Trails Blueprint January 2019 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT BLUEPRINT

MWCD Board of Directors James Gresh Joanne Limbach, Vice-President Gordon Maupin Robert Moorehead, President Clark Sprang

MWCD Executive Management John Hoopingarner, Executive Director James Pringle, Chief Legal Counsel James Cugliari, Chief Financial Officer Boris Slogar, Chief Engineer Scott Barnhart, Chief of Recreation/Chief Ranger Brad Janssen, Chief of Conservation Mary Burley, Director of Human Resources

Trails Blueprint Team Nick Lautzenheiser, Development Coordinator Anna Miller, Administrative Specialist Kara Musser, Program Coordinator John Olivier, Deputy Chief – Marina Operations Clayton Rico, Forest Operations Coordinator John Watkins, Conservation Engineer Jeffrey Yohe, Project Engineer

Other Contributors Lucas Hershberger Haley Zehentbauer

National Trails Day – Park

Mission Statement Responsible stewards dedicated to providing the benefits of flood reduction, conservation, and recreation in the Watershed.

1 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction and Background 4 A. Board of Directors Goal 5

II. Trails Blueprint 6 A. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats Analysis 6 B. Benchmarking Survey 6 C. Administrative Plan 7 D. Conceptual Trails Plan 8 1. Conceptual Trails Plan Maps 9 E. Action Plan 10 1. Short-term Actions 10 2. Long-term Actions 11

III. Appendices A. Benefits of Trails 12 B. SWOT Analysis 13 C. Benchmarking Survey Summary 14 D. Potential Partners and Stakeholders 16 E. Existing Regional Systems 17 F. Existing Local Trails Systems 21 G. Public Participation 22 H. Funding Opportunities 23

Atwood Lake Park Bridge Tour de MWCD

2 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

Trails make our communities more liveable and increase property values. They connect us to our neighbors, stores, places of interest, and even to our jobs. They improve the economy through tourism and civic improvement, preserve and restore open space, and provide opportunities for physical activity to improve fitness and mental health.

Tappan Lake Park – Beach Trail

The 2017 Resident Outdoor Recreation Survey indicates Ohioans participate in hiking and biking on trails more than any other major outdoor recreational activityi.

3 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) has featured trails since the development of its recreational facilities began in the 1950’s. All parks eventually offered trails near or adjacent to their respective campgrounds. The , the nationally-known, 1,400-mile long-distance trail that circles Ohio, was started in 1959 and includes links between Seneca, Piedmont, Clendening, Tappan and Leesville lakes. The MWCD and the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) have enjoyed a strong partnership for many years and are working to develop even more connections between the Trail and MWCD lakes and facilities.

The development of trails has recently been gaining more attention and support. In 2012 as part of the MWCD Parks Master Plan, a survey was distributed throughout the watershed to solicit feedback from the public. New trails were one of the top amenities requested. Scores of other parks and recreation surveys have yielded similar responses. The 2013 Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan shows trails are increasingly being used by Ohioansii. The 2017 Ohio Resident Outdoor Recreation Survey indicates Ohioans participate in hiking and biking on trails more than any other major outdoor recreational activity.

There is strong interest in trails in Ohio both legislatively and administratively. 2018 has been declared by the 132nd General Assembly as Ohio’s Year of the Trails. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has committed to compiling a comprehensive online inventory and map of all trails and trail events. iii ODNR also plans to update state’s comprehensive trail plan in 2018.

While the MWCD Parks Master Plan was being developed, the growing interest in trails at Atwood Lake spurred the creation of the Atwood Lake Trail Master Plan, commissioned and funded by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation in 2012. The Plan is the culmination of a year-long effort with the public and key stakeholders. The Atwood Lake Trail Master Plan includes numerous proposed trails in and around Atwood Lake and connections to Carrollton and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Zoarville.

The plan also resulted in the formation of the Atwood Lake Trail Pleasant Hill Lake Park Advisory Committee (ALTAC). The ALTAC has been instrumental in the development of the first two phases of the Atwood Lake Trail Master Plan, including the beautiful concrete deck trail bridge linking the Atwood Marina West and outside campgrounds to Atwood Lake Park and its new Welcome Center. The ALTAC continues to coordinate the implementation of the Master Plan, which will add to the nearly five miles of existing trails at Atwood Lake.

Outside interest in trails has by no means been limited to the Atwood Lake area. Pleasant Hill Lake Park has a working relationship with the Ohio Horseman’s Council (OHC), whose members have planned, built, and maintain 12 miles of equestrian trails on MWCD property that now connect to trails in the Mohican State Forest and . The resulting system of 88 miles of continuous trails is used by equestrians and hikers alike. The partnership led to the development of the popular horse

4 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

camp at Pleasant Hill Lake Park, as well. The OHC has expressed interest in developing equestrian trails at other MWCD locations as well.

In 2014, an internal Trails Workgroup was established to consider the growing number of public requests for new trails throughout the MWCD. As more and more requests were submitted, it became evident that the best way to address them was to develop a comprehensive trail plan that would establish the guiding principles for trail development and maintenance. In 2015 the Trails Workgroup recommended the development of such a plan to MWCD Executive Management.

A. 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS GOAL The MWCD Board of Directors showed their support by making the development of a comprehensive trails plan a 2016 Goal:

MWCD will develop a Trails Blueprint by December of 2016 that will address not only various types of trails, but also linkages between communities and our lakes, between MWCD lakes, and between regional trail systems and MWCD lands. The development of trails was one of the higher priorities identified by customers surveyed as part of the parks master planning process. A Trails Blueprint Development Team will be chartered and begin by the end of the second quarter. The activities and processes developed and implemented by the internal trails workgroup of 2014 and 2015 will be utilized to aid in the development of the blueprint.

Johnsons Woods State Nature Preserve – Wayne County

5 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

II. TRAILS BLUEPRINT

In June of 2016 the MWCD established the Trails Blueprint Team to develop the Trails Blueprint. The Trails Blueprint includes a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Analysis, a Benchmark Survey, an Administrative Plan, a Conceptual Trails Plan, and an Action Plan. The Blueprint provides strategies and actions that, when implemented, will result in a comprehensive trails network in the Muskingum Watershed and beyond.

A. STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS ANALYSIS The Trails Blueprint Team performed a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis to gain a better understanding of the factors that could impact the success of the Trails Blueprint. The MWCD’s strengths include its abundant land and water resources, its strong partnerships throughout the watershed, and a high level of internal and external support. Weaknesses include staff time constraints and the current lack of an administrative framework. Trail development would provide real opportunities to enhance local economies, develop new partnerships, and increase the use of MWCD facilities. Threats include lack of awareness of the benefits of trails, misconceptions regarding problems associated with trails, and not-in-my-backyard issues. (The complete SWOT Analysis is included in Appendix B.)

B. BENCHMARKING SURVEY The Trails Blueprint Team created a benchmarking survey to evaluate and compare the operations of different trail groups. The survey included questions concerning trail maintenance, challenges and solutions, creative funding sources and budgets, volunteer roles, and marketing strategies, and was shared with trail professionals and groups associated with hiking, biking, equestrian, water, mountain biking, and ATV trails. The survey was circulated through the National Recreation and Parks Association, Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, and key individuals identified as current or potential partners.

