One example of a very coordinated system is the East Coast Trail in Newfoundland, Canada. This trail network covers an area of 540 km along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. 265 km of this trail has been noted to be a world class hiking standard and the route is made up of a series of 21 paths each with a northern and a southern trailhead that is marked with unique signage26. The information on these signs is consistent and clear, with an assigned difficulty rating of either Moderate, Difficult, or Strenuous’ for each ‘Easy, path. The accompanying (ECTA) maps are greatly recommended for locating trailheads, understanding how the level of difficulty for each individual paths are determined and learning about distances. The East Coast Trail Association has used the following conditions to rate their trail; Easy - Good conditions. Typically minor elevation changes (less than 25 meters). Usually less than 7 kilometers in length; Moderate - Average trail conditions. Moderate elevation changes (less than 75 meters). Usually less than 12 kilometers in length; Difficult - Rugged trail conditions. Significant elevation changes (up to 150 meters). Usually less than 20 kilometers in length; and Strenuous - Poor trail conditions. Major elevation changes (over 150 meters). Trail usually covers a very long distance27. While this region does not have such large elevation changes, the nature of our geology presents varying degrees of steepness of slopes, and varying degrees of ruggedness of terrain. Collaboration towards this will aid the goal of promoting this region as a trails destination because people will be able to follow the signs more clearly. Provide a community education and information platform It is very important to provide a community education and information platform so that people are aware of what the trail owner is doing and what are the intended the goals of projects. Newsletters, trails talks, advertised conducted walks, events all can provide – awareness. Through surveys, many people will become more interested, provide feedback with suggestions and become involved in the trails of this region. The development process and future plans for this project are outlined below. Assistance to regional marketing efforts The Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands recognizes the need to see trails as an asset to the whole community. Moving forward therefore means that we are challenged to avoid segmenting our thinking into one set of interests. Rather, they coalesce as shown in the diagram below. East Coast Trail Association, 2012. Explore the East Coast Trail of Newfoundland, Canada. 26 East Coast Trail Association, 2012. Explore the East Coast Trail of Newfoundland, Canada. 33
One example of a very coordinated system is the East Coast Trail in Newfoundland, Canada. This trail network covers an area of 540 km along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. 265 km of this trail has been noted to be a world class hiking standard and the route is made up of a series of 21 paths each with a northern and a southern trailhead that is marked with unique signage26. The information on these signs is consistent and clear, with an assigned difficulty rating of either ‘Easy, Moderate, Difficult, or Strenuous’ for each path. The accompanying (ECTA) maps are greatly recommended for locating trailheads, understanding how the level of difficulty for each individual paths are determined and learning about distances. The East Coast Trail Association has used the following conditions to rate their trail; Easy - Good conditions. Typically minor elevation changes (less than 25 meters). Usually less than 7 kilometers in length; Moderate - Average trail conditions. Moderate elevation changes (less than 75 meters). Usually less than 12 kilometers in length; Difficult - Rugged trail conditions. Significant elevation changes (up to 150 meters). Usually less than 20 kilometers in length; and Strenuous - Poor trail conditions. Major elevation changes (over 150 meters). Trail usually covers a very long distance27. While this region does not have such large elevation changes, the nature of our geology presents varying degrees of steepness of slopes, and varying degrees of ruggedness of terrain. Collaboration towards this will aid the goal of promoting this region as a trails destination because people will be able to follow the signs more clearly. Provide a community education and information platform It is very important to provide a community education and information platform so that people are aware of what the trail owner is doing and what are the intended the goals of projects. Newsletters, trails talks, advertised conducted walks, events – all can provide awareness. Through surveys, many people will become more interested, provide feedback with suggestions and become involved in the trails of this region. The development process and future plans for this project are outlined below. Assistance to regional marketing efforts The Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands recognizes the need to see trails as an asset to the whole community. Moving forward therefore means that we are challenged to avoid segmenting our thinking into one set of interests. Rather, they coalesce as shown in the diagram below. 26 East Coast Trail Association, 2012. Explore the East Coast Trail of Newfoundland, Canada. 33 East Coast Trail Association, 2012. Explore the East Coast Trail of Newfoundland, Canada.
Trails%20Strategy%20Updates%202017.docx