CMAP Approves NE Illinois Regional Greenways & Trails Plan Update
Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan – 2009 Update
Originally completed in 1992 and updated in 1997 and in 2009, the Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan envisions a network of continuous greenway and trail corridors, linked across jurisdictions, providing scenic beauty, natural habitat, and recreational and transportation opportunities for our communities. The plan update, adopted by the Board of CMAP and the MPO Policy Committee, presents a vision with an anticipated horizon year of 2040.
Adopted October, 2009: Consolidated Regional Greenways and Trails Plan Map (pdf, 11MB)
This map shows regional trails, the primary trail system, and green trails, along with greenway elements in a pdf document featuring layers that users can make visible or invisible. Layers include aerial photography, lakes and rivers, forest preserves and other open space, roads, and county boundaries. This map does not distinguish between currently existing and proposed facilities.
Layer control for the map is on the left side of the document. View all of the layers by clicking the plus sign next to layers; then click on the eye to make an individual or group of layers visible or invisible.
Adopted October, 2009: Regional Trails Element Map (pdf, 5MB).
This map shows the trails element of the Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan. The map shows the trails by implementation status, helping planners and stakeholders understand the location of complete and proposed elements of the trail system. This map also shows the Grand Illinois Trail and the Route 66 Trail.
Adopted October, 2009: Executive Summary (pdf, 300 KB)
Adopted October, 2009: Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan Text (pdf, 800 KB)
This document reflects the plan text adopted by the MPO Policy Committee on October 8, 2009 and by the Board of CMAP on October 14, 2009.
As of October 16, 2009: Planning Process and Public Review (pdf, 480 KB)
This document lays out the process to develop and endorse the 2009 Update to the Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways and Trails Plan. The document includes public comments during the official public comment period, as well as the response to these comments.
The plan features both greenways and trails. The plan has about 2,700 miles of trails, or about 700 more miles than in 1997. New trail additions for 2009 were focused on Kendall County (not in the 1997 Plan) and on the City of Chicago. Almost 1000 miles of the trail system are completed, or about 500 miles more than in 1997.
A final map document, to be prepared by the end of 2009, will present the various plan elements in a single poster format, as the 1997 version of the plan is presented below.
For more information http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/greenwaysandtrails.aspx
Scenic Byways Grants Awarded to Illinois Recipients
America’s Byways® Press Room
October 9, 2009 – Federal Highway Administration Awards Nearly $41 Million for Scenic Byways
FHWA 29-09
Friday, October 9, 2009
Contact: Doug Hecox
Phone: 202-366-0660
WASHINGTON – Communities in 43 states will receive $40.7 million for 160 projects to improve and promote highways designated as scenic byways, Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez announced today.
“I join Secretary LaHood in his commitment to protecting and promoting roads that are American icons,” Administrator Mendez said. “We’re proud to help tell each road’s unique story.”
Projects funded by the grants include improving visitor access to Chalk Bluff along the Crowley Ridge Parkway in Arkansas, a visitor contact station at Denali along the George Parks Highway in Alaska, and construction of pedestrian and bicycling facilities along scenic byways in Oregon.
The grants are part of the Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program, which recognizes and provides funding for roads designated either locally or nationally as having outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational and archaeological qualities.
Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has awarded almost $388 million in funding for more than 2,832 state, tribal and nationally designated byway projects in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
The strength of this program is the voluntary, grassroots support of local advocates in communities throughout the country who nominate and promote outstanding roads for this recognition.
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Illinois Ohio River Scenic Byway IL: Hospitality Training, Historic Site Research $49,568 Great River Road IL: Multimedia iPod Tours and Interactive Online Study Units for Young Byway Travelers $229,296 Great River Road IL: Piasa Creek Information Site Bridge $263,508 IL: National Road Interpretive Center in Vandalia $101,750 Historic Route 66 IL: Experience Hubs and Signage $395,600 Total for Illinois (5 Projects) $1,039,722 |
New mountain bike trail to challenge riders – Springfield, IL – The State Journal-Register
New mountain bike trail to challenge riders – Springfield, IL – The State Journal-Register
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Man Walks the Grand Illinois Trail
Most who are familiar with the Grand Illinois Trail’s appeal to cyclists. But there are hikers and walkers who search for the same experience provided by the variety of the trail. Read about Jon Barret’s GIT journal.
