The Coalition for Recreational Trails, a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations, is pleased to announce its 2017 achievement awards to recognize outstanding trail projects funded by the national Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

The awards will be presented in Washington, D.C. during Great Outdoors Month® on June 14, 2017 as part of the Coalition’s ongoing effort to build awareness and appreciation of this highly successful program, which has greatly enhanced the quantity and quality of trail experiences available to the public. The awards ceremony will be on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress helping to the outstanding achievements of their constituents.

Award winners will be selected from projects nominated by public agencies, trail administrators or other project sponsors. Projects must be completed in order to receive an award. Projects completed between 2009 and 2016 eligible. Project award categories will include: construction and design, maintenance and rehabilitation, public-private partnerships and access to public lands, community linkage, education and communication; accessibility enhancement; multiple-use management and “corridor sharing,” use of youth conservation/service corps and community outreach, engaging public-sector partners and enhancement of federal lands.

Click here learn more about how to make a nomination. Organizers encourage those making nominations to solicit support from their Members of Congress – both U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators – to build awareness of excellent RTP-funded projects and the RTP program itself. Deadline is April 13, 2017. For questions, contact he Chair of the Coalition’s Awards Committee: Duane Taylor, at coalitionforrectrails@gmail.com or (703) 416-0444. Winners will be notified by May 12.