[r23] Rep. Friend urges public input on recreational trails (8/28/2013)

STATEHOUSE – Today, the Natural Resources Study Committee assembled at the Pokagon State Park at the Potawatomi Inn in Angola. State Representative Bill Friend (R-Macy) addressed the committee and urged public input on several issues affecting Indiana’s recreational trails.
 
“Indiana has roughly 3,000 miles of recreational trails with no visible means of support,” said Rep. Friend. “Without a funding mechanism in place to repair and maintain our trail systems, future Hoosiers might not have the opportunity to enjoy them.”

During the meeting, Rep. Friend requested input from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), bicyclists and trail-users to offer up suggestions on how to fund the maintenance and upkeep of Indiana’s recreational trails. He requested public opinion to determine the feasibility of establishing a user-fee, administered by the DNR, which would generate revenue for an Indiana Trail Maintenance Fund.

Additionally, Rep. Friend urged the DNR to establish a statewide trail policy to address six major concerns:

1. Establish what law enforcement entity has the authority to enforce jurisdiction on the trails.
2. Develop criteria regarding the width of the right-a-way on the trails.
3. Establish who is responsible for the upkeep (vegetation, signage, etc…) on the trails.
4. Establish who is responsible for paving, maintaining and repairing the trails.
5. Establish who is liable when medical incidents or other situations occur on the trails.
6. Establish a good-neighbor policy as a means of conflict resolution to prevent disagreements from going through the court system.

“I hope to hear from those that utilize the recreational trails with ideas or suggestions on how together; we can maintain our recreational trails so that we can continue to enjoy them as well as future Hoosiers,” said Rep. Friend.    

Miami County Sheriff Tim Miller and Commissioner Josh Francis attended the meeting as well.

For those that have suggestions or proposals regarding Indiana’s recreational trails or the Indiana Trail Maintenance Fund, contact Rep. Friend at h23@iga.in.gov.

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