Here's some great recent news from the Sam Houston Trails Coalition! (see news release below from the Trails Coalition of Texas)
 CONTACTDavid Renninger Sam Houston Trails Coalition 281-924-2486 drenn00@gmail.com Sam Houston Trails Coalition Awarded Matching Funds for Sustainable Trail Maintenance HOUSTON, TX (October 25th) -- The Sam Houston Trails Coalition is pleased to announce the receipt of a $5,000 grant from the National Forest Foundation (NFF) to purchase equipment and supplies for the continued expansion and maintenance of hiking, biking, equestrian, and motorized multi-use trails in the 164,000 acre Sam Houston National Forest. As user demand increases for the Sam Houston National Forest, the NFF award positions the trails coalition to support the U.S. Forest Service in managing over 250 miles of official trails, providing an outdoor destination for Houston and the surrounding region’s growing population. These combined efforts provide valuable access to nature for diverse outdoor recreation while protecting natural resources and educating the public accordingly. With oversight from the U.S. Forest Service, coalition members volunteer nearly 2,000 hours towards trail maintenance each year. Current trails maintained by the coalition include the popular 128 mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, 85 miles of multi-use trail, 50 miles of mountain bike trail, and numerous smaller trails and forest service roads. Chris Hardy, Sam Houston Trails Coalition Chair, states that “without the help of the coalition volunteers and the NFF grant, the U.S. Forest Service would be forced to close many of the existing trails due to limited maintenance resources.” Other amenities in the Sam Houston National Forest include two developed campgrounds, designated wilderness, scenic, and recreation areas, and access to Lake Conroe through multiple boat and canoe launches. Hunting, fishing, camping, and paddling opportunities also abound. Founded by Congress in 1991, the National Forest Foundation works to conserve, restore, and enhance America’s 192-million-acre National Forest System. Through community-based strategies and public-private partnerships, the NFF helps enhance wildlife habitat, revitalize wildfire-damaged landscapes, restore watersheds, and improve recreational resources for the benefit of all Americans. For questions about the national forest or to learn more about the Sam Houston Trails Coalition, please visit www.trailscoalitionoftexas.org |
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The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is a national non-profit organization that champions responsible recreation and encourages a strong conservation ethic and individual stewardship, while providing leadership in efforts to keep outdoor recreation alive and well -- all sports; all trails. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education and collaboration among recreationists. The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is here. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. 1-800-BLUERIB - www.sharetrails.org.