-” I set out on Nov 13th 2006 to walk the entire length of the GIT on a series of day-hikes. I hiked forward each day and then hiked back to my starting point, so that I was able to return home each night. I was in no particular rush, and that is why you advice in the newsletter stimulated my memory to update you on the results.
I did finally finish the hike on Oct 30th 2007, taking a total of 82 days of actual hiking to complete the trail. The average daily miles were 7.4 [or 14.4 if you count the out and back] so I really did go slow. I also really did enjoy the experience. I am convinced that there is no better way to see and enjoy the journey that to experience it at 2.2 MPH.”
Read John Barrett’s account of his trip on the GIT. “www.trailjournals.com/slowwalkerGIT” for any who are interested in further details.
Conservation Congress Returns
Invitation:
Are you or members of organizations you represent environmentalists, hunters or fishers, parents or educators, people who recreates in the outdoors, or people who works to improve the future of conservation and outdoor recreation in Illinois? You are invited to help create that better future at Conservation Congress on Saturday October 24 (Registration 8:15 am, Program 9:00 am – 5:00 pm) and Sunday October
25 (Check-In 8:30 am, Program 9:00 am – 12:30 pm), 2009 at the IDNR
Headquarters, Springfield, IL. REGISTER HERE. You can also go to the
Conservation Congress website at
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?TheIllinoisPaddlingC/9aac8dba8d/3ab9f37253/af8dc3634d
and register there. And please help us get the word out to others who may be interested.
Habitat and open spaces are disappearing, recreational access to land is limited, and children are growing up without knowing about the wonders outside their homes. This is a critical moment for conservation, but change will not happen without broad constituent and public support.
At Conservation Congress, participants will review, propose and vote on recommendations to elected and appointed Illinois officials in three issue areas: Public Access, Youth Recruitment and Retention, and Conservation Funding. Recommendations will protect and conserve natural resources while ensuring that sustainable use, recreational opportunities, and enjoyment of these resources is available for this and future generations.
DNR constituents are passionate about their recreational activities and conservation, but the forum for their voice was taken away several years ago. I know the value of this important tradition and the role it plays to provide a voice for conservationists and recreation advocates in the Department. At this critical point with so many challenges to overcome, the need is great to provide that forum and give DNR advocates their voice back.
Refreshments are graciously provided by the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus. The Caucus will sponsor a special reception with a light buffet Saturday night – you can register for the reception when you register for the Congress.
There is no charge though participants are responsible for their own lodging. Space is limited; register today. If you have questions please call 217-785-0075. If you prefer you may register by:
Phone: (217) 333-7369 or 877-455-2687
Fax : (217) 265-4114 (printout forms from web link)
Mail: Conservation Congress Registration, 901 W University Avenue, Suite 101, Urbana, IL 61801. (printout forms from web link)
TAKE OUR ON-LINE SURVEY : give us your opinions on topics to be discussed at Conservation Congress, whether you can attend or not. The survey asks your opinions about public access on land for recreational activities, programming and recruiting for youth outdoor nature-related activities, and options to fund conservation and outdoor recreation. Results are confidential. Results of the survey will be presented at the Conservation Congress and inform the debate.
You can go to the Conservation Congress website at http://cts.vresp.com/c/?TheIllinoisPaddlingC/9aac8dba8d/3ab9f37253/859c303b3e
and access the survey there. And please pass this survey information on to others who may be interested!