Thirty-one responses were received from trail professionals in Ohio, Kentucky, Iowa, Utah, Oregon, Virginia, Montana, Maine, and Ontario, Canada. The organizations in Ohio included Stark County Park District, Five Rivers Metroparks, Metroparks, Great Parks of Hamilton Co., ODNR Ohio State Parks & Forestry, Summit Metroparks, and the Buckeye Trail Association. The results revealed that:

• 84% of organizations have a Trails Master Plan or are in the process of developing one. • 94% rely on volunteers to assist with planning, building, maintaining, leading programs, marketing, and other tasks Seneca Lake Park • 68% have a dedicated annual trail budget. • 68% use trail user surveys. • Property acquisition, funding, staffing/ volunteer limitations, and long term maintenance were the most common obstacles faced. (A complete summary of the survey results can be found in Appendix C.)

6 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

C. ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN An Administrative Plan establishes a framework for the implementation of the Trails Blueprint. The Trails Blueprint Team evaluated three administrative options:

Option 1. An internal MWCD committee serves in an advisory capacity to executive management and begin executing the Trails Blueprint Action Plan. Option 2. The MWCD utilizes a consultant to administer and implement the Trails Blueprint. An internal MWCD committee acts in an advisory capacity to the consultant and executive management. Option 3. A Trails Coordinator position is created within the MWCD to administer and implement the Trails Blueprint. The Trails Coordinator works with a trails advisory committee, executive management, and internal and external partners to implement the Blueprint.

The Trails Blueprint Team recommends Option 3. A Trails Coordinator could be dedicated to implementing the Trails Blueprint. Option 1 does not allocate enough staff resources for the task, while Option 2 could be more expensive, and may not provide adequate dedication to the project.

Trails Coordinator Duties of the Trail Coordinator may include: • Guiding the implementation of the Trails Blueprint by working with a Trails Advisory Committee, MWCD departments, and outside partner groups. • Preparing an annual trails budget • Coordinating fundraising and grant-writing efforts • Developing and administering a trails volunteer program

Supporting Positions As the Trails Blueprint is implemented, supporting positions may become necessary, including: • A Trail Crew to maintain and construct trails • Interns to assist in mapping, collecting GPS information, and trail inventories • Trail Volunteers to build and maintain trails, support programs, and act as “trail ambassadors”

Trails Advisory Committee It is recommended that a Trails Advisory Committee (TAC) be created. A TAC could provide recommendations and feedback to the Trails Coordinator for the implementation of the Trails Blueprint. The TAC could provide perspective from all departments of the MWCD to ensure trail development matches organizational plans and priorities. The committee may consist of representatives from MWCD departments and could include members from external trail and community groups.

7 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

D. CONCEPTUAL TRAILS PLAN The real essence of the Trails Blueprint is the Conceptual Trails Plan, a general concept and layout of existing and proposed trails. The Conceptual Trails Plan includes bike routes and bike lanes on existing roadways linking communities to proposed trails. The maps also include “concept areas” where multiple trail types or special use areas could be implemented such as mountain bike or equestrian trails.

The Conceptual Trails Plan is not a detailed representation of the precise location of proposed trails, type, construction methods, or sources of funding. Instead, it is a vision with many components beginning with comments like – “Wouldn’t it be great to have a trail from Charles Mill to Mansfield?”, or “We would like to have a safe way to walk from the park to the local ice cream place”, or “How can we connect all of the lakes by trail?” The Conceptual Trails Plan is only the first step in District-wide trail development; it will be followed by additional public input, project evaluation, prioritization of specific trail projects, and ultimately trail design and construction.

The Conceptual Trails Plan encompasses the entire 8,000 square-mile Muskingum River Watershed and adjacent areas, and includes hiking, bicycling, multi-use, mountain bike, horse, and water trails. Trail development is proposed at three different levels: reservoir, area, and statewide.

At the reservoir level, trail development and enhancements were proposed within and around MWCD reservoirs, including the five major parks (Atwood, Charles Mill, Pleasant Hill, Seneca and Tappan) and four marinas (Clendening, Piedmont, Seneca, and Tappan). These trails would provide access and connections to unique and scenic land features, viewpoints, and natural areas, and hiking/biking opportunities for park and marina guests, cottage area lessees, and lake residents. Existing trails may be improved and/or redesigned, while new trails may be considered in the undeveloped areas around each reservoir.

Four areas were designated in the Trails Blueprint: the Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill Area; the Mohawk and Area; the Northeast Muskingum Watershed Area; and the Southeast Muskingum Watershed Area. The Conceptual Trails Plan proposes trail development at this level connecting MWCD facilities with nearby communities and local trail systems, such as county park district trails and water trails.

At the statewide level, the Conceptual Trails Plan depicts Ohio’s major statewide trails vis-à- vis the MWCD lakes and parks. The statewide Park – Beach Trail map illustrates the potential for connectivity between the MWCD lakes and parks and connections to major statewide trails, including the Buckeye Trail and the .

To develop the Conceptual Trails Plan, existing and currently planned trails were inventoried at the levels described above. Input from the public, stakeholders, MWCD staff, local communities and

8 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

agencies, and potential trail partners was solicited, and public meetings were held on a regional basis as well. Input was also gathered at informational presentations made to MWCD staff, the Development Advisory Committee, and the Board of Directors. (A complete listing of public meetings is included in Appendix G.)

Using this internal and external input, and trail inventory information, a Conceptual Trails Plan was developed that envisions improvements to existing trails, the development of new trails, and connections to other trail systems, local communities, unique natural areas, MWCD facilities, and local points of interest. The Conceptual Trails Plan proposes trails not only on MWCD property, but connections to nearby communities and trail systems that would be completed in partnership with local governments and organizations.

1. Conceptual Trails Plan Maps The Conceptual Trails Plan is illustrated through a series of maps organized at the reservoir, area, and statewide levels, showing existing trails, local communities and points of interest, public lands, MWCD facilities, and proposed trails and connections. These maps include data from many sources, including counties, municipalities, park districts, and state and local agencies. The MWCD collected these data so that the conceptual trails plan would be as comprehensive as possible. However, these data are not all inclusive and the MWCD cannot guarantee the accuracy of any data derived from outside sources. There may be more proposed and existing trails than those depicted. The data collected are included solely for planning purposes.

Reservoir Maps − Atwood − Beach City − Bolivar − Charles Mill − Clendening − Dover − Leesville − Mohawk − Piedmont − Pleasant Hill − Seneca − Tappan − Wills Creek

Area Maps − Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill − Mohawk and Wills Creek − Northeast Muskingum Watershed − Southeast Muskingum Matershed Trail Statewide Map

9 Bedrock Rd Bedrock

Bark Rd

Flint Rd

Atwood Lake: Existing and Proposed Trails SR-542 Bike Briar Rd Route to Magnolia Clay Rd

Honey Rd Rose Rd

Hickory Woods 542 German

Fort Rd Glecoe Rd

Glendale Rd CARROLL COUNTY Valleyview TUSCARAWAS COUNTY Elliot Bay

Whispering Gorge Rd Pines Loop Trail

Lakeview Pine Hill Carrollton Connection Lakeview Rd Atwood Valley Dellroy Glen Mar Teal Rd Pines Cottage Arrowhead Area Cottage Area Paradise

Zoarville/Towpath Trail Royal Rd 39 Cove Point Connection Cottage Area Loop Trail Shop Rd New Cumberland Fable Rd Truman

Village Cactus Rd Atwood Lake Rd Cottage Area Explorer Rd MWCD Cottage Area Buckeye Trail

