagged with Champions, Maine

People like Sally Jacobs are rare and treasured. Renowned in her adopted state of Maine as a committed rail-trail advocate and builder, among other roles, Sally's more than three decades in the service of conservation and outdoor recreation forged a tremendous legacy that includes the establishment of the Downeast Sunrise Trail.

Photo of Fred Meijer Heartland Trail © Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Michigan Communities Eager to Support Planned Rail-Trail

Posted 10/15/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails, Building Trails | Tagged with Champions, Michigan, Private Fundraising, State and Federal Programs

In 1994, Michigan businessman Fred Meijer funded the purchase of the first rail-trail right-of-way in the state. That purchase became the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, and since then, the philanthropy of the Meijer family has made possible one of the best trail networks in America.

Photo © Pinellas County

Florida's Rail-Trail Champion Continues to Give

Posted 10/02/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Building Trails, Taking Action | Tagged with Champions, Florida, Signage and Amenities

When Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) named Florida's Brian Smith one of the 25 inaugural Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions, it was in recognition of the years of labor and expertise he had given to the creation and expansion of the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, one of Florida's most popular and unique urban pathways.

Photo © Mineral Wells Index

Texas Community Mourns Passing of Iris Stagner, 54

Posted 09/21/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Taking Action | Tagged with Champions, Texas

The bicycling community is today mourning the loss of one of its most loved and respected advocates. Iris Stagner, a member of the BikeTexas Board of Directors and a longtime promoter of bike safety and education, was killed on Monday after being hit by a pickup truck while riding on U.S. Route 180 outside Mineral Wells, Texas.