White County Greenways Trails and Byways Presentation

White County Greenways ► Presentation Overview:  Definitions ► Greenways ► Trails ► Byways  Vision  Objectives ► Environment ► Economy ► Culture and Education ► Recreation & Health  Plan

White County Greenways ► Definitions:  Greenways ► Greenways are corridors of protected open space managed for conservation and recreation purposes. They often follow natural land or water features, and link nature reserves, parks, cultural features, schools and historic sites together, along with those of populated areas.

White County Greenways ► Definitions:  Trails ► Trails are pathways designed solely for the use of non-motorized transportation.  Examples: ► Abandoned railroad right-of-ways ► Utility corridors ► Land or water routes along rivers, streams or lakes ► Along rural roads ► Painted lanes along streets wide enough for bike travel

White County Greenways ► Definitions:  Byway ► A byway is a less-traveled side road. The term “scenic byway” is used to describe roads which present the depth and breadth of scenery in America: natural and man-made panoramas, remnants of ancient and modern history, native arts and culture.

White County Greenways Vision To establish a county wide system of greenways, trails and byways to create connection, to improve quality of life and create awareness about the natural, cultural and historical features of this area and beyond. Ft Wayne, IN

White County Greenways ► Objectives  Promote and enhance ► Environment: Greenways serve as habitat for plant and animal communities and separate ecologically sensitive areas by serving as a barrier. They protect water quality, serve as a filter, and help prevent soil erosion, only to mention some of the benefits. Richmond, IN - Whitewater Gorge

White County Greenways ► Objectives  Promote and enhance ► Economy: Interconnected systems of greenways, trails and byways strengthen local economies by making the area more attractive by creating trail-related jobs and enhancing the expansion of existing businesses. They also attract new residents and tourists to the area. Indianapolis, IN

White County Greenways ► Objectives  Promote and enhance ► Culture & Education: Greenways, parks and trails provide great settings for multi- disciplinary education. They serve as outdoor classrooms and provide opportunities to interpret a community’s historical and natural heritage. Decatur, IN - Erie Lacawanna RR Tr.

White County Greenways ► Objectives  Promote and enhance ► Recreation & Health: Trails and greenways are safe, inexpensive opportunities for a wide variety of recreation close to home, including bicycling, jogging, cross-country skiing, canoeing, horseback riding. St. Joe – St. Joseph Rivergreenway

White County Greenways ► Objectives  Promote and enhance ► Transportation: Greenways provide corridors for bicycle and pedestrian paths that enable non-motorized travel between homes, workplaces, schools and businesses offering an alternative and environmentally friendly opportunity to travel. They help to reduce road congestion and mitigate its pollution effects. Indianapolis, IN – S. Monon Trail

Plan: Yellow: Byway through Carroll Co. and across Tioga Bridge Blue: CCX (Monon) RR Trail through town and beyond. Red: Proposed route of 6 th street trail Additional branches: Pink: Gordon Rd Purple: South St. Lt. Blue: To Oaklawn Green: To Woodlawn and Bluewater