Title
Vote to approve grant request for Chatham County Trail Crew Leader Training in Sustainable Trail Construction and Maintenance
Abstract
Introduction & Background:
Trails across the state and country are utilizing volunteer groups to maintain and build trail networks in their region with great success. The benefits of this approach include building a sense of community and stewardship for participants, it reduces the maintenance burden on county or trail staff and can provide in-kind matching value to future grant opportunities.
Chatham County is starting a volunteer trail construction and maintenance group to help build and maintain natural surface trails across the county. We have identified a few individuals who would like to assume the role of Trail Crew leaders and we need to get them trained in sustainable trail principles and techniques so they can be effective leaders, train and oversee other trail volunteers.
Discussion & Analysis:
We would like to hire Tim Johnson, of Destination By Design, to conduct a 2-day training course for individuals who have expressed a commitment to play the role of Trail Crew leaders. Rockingham Community College (our local resource for trail education in the Piedmont region) no longer offers training, and hiring Tim to come to Chatham County is more economical than sending these volunteer crew leaders to other training courses on the western side of the state.
The Recreational Trails Program Safety and Education grant is suited for this expense and requires a 25% match. The grant cycle opened recently, and applications are due on October 23rd.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:
Goal 6-Provide recreational opportunities and access to open space.
Budgetary Impact:
$600 for the 25% match to be paid for from Parks and Recreation ‘23/’24 Budget.
Recommendation/Motion:
Motion to approve grant.