39 Antigua Rd A t w o o d L a k e Neighborhood Railroad Lakewood Rd Sunset Valley North Shore Isolated Populated Place Road Cottage Area Cottage Area Barrick Marina Major Road Camille Rd 542 Camping River/Stream Glens Cottage 212 Area Park Entrance Trail Concept Area

tton Cree no k o Park Office County Boundary C Falls Rd Queensboro Buckeye Trail Atwood MWCD Restricted Use Area Connection Existing Trail MWCD Public Use Area Leavittsville

Proposed Trail USACE Area

Edgewood Rd

Dyewood Rd

Antigua Rd

0 1 SR-212 Bike Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap Route to Sharrodsville Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ W d S d R for J ns u oh Beach City: Existing and Proposed Trails s J

t u Cardale s St SW

A

62 v

e

Colwood St SW S

W

W

S

e

l v

l A

o

n

W d

k

S n

h

t

e a l r

v t

o r

A 93 o

N P

Beach City

212 Wilmot Wilderness Plainsburg Center Connection 21

D

o

l w

a y W 250 A t S v S e d iel nf S w W La 93 NTY COU B STARK e NTY a COU c RAWAS L h USCA a C T k e i t y

Chestnut Ridge Rd NW

len Camp Buckeye hn oe W S N Rd

W

N

d

R

W r

N o

l

d y

R a

p K m a Harwalk Rd NW C Dundee Falls Connection

Camp

D u n Populated Place d e Sunset Boulevard R e d NW W i lm Beach City Dam o t R d N Existing Trail W

93 Proposed Trail

Railroad

W

N

Road

d

R

l

a

T r r t a Major Road i n R l e d B o C N t t W o River/Stream m

County Boundary

burg Rd NW Dundee Stras MWCD Public Use Area

ODNR Property Yackey Dr NW

Dundee USACE Area

C he rry R un Rd N 0 0.5 W d NW Cherry Run R Miles

Hilltop Dr NW 516

Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Nebraska Rd NW Bolivar: Existing and Proposed Trails

H au t St SW

W

S

e

v

A

h t D e o B w n in g S t SW

W

S

e

v

A

h

c

r

u

h

C

n

a

m

r

e Hu h dso S n D r SW

Riv erd ale Rd

Ullet St SW

W nt St S Gracemo Tuscara was R iver

77

Populated Place

Bolivar Dam E N d R h Existing Trail rc u L h e

D x C A

y u n v

a R Existeinge Water Trail m d b r S e e h W S r Buckeye Trail

Towpath Trail

Railroad

Bolivar E Road N d R rk a p n Major Road le G Sandy Creek Interstate Buckeye/Towpath Trail River/Stream Dr NE Olde Orchard Trail Concept Area N Orchard Rd NE

212 MWCD Public Use Area

USACE Area

d NE m R Dru Old

W N

E d

R N

s Kerns Dr NE

d n

R

e r E

n u N

o a L t 0 0.5

l L d a

v D t u e r l

r r B

W

o e N Miles

F n e

r E s

i

h

s

k

l

i W

E N d R r a o Z r e Source: MvWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap o MCD2018D6006 ~LAH~ To Zoar Mansfield Connection : Existing and Proposed Trails TR 1806

71

5 7 8 TR 1 1 806

TR 5

d 5

R

2

r 1

e

d R

i

r 603 T

C

5

1

2

1

R T

30

T r o u Sites Lake t D Cottage Area r

30

5

5

1

1

R C Ko og le R d 603

Mifflin Connection Mifflin CR 30A

Eagle Point to Main Campground

Camp Harbor

C R 430 2 0 7 Mansfield Connection 5

Mifflin Peninsula Cottage Area 5 9 0 1 R T

Mifflin Lakes Cottage Area

Peterson Rd TR 2156 C h a r l e s M i l l L a k e Bike Route to Pleasant Hill

603

d South Peninsula R Camp Railroad

n Cottage Area

a

l

r a

MWCD Cottage Area Road H

Populated Place Major Road West Shore M i ll Cottage Area ig a Camping Interstate n

R d

Marina Stream

d

R

Park Entrance h County Boundary

g Yacht Point u

P Cottage Area Park Office MWCD Restricted Use Area Crimson Rd Charles Mill Dam CrimsMoWn CD Public Use Area

R TR A Existing Trail ODNR Property I 12 C 6 S 5

H H

L L

A Proposed Trail USACE Area A

N N

D D

C C

O O

U U

N N Charles Mill Mt Zion Rd CR 2256

T T

Y Y

0 0.5 Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Mcgee Rd

Walker School Rd

Laughlin Rd Stillwater/Uhrichsville Connection ClendeningMallernee Rd Lake: Existing and Proposed Trails

Norris Rd YMCA Rd Redeye Rd

Fulton Rd

Minksville Rd McFadden Rd

TR 312

Adams Rd

Tippecanoe

799 rk Springtown Rd Fo Tippecanoe Brushy Connection Camp

Milarcik Rd Tippecanoe Jones Rd

800 Brushy Fork Rd C l e n d e n i n g L a k e

Koval Rd

Fort Steuben

Friendly Ridge Rd

Hamilton Ridge Rd Rd

Fisher Rd Dysart Rd

Kinsey Orchard Rd

799

Kennedy Ridge Rd Camp Existing Trail Major Road

S Populated Place Proposed Trail River/Stream

t

i

l

l w a te r Camping Buckeye Trail MWCD Restricted Use Area Cree k 0 1 Marina Railroad MWCD Public Use Area Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Miles Piedmont/Flushing Connection Clendening Dam Road USACE Area

E

N

d

R

e l

E l Dover/Zoar Area: Existing and Pri oposed Trails N v

d y R r d a n

o a

Z S r e v o D

E

N

d

R

y

e l i

a B 800

North Country Zoar Trail Re-route City Mineral NE Zoar Rd

212

Mineral City

Tusky Valley Rd NE

T Mineral City/Magnolia u s c Connection a E r

N a w d a R C s r a R a n i o a v

Z l e

r R r

e d

v

N o

E

D 800

Tuscarawas Water Trail

Zoarville

212 Valley C Sattler o Bo Junction ttom Rd NE n o e k t t o n e C r Zoar Station

Atwood Lake Connection

Camp E Tuscozoar d N ill R an H From

le igg R NE l Rd Hil

Bissel Church Rd NE

800

Towpath Trail to

Dover (In Progress) E N NE d d R R n t w u sto o hn c Jo S

Camp y Existing Water Trail Road o B Populated Place Buckeye Trail Major Road

Dover Dam Towpath Trail River/Stream

0 0.5 Existing Trail MWCD Public Use Area Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Miles Proposed Trail Railroad USACE Area C a n y o : Existing and Proposed Trails n

R d

S W

W

S

d

R

a

u

g

i

t

n

A Lakeview W

S

d

R

d o Hackathorn Petersburgh o

w Azale e a Rd SW Leavittsville g Piney View

d E Hickory Grove

Hensel

Grampian North Bay Hills k o r t r N h F o Rockwood Park W Republic d S n R Camp Neosa um Camp Wakonda Cottage Palermo on Aut Area the Lake

Camp

Muskingum Camp D e Annex s Muskingum e W r t S R d d R S y Camp W d D d u a b Aldersgate l C i n

R

Glens Camp d Palermo S

Cottage W Firebird Dublin Area Estates 332 k e L a Pines e l l Cottage v i e s Thornhill Area L e

