Regional trail representatives and organizations alike descended upon the Lackawanna Heritage Valley offices in Scranton May 5 for the second annual Northeast PA Trail Symposium.

As a part of the Northeast Pennsylvania Trails Forum, the quarterly meeting provided a venue for trail organizations, managers, and supporters alike to network and share resources and best management practices.

The PA Environmental Council, along with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area and the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association hosted the event.

Amy Camp, Owner of Cycle Forward, began the day with a presentation on the economic impact of trail tourism and the revenue that trails such as the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) bring in each year.

She cited that it took an estimated public/private investment of $80 million to build the GAP, while the trail generates $50 million in direct spending each year.

“That lifetime investment is returned to the regional economy through trail user spending every two seasons,” Camp said. “There’s no doubt that trails are a part of the solution for communities that are looking for opportunity.”

After Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s Director of Engagement Owen Worozbyt presented the launch of the Bike Scranton Program, representatives of local, state, and federal agencies presented their trail funding updates and information.

Organizations such as the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and the Department of Transportation took the podium before PEC Vice President Janet Sweeney discussed the Pocono Forest & Waters Conservation Landscape’s Mini-Grant Program.

“The vision is to protect and sustain the natural resources of the Pocono Forest & Waters Conservation Landscape,” Sweeney said. “Our goals: conservation, community, and connections.

“Through this program over the last three years we’ve been able to give out $260,000 for 42 different projects and our mini-grantees have leveraged this funding with $577,000 in cash and in-kind,” she added.

After an hour for lunch and additional networking, Bill Leonard, Deputy Superintendent of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provided an update on trail projects at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area before a panel of regional visitor bureaus delivered presentations on marketing trails and the power of social media.

The day concluded with a walk on the Scranton Riverwalk and a bike ride on the Central New Jersey Rail-Trail, located directly behind the LHVA offices.

“There’s nothing that is more visible and more used by the community than our trail, and we’re always happy to have you here to share ideas and information,” said the LHVA’s Executive Director Natalie Gelb.

The next quarterly meeting is scheduled to take place on August 14 at Camp Lackawanna.

5/18/2015