Sunflower Rail-Trails Conservan

ySunflower Rail-Trails Conservancy is an alliance of rails-to-trails groups in the

sunflower state.

Mission• Work in partnership with communities to

transform railbanked corridors into non-motorized recreational trails.

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.

Vision• Our vision is an interconnected rail-trail

network in the state of Kansas.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Rail-Trail Project Steps

1. Place public notice in area newspapers

2. Place articles in area newspapers3. Prepare project plan and submit to

appropriate counties4. Develop fundraising plan and raise

funds5. Recruit volunteers6. Build the trail!

Volunteers Needed

• Public Information Specialist: media spokesperson

• Director of Development: fundraiser• Project Manager: recruit volunteers,

oversee construction

Construction Steps

Steps for building rail-trails1.Install bollards to prevent unauthorized vehicles2.Deck and rail bridges3.Install crushed limestone on old railroad bed4.Install traffic and information signs

Join this exciting venture!

P.O. Box 44-2043Lawrence, KS 66044785-842-3458 www.sunflowertrails.org

Sunflower Rail-Trails Conservancy

Let’s build trails together!