Nation’s First Trails Caucus Promotes and Preserves Ohio Trails

Ohio State Senators Sean O’Brien and Steve Wilson have established a first-of-its-kind legislative caucus focused specifically on developing, preserving, and promoting Ohio’s nature trails. The Ohio Legislative Trails Caucus (OLTC) brings together a bipartisan group of nearly 30 legislators to collaborate on trails related initiatives alongside numerous state and local groups.

Last month, Senator Wilson, together with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, announced a comprehensive database of every trail in the state. This website provides an interactive map of over 3,200 miles of trails – which is poised to reach 5,000 miles in the coming year – as well as nature preserves and a calendar of events available to the public. The caucus is also pushing for a Concurrent Resolution that would label 2018 as Ohio’s Year of the Trail to further spotlight the availability and importance of Ohio’s trails for the state economy and outdoor recreation.  

Legislators in Virginia have also created a bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Caucus and other states are considering creating similar caucuses as well. If you are interested in establishing a trails/outdoors caucus in your state or have questions regarding outdoor recreation, please contact NCEL staff.