Ohio Trails Partnership continues progress toward Ohio Trails Vision

Advancing Ohio’s statewide trail goals

On November 9, members of the Ohio Trails Partnership (OTP)—of which the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) is a founding partner—met in regular session to refine their proposal for the implementation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ 2019 Ohio Trails Vision.

Funding for the proposal is suggested to come from the $700 million One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, created from a surplus in the State of Ohio’s General Revenue Fund.

Strengthening funding and impact for Ohio trails

The proposal aims to:

• Provide technical assistance and local match funding for trail projects in underserved and disadvantaged areas of Ohio.

• Support trail maintenance across the state.

• Undertake an Economic Impact Study to measure the financial effect of Ohio’s trail systems.

These measures would strengthen the long-term sustainability of Ohio’s trails and expand access for communities statewide.

Preparing for the 2025–26 Capital Budget and statewide events

The group also discussed the State of Ohio’s 2025–26 Capital Budget, planning a coordinated effort for OTP partners to present Local Community Projects to individual state legislators.

Additionally, OTP members began organizing several 2024 events, including:

• Ohio Trails Legislative Day and Reception (Spring 2024)

• Ohio Trails Conference (Eastern Ohio, 2024)

• OTP Legislative Conference at Buckeye TrailFest 2024 (Central Ohio, Summer 2024)