W S d R e l W b S m d a R r a B t Falcon Camp l M c G u e i r D e

C r e e k

Capper Lakeshore Park Barnhouse Butterfield Cottage Hills Area Cottage Leesville u t h Area S o F o r k Connection Rock Canyon Lake Villa Lake Park Park

164 Leesville

W W S S d d R R y e r r n e g D o l

o

C New Hagerstown

C

o Camp Buckeye Trail

n

o

d

R

t MWCD Cottaget Area Railroad

o t r

e

s

n e

D C Neighborhood Road re e k CARROLL COUNT PopulaYted Place Major Road HARRISON COUNTY Camping Stream Bowerston Park Entrance County Boundary

Marina MWCD Restricted Use Area

Leesville Dam MWCD Public Use Area

Proposed Trail ODNR Property

CoCnoonttotnt oCnreek Trail USACE Area

Bower Rd

G u n d y R id g e 0 1 R Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap d Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Mohawk: Existing anC d Proposed Trails R 8 4 35 0 TR TR 337 1 Water Trail C Chestnut R 3 Ridge Rd 6 8

TR 338

4 6 3 R T New Princeton

Kokosing River

Water Trail 6 6 C

9 3 R

5

y 3 2

w 715 0 R

H T

p

w

T C 4

O 4 3

206 TR

S

K

H

N

O

O

C

X

T

O

C

O

N

U

C

N

O

T

U

Y

N T

Y Walhonding Walhonding River T R R Water Trail 3 a 4

b 0

b

i

t

R

i

d

g

e

B R 715 ru d Populateds hPlRauce Major Road n Rd Camping River/Stream

Mohawk Dam County Boundary

Existing Water Trail MWCD Restricted Use Area

Proposed Water Trail MWCD Public Use Area 36 206 Nellie Railroad 229 ODNR Property

Road USACE Area

T R 53

T R

1 79 1 1 T R 206 1 1 3

0 1 Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap Mohawk Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Village Freeport Ta Piedmont Freep g ort Rd g a Connection M rt R u C d a n mpbell 22 Rd t Piedmont Lake: Existing and Proposed Tz rails T R ys o d Piedmont n Rd

800 y m d e 22 a R k d h c R g y Jo w n a lo i w l tt o o H o ll N o H

Lake Ridge Hilltop Smyrna Cottage Hidden Ledges HARRISON COUNTY P Area i e Cottage Area d m HARRISON GUERNSEY COUNTY o n t COUNTY L a k e Belmont Ridge BELMONT COUNTY 22 331 Holloway

Loghaven Goodrich Rd ill Cottage Area H H B r r i i i vo ll a er R r Camp Piedmont s d Re Rd Camp Presmont er ng Gi

800 r D d Flushing G o Rd C la o nolds R Connection sg w ey 7 o r R 2 w a Camp Railroad i R r P Oakgrove B e d Rock Hill n n y r o MWCD Cottage Area Road y a l

R d

Neighborhood Major Road d

R

Y L

Y

o n T Edgewater

T

n e

N

g g

N Park

g Populated Place Trail Concept Area R U Golda

u u U

o

n O

R

O R To C

b d C

a Reynolds Road Camping County Boundc ary Y co T R E Cottage Area

d S N

N

O

MWCD Restricted Use Area R Marina M

E

L

U

E

B

G d Park Entrance MWCD Public Use Area R s d S l k Cabinet o Egypt Valley u n ll y Piedmont Dam ODNRF Property e Wildlife Area o R rk R d Proposed Trail USACE Area

Buckeye Trail

t d p R y h g t Mcco E r y Rd o

N

Rd S ty ta n rk u TR 340 ey o Rd C h Sewellsville it m 0 1 S Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Barnesville Rd North Connection R

A

I

C S

H

H

L L C A R A 27 N 8 N 6

D

D

d

Pleasant Hill Lake: Existing and Proposed Trails C

C

R

t O t

O r S

e e

U

U g

v id o

N r P N B leas C an T t Val T ley Y Rd Y Perrysville/Charles Mill Connection

603 95

Richland Malabar Farms Cottage Area State Park Idlewood Cottage Area

P l e a s a n t H i l l L a k e

TR 2946

Clear View Pine Hill

C

R

1

0

2

O 7 Camp Nuhop D N R R d

Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp 95 Pleasan t Hill Rd

B

u

n

k d Camp Major Road River/Stream e

r

R

H n i l M l o

r

c N r MWCD Cottage Area Camping County Boundary

C

o C a B r o u t le h r

R d d R

y

d Neighborhood Marina R MWCD Restricted Use Area d CR 3006 Existing Trail Park Entrance MWCD Public Use Area Trails Connection d 0 0.5 R Go on Rd Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap s e MCD20186006 ~LAH~ b Miles Proposed Trail Park Offrice ODNR Property o F Clear Fork Trail Road Pleasant Hill Dam USACE Area Mohican State Park To Butler Lore City Connection

Hartley's Seneca Lake: Existing and Proposed Trails d R

n u R y Hickory Grove e k s Cottage Area i 285 Duch M h e W Echo Point l

West Shore F r a 761 Cottage Area k e East Shore s

R Cottage Area d Chestnut Grove Winnett's Sparrow Rd Cottage Area Senecaville d R Shira r e k o Y

ene 313 S ca

F d o ns Rd R r oh k t J S e

r

W o i

l m ls Cre ek a Greenwood 313 Seneca Lake c

y Buffalo Senecaville Estates S Connection Connection Cottage Area Rose White Oak Lashley S Kennonsburg e n e c a 313

L 147 285 a k e

Y

T

Y Camp Buckeye Trail N

T

U

N

O U Sue-Lin Acres

C

O MWCD Cottage Area Railroad 566 Seneca Lake

Y C

E Baptist

E

S

L Assembly J N B Neighborhood Road im

R

O E B a

N U l l

G Millhone R Populated Place Major Road d

Camping River/Stream Briar Hill 574 Noble Cottage Marina Trail Concept Area Area Lakeland Park Entrance County Boundary Chaseville 513 Park Officee MWCD Restricted Use Area tin s Rd le a e P g id Seneca DR am MWCD Public Use Area

566 Existing Trail ODNR Property

147 d

R

n u

R Proposed Trail USACE Area

d u

M G r an t M oo re Rd

MONROE COUNTY

d

R

w 0 1 o

l Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap n

E Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ d R Conotton Creek Trail n u Connection Gun R dy Rid m ge u l Rd R P Tappan Lake: Existing and Proposed Trails L e i ed tt R le d S t il lw a te r C re e k

d

R

l l i d d R H R y l t l i m r e a M h D a l r Beagle F e 250 v Club Rd a

e

B H

e

n

d

e

r s ge Rd o id d er R n tn R West Shore gh Li r R

e Cottage Area d d

y

l R

l

i l

R l P u H l a

u r n m

C R d d d 646 R R

t t n e o d l t R x b ck u li m B s a E r Feed Springs East Shore C T Cottage Area a p p a n

L

a d

h t

k R

r

e y o Connection a Cottage Area N B

d Cottage Area r R e k w r o fo L r a M Cottage Area e l i z

C e

r

R MWCD Cottage Area Buckeye Trail d

Populated Place Road

d

R

r

e Camping Major Road M

n

T

r

o

r

a a

r

a

i

G l

d

v

R

R i

a d

d Marina l River/Stream R

l n l i al g e

c B Park Entrance M Trail Concept Area

250 Park Office MWCD Restricted Use Area P

l

u

m Johnson R u Tappan Dam MWCD Pudblic Use Area T n ll R a Hill Rd i pp R r H a

d e P n b d ar ar L B k a R Existing Trail USACE Area R ke d Dee y rsvill d e Rd d

