Des Moines, Iowa – On Monday, October 26, Tri-State Trails was recognized as the 2015 Outstanding Trail Project for the State of Ohio at the Mid-American Trails & Greenways Conference (MATAG).  

“The emergence of Tri-State Trails as a coalition of diverse trail groups and interests speaking in one voice is an inspiration to trail advocates, builders and managers throughout the greater MATAG region and beyond,” praised Eric Oberg, MATAG Steering Committee Member and Director of Trail Development at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Midwest Regional Office.  “It embodies the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that is at the core of what MATAG stands for.”

Convening trail experts and enthusiasts from nine Midwestern states, the MATAG Conference takes place every two years to promote trails and their benefits for communities.  The award was accepted on behalf of Tri-State Trails by Brian Housh, Policy Manager at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Midwest Regional Office and presented by Rory Robinson, Outdoor Recreation Planner from the National Park Service Rivers, Trails Conservation Assistance program.

Tri-State Trails is most notably known for its unprecedented work in 2014 to catalog and publish a Regional Trails Plan documenting the region’s existing and proposed trails.  Since 2013, they have served as the sole convener of organizations and individuals to advance trail planning, implementation, and usage in a regional capacity encompassing #3states9counties. 

An initiative of Green Umbrella and funded by Interact for Health, Tri-State Trails is a coalition of trail advocates, a physical network of trails, and a vision to connect the Greater Cincinnati region.  Their mission is to connect people and places via a regional trails network that promotes vibrant communities through equitable access to active transportation and outdoor recreation.