MARCH 2010 TRAIL NEWS

ITC IS TRYING OUT A NEW FORMAT.  Let me know what you think.

IN FEBRUARY ITC

·         Created February TRAIL NEWS and e-mailed more than 150 copies, printed and mailed 60 copies.

·         Received $100.00 Trailblazer Renewal from Starved Rock Cyclers in Ottawa.

·         Received a notice from IDOT regarding roadway improvements on Illinois 9 in Ford County.

·         Received positive comments from Bob Dittrich from Schaumburg, Hank Gentry from Darien, Mike Kerber from Bloomington & Phil Meyers from Durand regarding the new format. 

·         Mike Incopero from Naperville sent lots of suggestions for TRAIL NEWS and the ITC web site at  www.ILLTrails.com   some of which Bev was able to use but others were beyond her capabilities.

·         Diane Banta from National Park Service office in Chicago says the new format was quite impressive.

·         Deborah Fagan from DuPage County Planning shared information about funds that are available for Off Highway Vehicles from Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.  Grants are available for Trail Development, Signage & maps, Construction and Maintenance, Safety and Education.  Contact them at Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101 or   OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.com   

·         Illinois Environmental Council mailed ITC thanks for our contribution and support. 

·         Chuck Oestreich from Rock Island e-mailed that GITAP ride for 2010 is full up.  A waiting list is being established if you call him at 309-788-1845 or e-mail him at    chuckace2@gmail.com  

·         Bev completed a 2010 Trail Survey.  You can do the same at   info@railstotrails.org  

·         ITC NEEDS A BOARD MEMBER FROM SOUTHERN ILLINOIS.  Contact Bev if you can help out.

LOCAL TRAIL NEWS:

·         SANGAMON VALLEY TRAIL IN SPRINGFIELD from Centennial Park to Stuart Park (5 miles) has been approved for construction.  This $3.5 million trail segment will have an asphalt surface.  Completion is scheduled for 2011.

·         DANVILE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION GROUP  is holding public meetings to plan for bicycle paths through town.   For more information contact Linda Hall at carlinda6450@sbcglobal.net  

·         CAROL STREAM BICYCLE NETWORK BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS are being held.  Check out their web site at carolstreambikes@gmail.com  for more information AFTER MARCH 9.  Robert is looking for help planning a Mayor-Trustee Bike Ride in June.  Check out an Earth Day Event in Armstrong Park on April 17.

·         GENEVA UNDERPASS plans were checked on by Terry Witt who called Mike Sullivan, the Kane County Trail Coordinator to be sure that they were aware of the IDOT plans.  ITC MEMBERS DO GOOD WORK.

·         BELVIDERE PARK DISTRICT is working on a new master plan. 

REGIONAL TRAIL NEWS:

·         SANGAMON VALLEY TRAIL IN SPRINGFIELD will eventually  extend for 38 miles from near Girard to Athens.  A future segment will include a 900 foot bridge over the Sangamon River.

·         MC HENRY COUNTY BICYCLE ADVOCATES continue to work with McHenry County DOT on the Rakow Road Plans.  Monthly meetings are held at Algonquin Township Building to provide direction for surrounding communities of Crystal Lake, Cary, McHenry, Woodstock, Algonquin, Huntley, Harvard & Marengo.  Please check out their web site at   www.McBicycleAdvocates.org  

·         I & M CANAL REPAIRS ARE UNDERWAY according to news received from Tim McTaggart, a member of the Starved Rock Cycling Assn who has been in contact with Dan Bell.  Dan reports that repairs on the big washout east of Utica should be finished soon.  A second washout is under contract with Pohar & Sons whose contract runs until June 30, 2010.  Bids will be needed for resurfacing from Boyce Memorial Drive in Ottawa to the trail parking lot near Buffalo Rock State Park and between Seneca and Morris.  Funds are available and it is just a matter of going trough the bidding & procurement process.

·         WILLOW CREEK PATH MEETING is planned for March 3^rd in Loves Park.  Bev will Conference.

·         TRAILNET IN ST. LOUIS has an opening for an Events Manager Position.  Resumes will be accepted only by email  HR@Trailnet.org  with a one page cover letter & 3 professional references.

STATE TRAIL NEWS:

·         IDOT ROADWAY PROJECTS on IL 116 in Livingston County & US 6 in LaSalle County were sent to Bev who responded that each should include wide shoulders because they may be used by bicyclists to access the I & M Canal Corridor and the planned Route 66.  Terry Witt checked out the IL 47 & IL 71 projects and shared his concerns about levels of traffic and no shoulders. 

·         IDNR Results from Amy Midigan included FFY 10 Recreation Trails Program Guidelines which include the intention that “All funds will be spent on trail projects,i.e., Illinois will not elect to use the allowed 7% for Administration or the allowed 5% for education.  25% of annual funds will be set-aside by DNR for rehabilitation and development of trails on DNR sites.  Motorized grants may include other State funds (OHV or Snowmobile) resulting in up to 100% reimbursement.  Non-motorized development grants will be capped at $250,000.  Priority will be given to equestrian, hiking and mountain biking trail projects.  These are GUIDELINES..NOT RULES.

·         GRAND ILLINOIS TRAIL MEETING is scheduled for March 8 to plan 10^th Anniversary Events.

NATIONAL TRAIL NEWS:

·        TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Awards were Announced March 10 by Rails to Trails.  51 Projects across the country.  1,400 applications from all 50 states were submitted.  Awardees were selected based on their contribution to economic competiveness that improved safety and condition of the existing transportation system.  See http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot3010:htm or  activetransportation@railstotrails.org   for the list. 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU: Dates to Remember 

CONTACT ILLINOIS TRAILS CONSERVANCY at  www.ILLTrails.com  or Bev at  bebomoore@aol.com  regarding anything mentioned in TRAIL NEWS.  The address until April 1 is 251 Patterson Rd. A-33, Haines City, Florida 33844, the cell phone is 815-289-1024 and Florida land line is 863-419-0365.