A Proposed Trail De d er R sv Weavers Run Rd is il r le r R B o Deersville id r g o N e R u d g

h

R

d

Fe 0 1 rgu Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap son Rd Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ To Coshocton TR 159

T R 2 Wills Creek: Existing and Proposed Trails 8 4

541 Tyndall TR 285

6 C Plainfield 0 146 R 1 R T 7 R C C

R

9 2 1 7 1 1 R CR 123 T CR 286

CR 410 0 2

1 k

Cooks Corner e R C e

r

C

Plainfield s Twp Hwy 138 l l Cottage Area i

W

8 1 Conesville T 1 w p y H w H w y p 1 w 4 T Wills Creek 1 16 93 8 0 1 CR 410 y 83 w H p w Muskingum River Wills Creek T Water Trail 145 Water Trail TR

T

R

1 4 1 263 7 0 R 2 T R C Brownfield MWCD Cottage Area Major Road Cottage Cottage Area Area Cottage Area Populated Place River/Stream Maysville Cottage COSHOCTON COUNTY Area ek Rd MUSKINGUM Wills Creek Dam Trail Concept Area Wills Cre COUNTY Stone GUERNSEY COUNTY Church Rd Existing Water Trail County Boundary Peabody Ln Proposed Water Trail MWCD Public Use Area

B

P a t a Railroad ODNR Property e Edgemoor Rd r s k

r s e e R k tl d i d R it d e R L R R ll d an i Road di USACE Area H 662 In

Y

F 658 e a e d r r n R y n Swa c R

l

i

d n f L f

R n u d R

g i C n B a s L un Rd sto ter rush R r a 0 1 B Rd Otsego W Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Asshlland 250 Charles Mill-Pleasant Hill Regional Trails

Charles Mill to Mansfield Route

Black Fork Bottom & Cherp's Eagle Valley Wildlife Areas

30

Miifffflliin Hayyessvviilllle

511 Manssffiielld Mansfield to Mifflin Charles Mill Lake Park Connection 60

71

13 R y For o ck k A s h l a n d

603 Charles Mill-Pleasant Hill 42 B l

a On-Road Route

c

LLuccass k

3F 9

o r

R i c h l a n d k 139

LLexxiingtton

303 Perrrryyssvviilllle

Malabar Farms Perrysville State Park Connector Pleasant Hill Lake Park LLoudonvviilllle

Mohican- Loudonville Trail Bellllvviilllle Richland B&O Trail

Clear Fork Trail Cl ear F Mohican State Park o rk 546 95 97 Mohican River Buttllerr Water Trail

Populated Place MWCD Lake

Existing Trail County Boundary

13 Proposed Trail MWCD Restricted Use Area 3

Existing River Trail MWCD Public Use Area K n o x

Railroad ODNR Property Frrederriicckttown Road USACE Area

River/Stream 14

Danvviilllle 6 62

0 3 Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Mohawk-Wills Creek Regional Trails Mohican River Mohican Water Trail Blliissssffiielld Wildlife Area

T u s c a r a w a s

22 K ill bu Water Trail ck Wallhondiing Cr eek Mohawk Dam 83 Keene Nelllliie Warrssaw Frressno

K n o x Walhonding River Water Trail

751

Tuscarawas River C o s h o c t o n Water Trail 541 36 Wesstt LLaffayyetttte

Cosshocctton 9 93 Woodbury Wildlife Area

79

Muskingum River Water Trail 60

Pllaiinffiielld

Populated Place River/Stream Simco Wildlife Existing Water Trail County Boundary Conessvviilllle Area

k e e Proposed Water Trail MWCD Public Use Area Wills Creek r 83 C 586 Water Trail lls W i RaiLlircokaindg ODNR Property

Road USACE Area 16 W Wills Creek Dam ak

668 a

t o

m Trriinwayy

ik a G u e r n s e y Creek M u s k i n g u m

Drressden Tri-Valley 0 3 Frrazzeyyssburrg Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap Wildlife Area Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Navvarrrre Northeast Muskingum Watershed Regional Trails Brrewsstterr N

i m

i s h i l l e S t a r k n W a y n e Stark County C Malvern r Malvern

e

Greenway Trail Buckeye/Towpath e 43 Trail k Minerva North Country Trail Sandy Valley 62 Connection Trail Easstt Sparrtta Wayynessburrg

Wiillmott Bolivar Dam Magnolliia 800 Beacch Ciittyy Bolliivvarr

H o l m e s Beach City Dam S a ndy Cr Water Trail ee k 171 Wilmot Wilderness S ug a Center to Dundee Falls r C Zoarr Connection re Zoarville/Magnolia Trail e k Mineral City Valley Run 9 Beach City Sttrrassburrg 212 Mineral City Wildlife Area Wildlife Area

Dundee Carrrrolllltton

77 Zoarville/Atwood C a r r o l l Towpath Trail Connection Atwood/Carrollton Parrrrall Dover Dam Dellllrroyy Connection 542

93 Atwood Towpath Trail to Lake Park Dover (In Progress) Populated Place Road T u s c a r a w a s Existing Trail River/Stream Dovverr Proposed Trail MWCD Lake Buckeye Trail C ExistingS Wugaaterrrcc rTreraeikl County 3B9oundary ono Towpath Trail Connection tto n to New Philadelphia C re Sherrrrodssvviilllle e BuckeyeTrail MWCD Restricted Use Area New k Phiilladellphiia 332 North Country Trail MWCD Public Use Area 39 Rosswellll Leesville Wildlife Areas Towpath Trail ODNR Property Buckeye Trail Leesville Lake Buckhorn Railroad USACE Area Creek Trail 250 Leesville 164 Connection LLeessvviilllle Barrnhiillll 46 21 Tuscarawas River Miidvvalle Water Trail Bowerrsstton 0 3 H a r r i s o n Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Uhrriicchssvviilllle Scciio Tussccarrawass Denniisson Southeast Muskingum Watershed Regional Trails

Tuscarawas Conotton Creek Trail River Water Trail Connection

250 36 Gnadenhutttten S t i

l

l w

a Harrison State Forest

t e

r Connection

C r

e

e k Tappan Lake Park T u s c a r a w a s Freeport/Uhrichsville Deerrssvviilllle Connector Buckeye Trail 2

800 H a r r i s o n

Tiippeccanoe

Clendening Lake

258

Frreeporrtt

Jockey Hollow Wildlife Area

Freeport/Lafferty Connection

22 Hollllowayy Piedmont Lake Fllusshiing Buckeye Trail

71

Egypt Valley Wildlife Area

Salt Fork 95

Egypt Valley Wildlife Area

Morrrriissttown G u e r n s e y Faiirrvviiew 800 70

Olld Wasshiingtton 40 Barnesville Bellmontt Connection

513 Betthessda Belmont Connection

26 Kiiplliing Barrnessvviilllle B e l m o n t

LLorre Ciittyy 265 Great Guernsey Sallessvviilllle Trail Quakerr Ciittyy Populated Place MWCD Lake

