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Island Ford Trails Plan Implementation

Enhancing the Heart of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area


The Island Ford Project is the exciting first step in implementing the Comprehensive Trails Management Plan, published in 2022 for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). This plan outlines a strategy to enhance every trail in the park, aiming for more sustainable pathways and a better experience for visitors. This implementation of a park unit from the Trails Plan transforms vision into reality.

The CRNRA, which became a national park in 1978, largely consists of inherited social trails and old roads. It spans 15 land units and boasts 66 miles of trails. With over 3 million annual visitors, these trails urgently need updates to protect the park and improve the experience for everyone. The Trails Plan provides a vision for these critical updates and expands the trail system to 100 miles.

Island Ford, home to the CRNRA headquarters, is leading the way.

View the Case Statement

This project will add approximately 2.2 miles of new hiking trails, rehabilitate existing ones, and restore resources through strategic trail closures. Once completed, Island Ford's trails will expand from 4.8 miles to 6.4 miles. The project is underway and is expected to be finished by December 2025.


Proposed Trail Work


Phase I:
Architecture & Engineering

$110,000

The first phase of this project starts with an Architecture and Engineering (A&E) study to develop construction documents for trail building, rehabilitation, and closures.

CNPC is currently working with Alta Planning + Design to complete the A&E survey and completion of construction documents. Field work kicks off in August, and Phase 1 is expected to take 3-4 months. Alta will identify optimal trail routes while allowing for essential resource assessments, including archaeological surveys.

Examples of trails in need of repair at Island Ford.


Phase II:
Trail Work


The second phase of the Island Ford Trail Project is the construction, rehabilitation, and closure of trails with the blueprint from Alta Design created in Phase 1. CNPC will hire a professional trail crew to complete Phase II to build a standard of excellence in trail construction within the CRNRA going forward.

Budget

CNPC has committed to spending $110,000 on Phase 1 of this project to begin work Summer 2024.

Trail work will be the most expensive element of this project, with early predictions ranging from $250,000-$750,000. The cost estimation of the trail crew work will be available at the end of Phase I. Up to 5% of donations to support this project will be used for administrative costs.


Reviving Our Trails, Renewing Our Park

Why Your Support Matters

This project represents a significant and long-term commitment to enhancing the trails and overall experience at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area - and will be CNPC’s largest single investment in the CRNRA to-date.

While we’ve secured initial funding to begin this important work, ongoing support from our community is essential to ensuring our trails are safe, enjoyable, and sustainable for all users. Every dollar donated will go directly towards the planning, construction, and maintenance of the trails within the CRNRA.


Become A Trailblazer: Ways to Donate

You can support this project by making a one-time donation or becoming a member of CNPC. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. Here’s how you can donate:

Online

Visit our Donate page to make a secure contribution, or join as a member here.


Mail

Send a check payable to Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy to PO Box 769332, Roswell GA 30076.


Frequently Asked Questions

How will this project make a difference for our national park?

This project will achieve the park’s first Trails Plan implementation, kickstarting a 10+ year effort to address every single trail in the CRNRA to provide more sustainable, safe, and enjoyable trails for all park users. By implementing the project, the experience for all park users will be enhanced and provide a place for users to recreate proudly.

This project will provide an example for best practices in trail construction and maintenance and uphold a standard of excellence that is not only expected, but celebrated. The impact this trail project will have has the potential to reach millions of park visitors as well, where many may discover new areas of their local national park, share it, and enjoy it for their lifetime.

Why is this project necessary now?

This project is necessary now because the current trail conditions in the CRNRA have deteriorated due to increased usage and natural wear and tear. Implementing this project now will prevent further degradation, ensuring that the trails remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users. Additionally, addressing these issues proactively will reduce long-term maintenance costs and preserve the natural beauty of the park.

How will this project benefit the local community?

This project will benefit the local community by providing enhanced recreational opportunities, fostering a stronger connection to the outdoors, and promoting physical and mental well-being. By improving trail accessibility and safety, more people of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy the park. The project will also attract more visitors, supporting local businesses and boosting the local economy.

How will this project benefit the environment?

The environmental benefits of this project include reducing erosion, protecting native plant and animal habitats, and improving water quality in the park. By implementing sustainable trail design and construction practices, the project will minimize human impact on the environment, ensuring that the park's natural resources are preserved for future generations.

Have another question? Contact info@chattahoocheeparks.org for more information.

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Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are proud to support our Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the national park system managed by the National Park Service.


www.chattahoocheeparks.org

info@chattahoocheeparks.org

PO Box 769332, Roswell GA 30076






Official philanthropic partner of

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

 





Member of

Georgia Water Coalition

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