Transcript Railbanking in Kansas - Sunflower Rail

Sunflower
Rail-Trails
Conservany
Sunflower Rail-Trails
Conservancy is an alliance of
rails-to-trails groups in the
sunflower state.
Mission
• Work in partnership with communities to
transform railbanked corridors into nonmotorized recreational trails.
Philosophy
• If we can get just one child out on a trail who
then develops a love for nature and outdoor
exercise, then we have been successful.
Vision
• Our vision is an interconnected rail-trail
network in the state of Kansas.
Benefits of Rail-Trails
• Provide the public a place to walk or
bicycle safely away from traffic
• Entice people to exercise for health
• Improve the quality of life of
communities
• Boost the economies of small towns
through tourism
• Serve as biological or wildlife habitat
corridors
Community Asset
• Rail-trails are community assets
owned by communities
 Trail users encounter
friends & neighbors
 Help develop a sense
of community
 Can host public
events such as nature
walks & bike rides
Benefits for Landowners
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Easy access to a recreational facility
Increase in property values
New opportunity to make new friends
Opportunity to be a good neighbor
Reduction in littering, trespassing and
illegal vehicles
Families can experience the trail together
& enjoy picnics in designated picnic areas
What is Railbanking?
• Railbanking is conserving an out-ofservice rail corridor under the National
Trails System Act.
• In the event of a national emergency or
economic necessity service can be
restored within the railroad corridor
• During the interim, the corridor can be
used as a recreational corridor.
Railbanking in Kansas
• The Conservancy has assumed
railbanking custodianship of
several corridors in Kansas.
• Once the corridors are
developed, primarily by local
groups or individuals, the
Conservancy will turn over the
trails to either a governmental
entity, new Regional Parks
Authority or local groups for
management and
maintenance.
Rail-Trail Project Steps
1. Place public notice in area
newspapers
2. Place articles in area newspapers
3. Prepare project plan and submit to
appropriate counties
4. Develop fundraising plan and raise
funds
5. Recruit volunteers
6. Build the trail!
Volunteers Needed
• Public Information Specialist: media
spokesperson
• Director of Development: fundraiser
• Project Manager: recruit volunteers,
oversee construction
Construction Steps
Steps for building rail-trails
1. Install bollards to prevent unauthorized
vehicles
2. Deck and rail bridges
3. Install crushed limestone on old railroad bed
4. Install traffic and information signs
Join this exciting venture!
Sunflower Rail-Trails
Conservancy
P.O. Box 44-2043
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-842-3458
www.sunflowertrails.org
Let’s build trails together!