Lore City/Barnesville Existing Trail County Boundary

Connector 147 Proposed Trail MWCD Restricted Use Area

Seneccavviilllle Existing River Trail MWCD Public Use Area

313 285 Buckeye Trail ODNR Property Batesville Batesville 800 Buffalo Seneca Lake Park Connection N o b l e Railroad USACE Area

Road Muskingum Watershed

River/Stream

379

Wiillsson Buckeye Trail Mallaga 0 2 JJerrussallem Monroe Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIPB, Setraeelltlmlssavvpiilllle Miles MCD20186006 ~LAH~ Ohio Statewide Trails

Buckeye Trail

North Country Trail

Ohio to Erie Trail

Ohio & Erie Towpath

Interstate Charles Mill Lake Parks

Urban Area Pleasant Hill Lake Atwood Lake Lake Leesville Lake Muskingum Watershed Tappan Lake County Boundary

Piedmont Lake

Seneca Lake

0 50

Miles

Source: MWCD, ODNR, OGRIP, Streetmap MCD20186006 ~LAH~ MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

E. ACTION PLAN The Action Plan includes both short-term and long-term strategies for implementing the Trails Blueprint.

1. Short-Term Actions (0 – 5 years) − Establish an appropriate administrative framework − Complete an inventory and assessment of existing trails on MWCD lands − Establish a trails geographic information system (GIS) − Continue working in partnership on regional trail initiatives − Complete early action projects, including trail connections between the Clendening and Piedmont Marina campgrounds and the Buckeye Trail − Perform an initial prioritization of proposed trails − Develop preliminary trail maintenance and development cost estimates − Upgrade/install consistent and uniform trail signage − Water Trail development on lakes and the Tuscarawas River.

Administrative Framework An administrative framework, which may involve a combination of staff, volunteers, and a trails committee, will be needed to implement the initiatives listed above.

Inventory The Buckeye Trail Association is under contract with the MWCD to conduct a comprehensive inventory of existing trails on MWCD lands. The trail IHTC Partnership Meeting inventory includes information regarding trail conditions, maintenance or design needs, and signage.

Trails Geographic Information System The MWCD should continue to build its trails geographic information system (GIS), which could include a comprehensive geodatabase for existing and proposed trails throughout the Muskingum Watershed. The GIS could be an invaluable tool for implementing the Trails Blueprint. The GIS could also enable the development of internal and external web-based applications and provide interactive mapping features.

Regional Trail Initiatives The MWCD should continue to support the development of the Tuscarawas River Water Trail in collaboration with Rural Action, a regional non-profit organization, and other partners. This support includes funding for development of maps and signage to help users of the Tuscarawas River Water Trail.

The MWCD is also providing funding and support to the Buckeye Trail Association to improve the connectivity of the existing trail to campgrounds at Piedmont and Clendening. Similar opportunities exist at Atwood, Leesville, Tappan and Seneca. These connections should enhance the use of the trail and

10 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

MWCD facilities. In addition, the MWCD has completed a donation of buildings at Tappan Lake for the Buckeye Trail Association’s use as a regional trail maintenance and administrative center.

The MWCD is also an active member of the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition (IHTC), a multi-state, 1,400-mile network of shared use trails connecting major cities such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. The MWCD should continue to partner with agencies to work on the Cleveland-to- Pittsburgh Corridor of the IHTC, including the large gap between New Philadelphia, Ohio and Wheeling, West Virginia. This area is primarily within the Muskingum Watershed near Clendening, Piedmont, and Tappan lakes.

Prioritization Plan The following factors could be considered with an initial prioritization of proposed trails: − Initial installation and long term maintenance costs − Availability of funding − Level of support by potential trail users − Connectivity with: o MWCD parks, marinas, cottage areas, docking associations, and boat clubs o Local communities, points of interest, parks, preserves, and outdoor recreation areas. o Local and regional trail systems − Safety considerations − Potential to provide ADA accessibility

2. Long-Term Actions (5 years and beyond) − Begin upgrading existing trails and developing long-term maintenance plans − Start design and construction of new trails − Continue to solicit public input on trail development − Continue working with partners on regional trail initiatives − Establish volunteer corps for trail building and maintenance − Establish long-term funding mechanism for trails program − Develop marketing plan for trails

Atwood Lake Park – Woodland Trail Opening

11

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

APPENDIX A – BENEFITS OF TRAILS

Economic − Increased value of nearby properties − Attractive to businesses – helps retain existing businesses − Promotes job growth, especially for businesses that serve trail users (bicycle shops, canoe/kayak and outdoors shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, breweries, lodging, etc.) − Increased sales tax and business patronage through tourism and travel − Reduced medical costs for families and employers − Reduced costs for road maintenance

Environmental − Protect environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife habitat from development − Connect people and nature, and provide opportunities for education − Active transportation promotes improved air and water quality − Greenways provide natural floodplains

Health, Wellness & Safety − Increases level of physical activity − Helps combat obesity, especially child obesity − Promotes healthy living − Reduces stress and improves mental wellness − Reduced crime through self-policing − Provides safe route for walking and cycling

Quality of Life − More opportunities for recreation − Provides connections to nature and natural areas − Communities with trails more desirable for millennials and families

Cultural/Historical − Can preserve historical monuments and celebrate historical legacy − Connects people to heritage by preserving historic places and providing access to sites

Social − Opportunities for interaction between users of all backgrounds − Opportunities for events − Connects communities − Community pride and identity

Transportation − Provide viable transportation routes to employment centers, schools, recreation areas, stores and businesses, and family − Improved mobility in areas lacking public transportation options − Reduced congestion on roadways − Provide safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists into and inside park

12

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

APPENDIX B – STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS

Strengths − Land resources for trails in an area with abundant outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities − Staff experience in Forestry, Land Management, Parks & Recreational, Mapping/GIS, Planning, Engineering, Fundraising/Development, Public Relations/Marketing. − Nearby large metropolitan areas and regional trail systems − Existing MWCD park/marina/public access infrastructure − High level of internal and external support for trails − Strong partnerships already established − It is easier to develop trails on land that MWCD already owns.

Weaknesses − Staff time constraints − Competing MWCD land uses − Administrative structure and funding mechanisms for trails are not yet in place − Lack of consistent trail information and marketing

Opportunities − Connect to nearby trails and regional trail systems − Develop new partnerships − Enhance regional economic development − Attract new user groups − Increase visibility and use of MWCD facilities − Act as regional trail advocate

Threats − Competing with other trails and recreational opportunities − Development and competing land uses − Competition for funding − Political and NIMBY (Not-in-My-Backyard) Issues − Lack of awareness of trails and their benefits, misconceptions regarding perceived problems

