A modest proposal for Iowa's trails

---

This article first appeared in INHF's Winter 2008 magazine.

Andrea Chase, INHF trail coordinator

by Andrea Chase

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers, agencies, private groups and public servants, Iowa has a growing system of destination trails that is becoming nationally recognized. These trails have become an increasingly important part of our state’s recreational opportunities, quality of life and even local identity.

How can we take them to the next level of coordinated growth and promotion?

The problem

Trails, like natural resources, do not adhere to political boundaries. Trails connect various local and regional jurisdictions while crossing public lands and approved private land. The cities, county conservation boards and non-profit organizations that primarily develop trails are challenged by the complexity of coordinating their acquisition, construction and management efforts.

Take the existing and proposed Central Iowa Trails System as one of many possible examples. Consider more than 400 miles of infrastructure, operated by 8 different counties, involving at least 50 different cities and entirely dependent on annual budgets set by more than 300 elected officials. This remarkable trail system needs consistent development, use, maintenance and promotion — which will increase the entire region’s recreational and economic potential.

One solution

To help resolve these challenges, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation proposes regional trail districts.

We are asking the Iowa Legislature to pass enabling legislation modeled after Regional Transit Districts (Code 28M). It would allow local governments to negotiate cooperation agreements and dedicate property tax revenues to trails. City councils and boards of supervisors would need a simple majority vote among themselves to create the districts. Each regional trail district would have an operating board appointed by the respective councils and boards.

Regional trail districts can create consistent quality standards as trails cross political jurisdictions. As unified districts, they will have better financing capability to match state and federal funding and to assure annual maintenance funds. By sharing resources, they can alleviate the financial stress felt by smaller jurisdictions.

Regional trail districts could also help their partners negotiate their way through or even improve the complex trail funding streams.

Iowans can benefit from greater state and local support for trails, combined with professional management. Larger and safer systems are possible — and can give a competitive advantage in recruiting a skilled workforce, drawing tourists and retaining young Iowans and retirees.

Regional trail districts can strengthen Iowa’s existing trail base, while providing a stable foundation for future growth.

Andrea Chase is INHF’s trail coordinator.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.