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High Peaks Trails Plan Conservation = Recreation = Economic - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
High Peaks Trails Plan Conservation = Recreation = Economic - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
High Peaks Trails Plan Conservation = Recreation = Economic Development Thanks to all who have helped, and continue to help develop the plan! Trails Plan Purpose The High Peaks Trails Plan will: Be a regional approach to planning
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Trails Plan Purpose
The High Peaks Trails Plan will:
– Be a regional approach to planning back-country trails in the High Peaks, – Maximize the economic & social benefits of trails and recreation to High Peaks communities, and – Facilitate land conservation which features permanent public access to recreation.
Picture of Orbeton Stream courtesy of Jo Josephson ATVs parked at Edmunds Market in Phillips
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Existing Regional Winter Trails
- ITS Snowmobile
System
- Black Fly Loop
- Maine Huts & Trails
- Sugarloaf
- Saddleback
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Existing Regional Summer Trails
- Appalachian Trail
- Maine Huts and
Trails
- Moose Loop ATV
System
- Northern Forest
Canoe Trail
- Carrabassett Region
Mountain Bike Trails
- Fly Rod Crosby Trail
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Land Ownership
500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 Total Housing Units Recreational/Seasonal Use
Source: US Census, American Fact Finder
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Existing Conditions All Seasons
Mode Miles of Trail Hiking 55 Snowmobile 525 Appalachian Trail 47 ATV 434 MHT 69 NFCT 56 FRC 20 Mt Biking 40 xc Skiing 140
Hiking 4% Snowmobile 38% Appalachian Trail 3% ATV 31% MHT 5% NFCT 4% FRC 2% MTBiking 3% xc Skiing 10%
Miles of Trail
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A Regional Vision
Back-country Trails in the High Peaks deliver “Big Mountain Experiences” such as:
- Remoteness and a sense of solitude,
- Closeness to the natural environment,
- A variety of mountain experiences from high
speed & technical, to cross-country touring & camping, and
- A rural way of life.
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A well balanced, interconnected, single, multi, and shared-use network of back-country trail systems which complement existing habitat, the industrial forest, and quality of life in the High Peaks.
A Regional Balance
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Successful, Collaborative Regional Trail Projects
If we can agree on 80% of what we have in common, the 20% which divides us can be overcome.
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Regional Recreational Planning = Successful Land Conservation
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Future Regional Trails Planning and Land Conservation Project: Caribou Valley
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Strategies for Moving Forward
- 1. Enhance regional connectivity for all trail
Systems by working together.
- 2. Enhance the capacity of all trail systems through
both a shared investment in the regional trails network, and by working together to resolve our differences.
- 3. Increase youth engagement by working together
to create and sustain opportunities for kids to get outside and enjoy all kinds of recreation.
- 4. Creation of a Trails Council or Network to
collaboratively continue development of the regional vision.
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Winter Trail Connectivity
Snowmobile Route
- Creates more efficient
loop system,
- North/South Connector
between Carrabassett Valley and Sandy River Valley. Maine Huts and Trails Route
- Point-to-Point System
(N/S connection)
- User Safety, experience
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Summer Trail Connectivity
Hiking System
- Multiple Loops, improving
the hiking experience,
- Connects Regional High
School to AT ATV System
- Stacked Loop System
Maine Huts and Trails Route
- N/S Non-Motorized Trail
Western Mountains People Powered Trail
- Completes a 350+ mile