Outdoor enthusiasts launch the Sam Houston Trail Coalition

Collaborative Effort Supports the U.S. Forest Service. Individual trail users and recreation user groups today announce creation of the Sam Houston Trail Coalition.  This coalition will work closely with the U.S. Forest Service to plan, develop, and maintain a comprehensive and sustainable trail network for diverse outdoor recreation while protecting natural resources and educating the public accordingly.  Immediate objectives are development of a Master Trail Plan and working together to secure funding and volunteer support to construct, use, and maintain the trail system. Within an hour of Houston, the Sam Houston National Forest has 240 miles of trail featuring the 128 mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, 85 miles of multiuse trail, and more.
This coalition is the result of months of dialogue between various user group members and the U.S. Forest Service.  Among those with individual representatives showing an interest include the Lone Star Hiking Trail Club, Greater Houston Off-Road Bicycling Association, Houston Fit AR, the Sierra Club, Trail Riders of Houston, and the Sam Houston National Forest Equestrian Association.
Those seeking more information are urged to attend the upcoming Sam Houston Trail Coalition meeting on May 22, 2010 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the U.S. Forest Service office, 394 FM 1375 West in New Waverly.  Progress to date on membership applications and by-laws will be discussed and election of the first Board of Directors is anticipated.  While a website is being developed, information iwill be available on Facebook at the Sam Houston Trail Coalition page, through the Yahoo group shtrails.