PAST CONFERENCES
2021
View/download 2021 conference materials
Governor's Welcome Message
Jon Snyder — Senior Policy Advisor, Outdoor Recreation & Economic Development
Description: Conference opener and a message about the importance of trails and Governor Inslee's commitment to them and outdoor recreation as a whole.
Washington State Trails Planning
Ben Donatelle - Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
Description: Ben will provide details on the WA State Trails Plan update, State Trails Database, and other work the RCO is doing on behalf of Washingtonians.
Pierce County Trails: The Next Six Years
Brianne Blackburn - Pierce County Parks & Tacoma Councilmember Kristina Walker
Description: Updates on trail projects all around the county with a focus on a few select projects.
Trails Day Partner Highlights
A short interlude featuring the work of some of our special Trails Day partners.
Idea to Implementation
Brandon Gonzalez - Alta Planning + Design
Description: Brandon will describe the trail development process from concept to construction, including the Capital and Social development processes this requires. The speaker will also explore why trail development takes so long and strategies to address it.
Thurston County's Successes
Paul Brewster - Thurston Regional Planning Council
Description: The speaker will share how our neighbor to the west developed its admirable trail system, what is left for them to develop, and how they are approaching it. Perhaps we can learn something from their experience as we seek to connect our communities by trail.
Trail Awards
Larry Leveen - Executive Director, ForeverGreen Trails
Description: At each conference, we present updates on trail projects all around the county (and sometimes outside it too). Also, we recognize individuals, agencies, organizations, and local governments that make significant contributions to trails of all types.
ForeverGreen Trails' Role
Larry Leveen - Executive Director, ForeverGreen Trails
Description: A presentation on the organization's recent change to a membership organization. Why it was done, what it means in the regional trail advocacy scene, and how it is changing to meet the needs of the local jurisdictions that will build out our regional trail system.
2020
View/download 2020 conference materials
Trails for All: Access
Brandon Gonzalez and Cailin Henly - Alta Planning + Design
Description: Introduction to equity from a broader perspective and how it relates specifically to Pierce County. The speakers will provide an overview of the numerous health benefits of trails and how those benefits are inequitably distributed. They will also introduce an equity analysis as a trail planning and implementation tool.
Economic Impacts of Trails
Wendy Brown - Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
Description: Washington’s outdoor recreation is a driving force for the state’s economy, creating jobs and supporting rural businesses. It also is a way of life in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll learn how Pierce County benefits from our outdoor spaces and trails.
Walking and Talking: Lessons for Building Better Outdoor Partnerships
Allie Trip - Washington Trails Association
Description: GirlTrek, WTA, and the USDA Forest Service PNW Research Station came together to learn about mutual interests in trails, health, and inclusive outdoor spaces, with an interest in getting more people outside enjoying the benefits of time in nature. Learn how your community can benefit from this successful community program which included meetings, focus groups, and walking together outdoors.
Equity Assessment Tool and Action
Brandon Gonzalez and Cailin Henly - Alta Planning + Design
Description: Speakers will describe the equity assessment tool in greater detail and provide examples of some of its different input categories. They will discuss how the tool can be utilized for trail planning and implementation and highlight how the Parkland Trail is an example of an equitable trail investment.
Trail Project Updates & Trail Awards
Description: Each conference we present updates on trail projects all around the county (and sometimes outside it too). Also we recognize individuals, agencies, organizations, and local governments that make a significant contributions to trails of all types.
2019
In 2019, our theme was "Sustainability & Stewardship" and we were pleased to have guidebook author Craig Romano as our keynote speaker. His presentation featured trails in his new book Urban Trails Tacoma.
Additionally, the conference had:
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Panels on Trail Safety & Sustainability and
Youth Involvement -
Updates about Pierce County trail projects
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Trail-oriented displays from conference sponsors
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Presentation of our Annual Trail Awards
Downloads:
Conference Keynote Speaker:
Craig Romano, Guidebook Author