FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2005

Illinois Makes List as U.S. Secretary of Interior Announces National Trails

IDNR’s Tunnel Hill Trail Highlighted as Cycling is touted for Good Health

Harrisburg, IL.—The popular Tunnel Hill bicycle trail in Southern Illinois is one of 37 receiving National Recreation Trail Status from the U.S. Department of Interior. Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a network of trails statewide. The designation comes as health advocates recognize Americans are increasingly turning to nearby trails for walking and bicycling as means for improving health.

“Recreational trails are America’s new front porch,” said Joel Brunsvold, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “People get back to nature when they are on the trails, but they also have a chance to interact with the neighbors they meet along the way.”

The Tunnel Hill State Trail extends from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak. The 45-mile trail, located on a former railroad right-of-way, connects numerous communities and provides a link to a larger trail network, including the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and Harrisburg’s bike trail. This trail not only offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing, but trail users can also observe the wildlife habitat of the Cache River State Natural Area.

“Southern Illinois is a treasure of Illinois,” said Brunsvold. “This trail is integral to the expansion of tourism in the region, which is having a tremendous economic impact.”

Illinois has approximately 1000 miles of trail frequented by bicyclists and hikers. Surveys show approximately 45% of all adults in the state bicycle for recreation. Recreational trails are credited with spurring economic development as they add to quality of life.

“Time Magazine is focusing attention on American’s fitness levels,” said Dick Westfall, IDNR Trail Planning Expert. “The bottom line is that it’s cheaper to go to a neighborhood trail than join a health club, and I think it’s more fun as well. As Americans, and Illinoisans, look to increase their fitness levels and overall health, the roll of trails is very important. It’s fortunate that community and state leaders are answering the need for trail development in Illinois.”

Along with inclusion in the National Recreation Trails System, each of the 37 trails announced will receive a certificate of designation and National Recreation Trail markers. There are now
more than 900 National Recreation Trails that have been designated throughout the United States, totaling more than 10,000 miles.

“The Interior Department plays a vital role in the public land recreation network, managing one-fifth of the land in the nation,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton. “National trails are a significant part of that outdoor network, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to reconnect with nature and stay active and healthy in the process.”

National Recreation Trail designation is an honor given out to those existing trails that have been nominated and meet the requirements for connecting people to local resources and improving their quality of life. The national trail designation is part of a continuing campaign to promote community partnerships and to foster innovative ways to encourage physical fitness. The National Trails System Act of 1968 encourages the Secretary of the Interior to recognize existing community trails that qualify as additions to the National Trails System. The Act promotes enjoyment and appreciation of trails and greater public access.

To learn more about bicycling and hiking trails in Illinois, visit www.dnr.state.il.us. To learn about trails nationwide, visit online at www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails.

The media is invited to interview IDNR trail-planning expert Dick Westfall. He can be reached by telephone at 217/524-6822.

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