Heritage Trail gets National Recreation Trail designation

GOSHEN — The Orange Heritage Trail received national attention last weekend when U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced it as one of 40 trails across the country to be designated a National Recreation Trail. Karl Beard, of the National Park Service Rivers and Trails Program, pointed out that the designation means that the Heritage Trail will get greater recognition, including a possible Web page on the National Recreation Trails Web site, as well as access to funding. In return, the county’s only obligation is to maintain it to high standards for at least ten years. “The Orange County Parks Department does that anyway, and does it very well,” Beard said. “The residents of Orange County are incredibly fortunate to have such a successful trail so close to home.” The county will receive a designation plaque and trail markers with the National Recreation Trail logo. The designation recognizes exemplary trails of local and regional importance as part of America’s national trails system. New designations are announced each year on National Trails Day, which always falls on the first weekend in June. Joe Sosler of Goshen, president of Orange Pathways, was pleased by the designation. Orange Pathways was formed in 1990 to support trails in Orange County. “Since then, we have raised over a half-million dollars for the Orange Heritage Trail,” Sosler said. “We have helped provide the local match for trail construction grants, and also provided amenities like benches and plantings along the trail. We have also been working with the county and the City of Middletown to extend the trail further, both eastward to Harriman and westward through Middletown.” Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Jean Hudson emphasized the health benefits of the trail. “Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, reduce high blood pressure, improve cholesterol, lose or maintain weight, improve mood and increase self esteem,” she said. The County’s Healthy Orange campaign encourages walking, healthy eating and being tobacco-free as important steps toward increasing overall health. Other local officials also welcomed the designation. “Orange County is proud that our Orange Heritage Trail will be recognized as a National Recreation Trail,” said Orange County Executive Ed Diana. “As a frequent user of the trail, I get to see how many people enjoy it. It’s good for local business, and we can all benefit from healthy physical activity like walking and bicycling.” Orange County Parks Commissioner Brett Simmons said the trail “has become a recreation destination for many people of all ages. The trail offers the public the opportunity for active recreation in the form of walking, running, biking and roller blading. In addition, the trail also offers opportunities for passive recreation by taking a leisurely stroll along the trail to view the many scenic vistas that truly make you appreciate what nature and the outdoors have to offer.” The National Recreation Trail program is jointly administered by the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program and the U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with other federal and nonprofit partners. This year included the designation of the nation’s one-thousandth National Recreation Trail. More information about National Recreation Trails can be found online at www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails.