1. Sunflower Rail-Trails Conservany Sunflower Rail-Trails Conservancy is an alliance of rails-to-trails groups in the sunflower state.

2. Mission Work in partnership with communities to transform railbanked corridors into non- motorized recreational trails.

3. Philosophy If we can get just one child out on a trail who then develops a love for nature and outdoor exercise, then we have been successful.

4. Vision Our vision is an interconnected rail-trail network in the state of Kansas.

5. Benefits of Rail-Trails Provide the public a place to walk or bicycle safely away from traffic Entice people to exercise for health Improve the quality of life of communities Boost the economies of small towns through tourism Serve as biological or wildlife habitat corridors

6. Community Asset Rail-trails are community assets owned by communities  Trail users encounter friends & neighbors  Help develop a sense of community  Can host public events such as nature walks & bike rides

7. Benefits for Landowners Easy access to a recreational facility Increase in property values New opportunity to make new friends Opportunity to be a good neighbor Reduction in littering, trespassing and illegal vehicles

8. Families can experience the trail together & enjoy picnics in designated picnic areas

9. What is Railbanking? Railbanking is conserving an out-of- service rail corridor under the National Trails System Act. In the event of a national emergency or economic necessity service can be restored within the railroad corridor During the interim, the corridor can be used as a recreational corridor.

10. Railbanking in Kansas The Conservancy has assumed railbanking custodianship of several corridors in Kansas. Once the corridors are developed, primarily by local groups or individuals, the Conservancy will turn over the trails to either a governmental entity, new Regional Parks Authority or local groups for management and maintenance.

11. Rail-Trail Project Steps 1.Place public notice in area newspapers 2.Place articles in area newspapers 3.Prepare project plan and submit to appropriate counties 4.Develop fundraising plan and raise funds 5.Recruit volunteers 6.Build the trail!

12. Volunteers Needed Public Information Specialist: media spokesperson Director of Development: fundraiser Project Manager: recruit volunteers, oversee construction

13. Construction Steps Steps for building rail-trails 1.Install bollards to prevent unauthorized vehicles 2.Deck and rail bridges 3.Install crushed limestone on old railroad bed 4.Install traffic and information signs

14. Join this exciting venture!

15. P.O. Box 44-2043 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-3458 www.sunflowertrails.org Sunflower Rail-Trails Conservancy Let’s build trails together!