Ochlockonee River Multi-use Trail

OK, enough of the goals talk. It's important, but there's no need to flog a flailing filly. Let's turn our attention instead to my latest project, the Ochlockonee River Greenway. I've lived in Gadsden County, Florida for nearly 10 years and if you know anything about Gadsden County, you know it's economically and recreationally challenged. Here's a letter and proposal that I sent to my local officials asking for their support.

Wish me luck!

Dear Gadsden County Representatives:

I am a longtime resident of Gadsden County and many of my friends and other local residents I’ve spoken to over the years would love to see Gadsden County take a more active role in providing nature-based outdoor recreational opportunities – especially in the northern part of the County. We believe the Ochlockonee River is an underutilized resource and feel strongly that a trail system along the river would encourage local residents and visitors to take a more active role in its use, management, and enjoyment.

Florida Communities Trust opened the 2007 Florida Forever grant application cycle on February 23. Approximately $66 million are available this funding cycle for grants to local governments and environmental non-profit organizations to acquire land for conservation, open space and outdoor recreation purposes. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on May 9 and FCT is holding a series of application workshops across the state. A copy of the FCT-4 grant application and additional information about the FCT program is available on their website at www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/fct.

We put together the attached proposal and ask for your support and input on this project.

Sincerely,
Joy Jackson

Ochlockonee River Greenway and Multi-use Trail

INTRODUCTION

Residents of Gadsden County and the surrounding area are interested in developing a multi-use trail in Gadsden County along the Ochlockonee River from the Florida - Georgia border south to the confluence with Lake Talquin, a stretch of roughly 25 river-miles. Currently, there are very few recreational opportunities in this part
of Gadsden County and the greenway would enhance the county and state’s environmental and economic resources, by providing opportunities for bicycling, horse back riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing and kayaking and will connect other parks, cultural features, and historic sites where possible.

This section of the Ochlockonee River is already designated as the Ochlockonee River (Upper) Canoe Trail (see map this page) and is part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails, a greenway corridor along the river would increase the interest in this valuable natural resource.

In addition to serving as a recreational resource, the Ochlockonee River Greenway would be an important educational resource promoting water quality, natural resource conservation, historic restoration, and the preservation of wildlife habitat. The greenway will also be a catalyst for economic revitalization of local communities.

The Ochlockonee River runs north to south along the eastern edge of Gadsden County and serves as the dividing line between Gadsden and Leon counties. Predominantly rural in nature, Gadsden County is interspersed with small towns and a few sizeable population centers. The northern portion of the Ochlockonee River Greenway would be near the historic city of Havana which is the cultural hub of the county with many beautiful homes and gardens and an eclectic assortment of shops and restaurants. Incorporating this and other cultural resources along the trail will make it more attractive to a wide array of visitors. The southern portion of the trail would connect up to existing natural areas in the Lake Talquin State Forest, Lake Talquin State Park, and the Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.

Most greenways incorporate a multi-purpose trail as a central spine. The trails are usually off-road, although some routes take advantage of rural roadways or downtown streets. Existing commercial zones or public use facilities with restrooms and parking areas dispersed throughout the system will serve as trail heads and rest areas.

The planning phase will include establishing funding sources, garnering greater community involvement, identifying potential trail routes, and designing use guidelines.

GOAL

The overall goal of the Ochlockonee River Greenway is to improve the quality of life for citizens and visitors of Gadsden County by:

• becoming a local environmental education resource
• expanding nature-based recreational opportunities
• stimulating renewable economic opportunities
• improving the water quality of the Ochlockonee River
• celebrating the area's historical and natural resources

OVERALL CONCEPT

The overall concept for the Ochlockonee River Greenway is to provide nature-based outdoor recreational activities along the Ochlockonee River, an Outstanding Florida Waterbody. The trail would be mostly off road, but may incorporate the existing road system when feasible in order to connect the trial to nearby communities. Ideally, when an existing road is utilized, the recreational lanes will be separated from the traffic lanes unless the road is a rural, low-volume route. The trails are designed as multi-purpose, usable for hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The trail has the potential to become a regional attraction.

Sections may be improved to serve as neighborhood connectors, providing access to the greenway from the population centers. Trail heads and activity centers can be dispersed throughout the system to take advantage of existing public use facilities and commercial districts. Special attention may be given to areas with unique character or historical or ecological significance.

The proposed greenway traverses lands publicly and privately owned. When in private ownership, the individual owner will determine the nature of participation. If cooperative agreements can be reached with private landowners, many of the trails will remain off-road. If this is not possible, alternative routes will be pursued. It is recommended that local communities establish protection mechanisms and incentives for the establishment of the greenways.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Ochlockonee River Greenway requires partnerships between local communities, private landowners, and governmental agencies. The Office of Greenway and Trails in concert with local residents will work to obtain funding and community support and involvement.

Priority will be given to land already owned by the Department of Environmental Protection, followed by land that is near communities that demonstrate an interest in developing this resource. Local communities will be encouraged to construct trails within their communities, such as neighborhood loops and downtown walking tours.

Initial efforts will focus on obtaining cooperative land use agreements, increasing public awareness, and trail design and development. Later, activities may focus on event programming, volunteer projects, and increased watershed protection.

Community meetings, local news articles, public education and discussion will all be needed throughout the process to obtain public support. A committee may be formed to spearhead outreach activities and focus community interests and would incorporate a cross section of community interests.

Local Support and Commitment

Implementation of this plan will require a solid base of community support that understands the benefits of greenways and trails. Tours of proposed routes, maps published in local papers, displays at local events, school activities, speaking engagements, meetings with business and political leaders, and public opinion surveys and are all ways of gaining public support.

Priorities

Thorough property research is needed for each proposed parcel of land along the 25-mile stretch of the trail. Owners need to be identified and approached to determine their interest in the project. Historic and natural features along the trail need to be documented. This research can also be used as a basis for school activities or community group outings. Finally, the proposed trail must be compatible with ecological, recreational, and historical resources in the area.

Priorities will likely be based on ownership of land and trail connectivity. Sections of the greenway in public ownership are the easiest to implement and can be used as pilot projects to demonstrate the benefits of greenways. Pilot projects also are an effective public awareness tool. Specific developments to enhance the usability of the trail such as trailhead parking or a commercial establishment to sell refreshments or fishing bait may also be strategic priorities. The plan to establish a multi-use trail is ambitious yet achievable. Its realization will depend upon a collaborative effort between private landowners, citizens and officials.

Together, we can make it happen!

For more information or to volunteer for this project, contact:

Joy Jackson
Email: thegreenglobe@mail2world.com

Robin Turner, Regional Coordinator
FDEP, Office of Greenways and Trails
Phone (850) 245-2052, Toll Free 877-822-5208, Fax (850) 245-2082
Email: robin.turner@dep.state.fl.us
Visit the web: FDEP, Office of Greenways and Trails

Further reading:

Ochlockonee River. Collaboration between Tall Timbers Research, Inc, The Georgia Conservancy and The Conservation Fund. This publication is a stunning portrait of the river, its history, natural resources, and the need for its conservation.

Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails and Greenway Corridors: A Resource Book. Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. 1990. Outlines the many economic benefits of greenway creation, from increased property values, recreational opportunities, tourism, and quality of life, to reduced public spending on infrastructure, hazard mitigation, and pollution control.