The Arkansas River Trail System

Note the word system. Several weeks ago, I noticed a reference to the Arkansas River Trail Task Force, chaired be a gentleman named Rob Stephens. I was unaware of the task force or its purpose so I set about making contact with Rob, introduced myself and asked for a bit of his time. He kindly agreed and we met for a cup of coffee.

Rob Stephens heads up the Arkansas River Trail Task Force

As it turned out, Rob is a long-time volunteer and has been very involved with the Boy Scouts and, in addition to the River Trail Task force, he wanted to talk about Leave No Trace. I had always associated Leave No Trace with outdoor ethics as applied to the camping, hiking and boating in forests and wilderness areas, but had never really associated  the movement with an urban system. That's where their Front Country program comes in.  The front country guidelines as I understand are primarily concerned with day-use areas like parks and trails, though the principles apply anywhere. Here are some guidelines taught by LNT:

Plan Ahead

• Know the local rules and regulations.
• Remember to bring food, water, and appropriate clothing.
• Bring a map so you don’t get lost.
• Bring a bag to pack out your trash.
• Don’t forget a leash for your pet.
• Take the time to learn about the area.

Stick to Trails

• Stay on the trails as they are marked if you can.
• Try not to disturb wildflowers and other plants. That way everyone can enjoy them!
• Don’t trespass on private property.

Manage Your Pet

• Keep your pet on a leash at all times.
• Use a plastic bag to pack out your pet’s waste.
• Do not let your pet chase wildlife.

Leave What You Find

• Don’t pick wildflowers.
• Leave rocks and other objects where they are so others can see them also.
• Do not mark or carve into living plants.

Respect Other Visitors

• Be courteous to others on trails when biking or running.
• Make room for others on trails and be cautious when passing.
• Don’t disturb others by making lots of noise or playing loud music.
• Respect “No Trespassing” and “Do Not Enter” signs.

Trash Your Trash

• Remove any trash you bring with you. Make sure it is put in a receptical or take it with you.
• Even natural materials, like bits of fruit, should not be thrown on the ground. They attract pests and detract from the natural beauty of an area.

Rob is passionate about applying these principles to our trail systems. I'm not doing his efforts justice here, but the links will provide you better information.

So, what has the task force done? A lot, as I found out at a recent meeting to which I was invited. They have, working with Metroplan, hammered out an agreement to create the Arkansas River Trail System that covers several counties and municipalities to expand the current system to include 88 miles of connected roads and trails. The goal is to have uniform recognizable signage and, to the extent possible, uniform policies of use.

While at the meeting, I sat with Marsha Guffey of Metroplan, whom I had met at the LR Bike Friendly Committee. Marsha offered to share  information regarding the plan and the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to make the system a reality. Here is the information provided by Metroplan:
 

Arkansas River Trail System

As an outgrowth of the Arkansas River Trail Task Force headed by Rob Stephens, local officials associated with the Arkansas River Trail have been meeting for several months to develop a Memorandum of Understanding regarding what they have dubbed the Arkansas River Trail System.  The Arkansas River Trail System will go beyond the original Arkansas River Trail to Perry County, on roughly the course of the Big Dam Bridge 100.  The current trail system is approximately 88.5 miles. 

On June 1, the local officials will meet to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.  Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar has been invited to attend and the public is most cordially asked to attend. (Note: Location of the signing is yet to be confirmed. Originally slated for the BDB, it was decided that the crowd would likely be better accommodated elsewhere, possibly at the Clinton Library.)

Signatories to the MOU include:

·         Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines

·         Faulkner County Judge Preston Scroggin

·         Perry County Judge Baylor House

·         Mayor Mark Stodola, Little Rock

·         Mayor Pat Hays, North Little Rock

·         Mayor Mike Watson, Maumelle

·         Mayor Tab Townsell, Conway

·         Mayor Randy Holland, Mayflower

·         Mayor Bradley Akridge, Bigelow

·         Scott Bennett, Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department

·         Richard Davies, Arkansas Parks and Tourism

·         U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The MOU will be supplemented by additional agreements, still being drafted, to cover law enforcement/safety, minimum trail standards, maintenance standards, signage and wayfinding, and trail etiquette. A logo has been adopted by the group (to be copyrighted), and consultants will be hired to develop a new website and mobile website  at www.arkansasrivertrail.org..

Folks, that's some exciting stuff and shows what can happen when communities have broad support from the public and pull together toward a common goal. I've been slow to get this article out and there will likely be some updated information to follow soon.