13

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

APPENDIX C – BENCHMARKING SURVEY

14

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

15

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY TRAILS BLUEPRINT

APPENDIX D – POTENTIAL PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS

• Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation • Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Study • Foundation • Ashland County Park District • • Beech Creek Botanical Gardens • North Country Trail • Buckeye Council – Boy Scouts • Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition • Buckeye Hills Regional Council • Ohio Department of Natural Resources • Buckeye Trail Association • Ohio Department of Transportation • Camp Tuscazoar • Ohio Horseman’s Council • Carroll County Park District • Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association • Cities in Muskingum Watershed • Valley Boy Scout Council • Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association • Ohio Valley Trail Association • Colleges and Universities • Pennsylvania Environmental Council • Columbiana County Park District • Portage County Park District • Conotton Creek Trail • Rails to Trails Conservancy • Coshocton County Park District • Richland County Park District • County and Local Health Departments • Richland County Regional Planning • Counties in Muskingum Watershed Commission • Crawford County Park District • Rural Action • Dawes Arboretum • St. Clairsville Park Place • Docking Associations • Stark County Area Transportation Study • Eastgate Regional Council of Governments • Stark Parks • Economic Development & Finance Alliance • Summit Metroparks of Tuscarawas County • Sustainable Wildlife Area Restoration • Fairfield County Historical Parks Movement • Girl Scouts • Townships in Muskingum Watershed • Guernsey County Community Development • Tuscarawas County Park Department Corporation • United States Army Corps of Engineers • Harrison County Commissioners • Villages in Muskingum Watershed • Harrison County Economic Development Wayne County Park District • Harrison County Outdoors Club • • Healthy Tuscarawas • The Wilderness Center • Heart of Ohio Council – Boy Scouts • The Wilds • Holmes County Park District • Youth Camps • Hospitals and Health Care Providers • Zeisberger Trails and Parks • Huff Run Watershed Restoration • Zoar Community Association Partnership • Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition • International Mountain Bicycling Association • Knox County Park District • Licking County Park District • Local bicycle and outdoor adventure shops • Marinas • Medina County Park District

16

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY TRAILS BLUEPRINT

APPENDIX E – EXISTING REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEMS

Buckeye Trailiv The Buckeye Trail is a statewide trail system 1,444 miles long. The first 20 miles were dedicated on September 19, 1959 in Hocking County. Over the next two decades the trail grew to over 1,444 miles under the auspices of the Buckeye Trail Association. It was completed near Deer Lick Cave in the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area in 1980 The trail comes near or passes through Muskingum Watershed Conservation District lands and lakes, including Atwood, Bolivar, Clendening, Dover, Leesville, Piedmont, Tappan, Seneca and Zoar. The trail is primarily a footpath, but certain portions may be designated for use by horses and other non- motorized users. It travels concurrently with many local or regional trails, with certain portions located on roads.

Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trailv The Ohio & Erie Canalway is a National Heritage Area — designated by Congress in 1996 — to help preserve and celebrate the rails, trails, landscapes, towns and sites that grew up along the first 110 miles of the canal that helped Ohio and our nation grow.

The 81+ mile Towpath Trail runs through the heart of the Canalway. The historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the nationally designated America’s Byway offer alternate travel options through the National Heritage Area.

The Buckeye Trail, the Ohio To Erie Trail, and the National Trail coincide with the Towpath Trail along large segments of the Towpath Trail. Many other local trails link in with the Towpath trail to form a network of trails connecting numerous communities. The Towpath Trail comes near MWCD lands and reservoirs at Bolivar, Dover, and Zoar.

17

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

North Country National Scenic Trailvi The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) is 4,600 miles long and stretches across seven states. The NCNST is a part of the National Trail System managed by the National Park System, and enters Ohio from Pennsylvania in the Watershed. The trail heads west following Beaver Creek State Forest and along the abandoned Sandy and Beaver Canal Towpath.

The trail passes through the Village of Lisbon, an early settlement in the Ohio country. The trail generally follows the route of the Sandy and Beaver Canal through Columbiana, Carroll, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties, and joins with the Buckeye Trail outside the historic Village of Zoar. Just past the village the two trails converge on the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath across the Tuscarawas River.

In Eastern Ohio, the trail heads south through the Muskingum River Watershed. Leesville, Tappan, Clendening, Piedmont, Salt Fork, Seneca, and Wolf Run Lakes offer lakeshore vistas of the forested hills of the Appalachian Plateau. The NCNST follows the route of the Buckeye Trail for over 800 miles, taking in eastern, southern, and western Ohio before departing the Buckeye Trail to head for southern Michigan.

Wayne National Forestvii The Wayne National Forest, part of the US Department of Agriculture, has three large units in southern Ohio. Two of these units, the Marietta and Athens Unit, are within or adjacent to the Muskingum Watershed. The Ironton Unit is located outside the Watershed. All three units have recreational hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. The Marietta Unit also has equestrian trail systems, but no off-road vehicle trails. The Ironton and Athens Units have off road areas that can be accessed by the public, but not the Marietta Unit. The North Country National Scenic Trail runs through the Athens and Marietta Units but not the Ironton Unit. The closest MWCD area to the Wayne National Forest is Seneca Lake.

18

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVACY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

Ohio to Erie Trailviii A primarily off-road 326-mile recreational trail from the Ohio River to Lake Erie, the Ohio to Erie Trail spans the state of Ohio from to Cleveland. Generally, the trail follows lands formerly occupied by railroads and canals. The collection of regional trails connects four of Ohio’s metropolitan cities, a dozen large cities and numerous small villages – all done on easily accessible, paved trails that are primarily separated from highways and automobiles.

There are 18 local/regional trails that come together to form the Ohio to Erie Trail. Each of the trails has its own unique aspects and each varies in length, with the Little Miami Scenic Trail in southern Ohio and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath being the two largest with about 50 and 100 miles respectively. Within the Muskingum Watershed, the Ohio to Erie Trail includes the following trails:

Heart of Ohio Trail (Knox County)ix Mohican Valley Trail (Knox County)x (Knox County)xi Holmes County Trail (Holmes County)xii Sippo Valley Trail (Stark and Wayne counties)xiii Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail (Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, Tuscarawas counties)xiv

Industrial Heartland Trails Coalitionxv The Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition is a group of trail builders and supporters collaborating to complete and connect a system of more than 1,400 miles of shared use trails. The goal is to connect the four-state trail network so that local and visiting trail users can walk and bike from trail to trail, city to city, and town to town.

The eastern lakes of the MWCD coincide with the Cleveland-to-Pittsburgh portion of the coalition. Several trail routes have been proposed to connect MWCD lakes to this trail system. The MWCD plays an active role with the coalition, and serves on the steering committee for the coalition.

19

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

Water Trails The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is the state agency that officially designates water trails in Ohioxvi. Designation brings funding for map/brochure printing and signage as well as a variety of educational, economic, and environmental benefits. Ohio has ten state-designated water trails and seven proposed water trails. Three of the designated water trails – Kokosing River, Mohican River, and Muskingum River – are in the Muskingum Watershed. Two of the proposed water trails, the Tuscarawas River and the Walhonding River, are also located within the Muskingum Watershed.

20 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

APPENDIX F – EXISTING LOCAL TRAIL SYSTEMS

Many counties and communities within the Muskingum Watershed have developed local trails and have created trail master plans. Local trails include footpaths, paved bike routes, horse trails, and multi-use trails. The trail plans are in various stages of development and implementation, and many of the proposed trails are conceptual.

Counties and municipalities in the Muskingum Watershed with trails plans:

• Ashland County Park Districtxvii • City of Ashlandxviii • City of Athensxix • Carroll County Park District • Village of Carrollton, Village of Community Trail Plan, 2010 • Coshocton Countyxx • Fairfield Countyxxi • Guernsey County Community Development Corporationxxii • Harrison Countyxxiii • Holmes County Park Districtxxiv • Knox County Park Districtxxv • Licking County Park Districtxxvi • Medina County Park Districtxxvii • Richland County Park Districtxxviii • Stark Parksxxix, Trail and Greenway Plan, 2014xxx • Summit Metroparksxxxi • Tuscarawas County, Tuscarawas County Trail & Green Space Plan, 2016xxxii • Wayne County Park Districtxxxiii • City of Woosterxxxiv

21 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

APPENDIX G – PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The Trails Blueprint Team hosted several public meetings throughout the watershed to collect input on trail development in the Muskingum Watershed. The Team also gathered input from MWCD staff, Board of Directors, and Development Advisory Committee members.

