From the earliest routes of our ancestors, to new urban greenways, to itineraries that tell the story of our nation, trails are an important part of the American landscape, providing connections between people, land, history and culture. Millennium Trails is a national initiative of the White House Millennium Council, in partnership with the Department of Transportation, Rail-to-Trails Conservancy, the American Hiking Society, and the National Endowment for the Arts, that will recognize, promote and stimulate the creation of trails to "Honor the Past and Imagine the Future" as part of America's legacy for the year 2000.

What are the major elements of Millennium Trails?

Millennium Trails has three main objectives:

1. To recognize over 2000 trails projects in honor of the millennium, stimulating new activities to celebrate and enhance those trails;
2. To promote existing and new trails to the public;
3. To support the development of new trails through new federal and state funding, and private partnerships.

There are three categories of Millennium Trails Designation Sixteen "National Millennium Trails" are trails of national significance -- large, visionary projects that allow people to walk or bike to national wonders, trace historic canals and commercial routes, or commemorate trails of discovery and migration. Fifty-two "Millennium Legacy Trails," selected from nominations by Governors of the states and jurisdictions, reflect the unique spirit of the areas they represent. Two thousand “Community Millennium Trails,” will be designated on National Trails Day, June 3, 2000. These exemplary projects will be acknowledged for the benefits they bring to the people and communities they connect. Applications and information are available at www.millenniumtrails.org.

Each trail will receive a special Millennium Trail marker, and will be encouraged to create a community celebration around the installation of the marker and trail signs. Millennium Trails will be featured on the Internet at, www.millenniumtrails.org, and listed in a national database. Designation brings the potential for increased funding and heightened visibility in the media and in the community.

Join the Movement

All across America a dynamic group of partners in the public and private sectors is coming together to build and sustain trails. Become a part of the Millennium Trails network that will preserve and enhance a precious part of our national heritage and continue connecting America's communities for years to come.

How can I get involved?

Whether you are an individual, a business, a public agency or nonprofit organization, there are many opportunities to get involved in the Millennium Trails program. For additional information, please visit www.millenniumtrails.org or contact:

Millennium Trails
c/o Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
1100 17th Street, NW
10th Floor
Washington, DC 20036 Phone 1-800-MIL-TRLS

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