Yours in Conservation,
Marc Miller
Governor Quinn Announces 27 Communities to Receive Grants for Alternative Transportation and Beautification Projects
Communities Across State to Benefit from $20 Million Grants
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CHICAGO – September 17, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that $20 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will fund 27 alternative transportation projects across the state. The grants are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) and are designed to improve the quality of life in Illinois by promoting alternative transportation, such as bike and hike trails, streetscape and beautification, and preserving transportation resources. “Our local communities are at the core of what makes Illinois great,” said Governor Quinn. “Thanks to funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, communities across Illinois have the resources to beautify their streets, develop bike paths or improve hiking trails.” ITEP provides federal funds to develop alternative transportation and preserve visual and cultural resources. The funds are awarded competitively and any local or state government with taxing authority is eligible to apply. Local matching funds are required and work must begin on the projects within three years. “We are very happy to see federal dollars come home and help build a stronger Illinois,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “These ITEP grants will be put to good use for a number of communities across the state.” Because of the enhancement funding included in ARRA, IDOT is able to fund these shovel ready projects from existing applications and project suggestions received through Recovery.Illinois.gov. For more information on the ITEP program visit http://www.dot.state.il.us/opp/itep.html. Statewide projects are as follows:
TOTAL $22,700,300 |
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News from Openlands
Learn what’s happening the Chicago area for greenways, trails and other environmentally sound projects.
http://www.openlands.org/index.php/News/Openlands-in-the-News/2009.html
Effingham Park District agrees to help maintain part of new trail
Angie Faller
Effingham Daily News
EFFINGHAM — The Effingham Park District Board Thursday tentatively approved an agreement to maintain a portion of a bicycle trail Trails Recreation Effingham County (TREC) plans to build within city limits.
Even though this agreement only covers the Calico Road portion of the trail, the board did not rule out maintaining other portions of the trail once it is constructed.
“This deals strictly with phase one. I think we have to do this in stages because we don’t know where this might go. It is by no means meant to limit our responsibility in the future,” said board President David McDevitt.
Bids for the Calico Road portion of the trail, which will run from West Evergreen Avenue to the west side of Outer Belt West, came in higher than TREC expected at $296,000.
The Effingham City Council, which already pledged $200,000 to TREC, is considering donating an additional $96,000 to pay for construction of the Calico Road portion of the trail. One condition of the city’s grant to TREC is that the park district assume day-to-day maintenance of the Calico Road portion of the trail.
The draft agreement states the district will assume the day-to-day maintenance of the Calico Road portion of the trail, including clean up, mowing, fixing minor potholes and cracks and reporting major potholes, cracks and other conditions requiring significant remedial work to the city engineer.
The park district is not responsible for paying for significant work to the trail or for snow or ice removal. The park district, however, does have the right to close a portion of the trail if it deems conditions are dangerous.
The board tentatively agreed to the draft maintenance agreement. It will now be sent to the Effingham City Council for review. Once approved, the agreement will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2029.
In another matter, the board learned its plans to construct a maintenance building in Evergreen Hollow Park may not be up to par with the vision for the proposed Effingham Sports and Recreation Center.
McDevitt said the architect for the sports center did not think a maintenance shed along Maple Street, the road that leads to the site of the sports center, would be aesthetically pleasing. The architect asked the board to consider storing the district’s equipment at the sports center.
Not knowing how far along the sports center will be in a year, McDevitt added the board will consider the architect’s request when the board moves forward with plans for the maintenance building next year.
In other business, the board:
• Authorized Park Director Ron Diehl to begin the bidding process for a new restroom building at Community Park. Diehl said the project can begin now the city has finished putting in a sewer line.
Even though the park district has $109,000 budgeted for the project, Diehl hopes to complete the building for $95,000 or less. He plans to use the remaining money to pay for the upgrade of drainage underneath the baseball diamonds at Evergreen Hollow Park, a project which begins Monday.
• Learned the main drain covers at Kluthe Memorial Pool in Evergreen Hollow Park must be replaced with certified covers that comply with code by May 1, 2010. The action was the one change required by the Illinois Department of Public Health after the agency completed its annual inspection of the pool.
• Learned the district will save an estimated $9,094, or 30 percent, a year on electrical utilities by switching from Ameren to Direct Energy.
• Learned construction of four new tennis courts at Hendelmeyer Park is proceeding on schedule. Diehl said the courts could be completed within the next few weeks.
• Authorized Diehl to let bids for printing the district’s annual program booklets.
Angie Faller can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or angie.faller@effinghamdailynews.com.
Illinois Trails & Greenways 
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