• January 20, 2017 – MWCD Board of Directors • January 27, 2017 – MWCD Development Advisory Committee • March 21, 2017 – Atwood Lake Park • March 23, 2017 – Seneca Lake Park • March 28, 2017 – Tappan Lake Park • March 30, 2017 – Pleasant Hill Lake Park • June 6, 2017 – Atwood Lake Park • June 6, 2017 – Seneca Lake Park • June 8, 2017 – Tappan Lake Park • June 8, 2017 – Charles Mill Lake Park

Public meeting, Tappan Lake Park

22 MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

APPENDIX H – FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Grant Opportunities • Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, Ohio Public Works Commissionxxxv o Eligible projects include land acquisition for conservation purposes and riparian enhancement. May be used for public access improvements, including trails and trailheads. • Clean Ohio Trails Fund, Ohio Department of Natural Resourcesxxxvi o Eligible projects include construction and development of recreational trails; purchase of land or interests in land for recreational trails; construction and development of trailhead facilities such as parking, shelters, and restrooms; engineering and design of trails. • Recreational Trails Program, Ohio Department of Natural Resourcesxxxvii o Eligible projects include rehabilitation, development, maintenance, and land acquisition for recreational trails and related facilities • Transportation Alternatives Program, Ohio Department of Transportationxxxviii o Eligible projects include bike lanes, signed routes, separate paths, grade separations, parking facilities, safety and educational activities for bicycles and pedestrians, and preservation of unused railway corridors for creating shared use trails. • Land and Water Conservation Fund, Ohio Department of Natural Resourcesxxxix o Eligible projects include recreational trails and support facilities, including trail bridges, trailheads and restrooms; purchase of linear corridors for trails or greenways. • NatureWorks, Ohio Department of Natural Resourcesxl o Eligible projects include land acquisition and purchase of linear corridors for trails or greenways; recreational trails and support facilities, including trailheads and restrooms; reconstruction or rehabilitation of outdoor recreational facilities. • Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundationxli o The Thomas W. Hudson Charitable Endowment Fund supports projects and improvements at Atwood Lake. The Bike & Hike Fund supports the development of trail infrastructure projects throughout the Watershed. The Charitable Endowment Fund supports the development of recreational facilities, including trails and related facilities, within the Watershed. • Local Foundations o Ashland County Community Foundation o Barberton Community Foundation o The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley o The Community Foundation of Mount Vernon and Knox County o Coshocton Foundation o The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio o Guernsey County Foundation o Harrison County Community Foundation o Licking County Foundation o Marietta Community Foundation o Muskingum County Community Foundation o Reeves Foundation o Richland County Foundation o Stark Community Foundation o Timken Foundation o Tuscarawas County Community Foundation o Wayne County Community Foundation

23

MUSKINGUM WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TRAILS BLUEPRINT

Other Private Sources • Local health systems • Outdoor recreation equipment retailers/manufacturers

24

REFERENCES

i Ohio Resident Outdoor Recreation Survey, 2017, p. 15-16; https://parks.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/parks/PDFs/stay_informed/SCORP/2013_SCORP.pdf http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/parks/PDFs/stay_informed/SCORP/residentSurveyReport_06-30-2017.pdf. ii Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 2013, iii Ohio Department of Natural Resources, www.trails.ohio.gov iv Buckeye Trail Association, www.buckeyetrail.org/ v Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, http://www.ohioanderiecanalway.com/Main/Home.aspx vi North Country National Scenic Trail, https://www.nps.gov/noco/index.htm vii Wayne National Forest, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/wayne/recreation viii Ohio to Erie Trail, www.ohiotoerietrial.org/ ix Heart of Ohio Trail, http://heartofohiotrail.org/2014a.pdf x Mohican Valley Trail, http://knoxcountyparks.org/trails/bike-trails/mohican-valley-bike-trail/ xi Kokosing Gap Trail, www.kokosinggaptrail.org/TRAIL/map_hi.pdf xii Holmes County Trail, http://holmestrail.com/maps xiii Sippo Valley Trail, https://starkparks.com/parks/sippo-valley-trail/ xiv Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition, www.ohioanderiecanalway.com/Main/Map.aspx. xv Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition, http://ihearttrails.org/ xvi Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Watercraft, http://watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/watertrails xvii Ashland County Park District, http://ashlandcountyparks.com/ xviii City of Ashland, www.ashland-ohio.com/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks-maps-and-more xix City of Athens, www.athensbicycle.com/about/bike-paths-and-rail-trails-pg108.htm, http://athensohio.com/category/wheretoplay/recreation/hiking/ xx Coshocton County, www.visitcoshocton.com/things-to-do/sports-outdoors/gardens-hiking-trails xxi Fairfield County, www.fhta.org/maps.html xxii Guernsey County Community Development Corporation, http://guernseycountycdc.com/project/great- guernsey-trail-and-habitat-maintenance-and-upkeep-program/ xxiii Harrison County, www.harrisoncountyohio.org/trails xxiv Holmes County Park District, http://holmestrail.com/ xxv Knox County Park District, http://knoxcountyparks.org/trails/ xxvi Licking County Park District, http://lickingparkdistrict.com/bike-paths/ xxvii Medina County Park District, www.co.medina.oh.us/bikemap.pdf, www.medinaoh.org/government/departments/parks/medina-city-parks-map-1/mountain-bike-trails-map, www.medinacountyparks.com/images/MCPDStrategicPlan.pdf xxviii Richland County Park District, www.richlandcountyoh.us/Park_District/ParkDistrict.html xxix Stark Parks, www.starkcountyohio.gov/StarkCounty/media/StarkCounty/StarkCountMain/Transportation/StarkTrails_Map.pdf xxx Stark Parks, Trail and Greenway Plan, 2004, https://starkparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-Trail-and- Greenway-Plan.pdf xxxi Summit Metroparks, www.summitmetroparks.org/parks-and-trails-maps.aspx xxxii Tuscarawas County, Trail & Green Space Plan, 2016, www.co.tuscarawas.oh.us/park/Tuscarawas%20Master%20Plan%20Report.pdf xxxiii Wayne County Park District, www.waynecountytrails.org/TrailMaps.htm xxxiv City of Wooster, www.woosteroh.com/recreation/wooster-bike-path xxxv Ohio Public Works Commission, Green Space Conservation Program, http://www.pwc.state.oh.us/GSCdefault.html xxxvi Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund, http://realestate.ohiodnr.gov/outdoor- recreation-facility-grants xxxvii Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Recreational Trails Program, http://realestate.ohiodnr.gov/outdoor- recreation-facility-grants xxxviii Ohio Department of Transportation, Transportation Alternatives Program, https://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/LocalPrograms/Transportation%20Enhancement%20Program%20 Documents/2015%20Transportation%20Alternatives%20Program%20Guidance.pdf

xxxix Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Land and Water Conservation Fund, http://realestate.ohiodnr.gov/outdoor-recreation-facility-grants xl Ohio Department of Natural Resources, NatureWorks, http://realestate.ohiodnr.gov/outdoor-recreation-facility- grants xli Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation, https://www.muskingumfoundation.org/