Secretary Salazar Announces Designation of 22 New National Recreation Trails in 13 States

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently designated 22 trails in 13 states as newly recognized National Recreation Trails, adding more than 525 miles of trails to the National Trails System. "From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the outdoors," said Salazar. "These new National Recreation Trails, built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, will create new opportunities for fitness and stewardship, while creating a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren." This announcement is timed to coincide with the 17th annual celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, 2009. The theme for this year, “Take In the Outdoors,” encourages people of all ages to get outside and use trails for exercise and exploration. Thousands of trail enthusiasts will participate in hikes, educational programs, bike rides, volunteer repair projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications across the country. A complete schedule of activities is available at http://americanhiking.org/NTD.aspx. Each of the new trails will receive a certificate of designation, a letter of congratulations from Secretary Salazar, and NRT trail markers. These trails join a network of more than 1,050 previously designated trails that total more than 12,500 miles...Press Release