National Trails Awards
The National Trails Awards is one way American Trails
recognizes
the exemplary people across the landscape of America who are working to create a national system of trails to meet the recreation,
health, and travel needs of all Americans. Awards are given out every two years during the American Trails National Symposium.
We are proud to announce two 2010 winners in New York State.
2010 State Trail Advocacy Award for New York
The Trail Advocacy Award is given to an individual that has demonstrated successful efforts to influence public policy
relating to trail planning, trail protection, trail development, or maintenance.
Ivan P. Vamos
Ivan Vamos retired in 1993 as the Deputy Commissioner for Planning and Development for NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation (OPRHP) where he was responsible for land and water resource management, development, planning,
construction, land acquisition, and environmental programs for more than two decades. He worked for State Parks, Conservation,
Transportation agencies, the military and private firms for 48 years. During his tenure with State Parks, Ivan was more than a
Deputy Commissioner but a person who was a true advocate for trails from the office and in the field...
To read the entire story visit American Trails.
2010 State Trail Worker Award for New York
The State Trail Worker Award recognizes an individual that has demonstrated outstanding contributions and provided consistent
support for trail planning, development, or maintenance. It is intended to recognize the commitment and efforts of a private or
public sector individual working for enhanced trail recreation in their local area/state.
Eddie Walsh
Eddie Walsh, a member of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC), has been assisting with trail development and
maintenance since an early age. Over the years his passion for trails has led him to become a leader in both training
volunteers in the various skills for trail development and coordinating the actual on the ground work. Eddie has been building
trails professionally since 1993. Before founding Tahawus Trails LLC he was employed by many Northeast trail organizations
including the NYNJTC, the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC),
Maine ATC, GMC and RMC. Within the NYNJTC, Eddie has also supervised the Twin Forts Steps Project, Popolopen Creek Bridge,
Southfields furnace bridge, the Wappinger Greenway Trails Project, Closter Nature Center Trails project and the Echo Lake
Handicap Accessible Trail Project and the Bear Mountain Trails Project. He has also taken on many private trail contracts...
To read the entire story visit American Trails.
RTP Annual Achievement Awards
The Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT) selects winners for the "Annual Achievement Awards"
in recognition of outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds.
2009 Environment and Wildlife Compatibility Award
Highbridge Park Project in New York City
A 2005 RTP award was utilized to create bicycle trails at Highbridge Park in New York City, marking the first time that bicycles
have been allowed in New York City parks since 1991. The project was completed in 2007. The standards recommended by the
International Mountain Bicycling Association convinced the City's Department of Parks and Recreation that professionally designed
mountain bike trails could be built and maintained in New York City parks.
Highbridge Park was chosen as it was seen as underused for recreation and had long been a draw for illegal activities. At the
same time, the recreational needs of the neighborhood youth were being underserved, increasing their long-term health risks and the
costs for the city. Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB) decided to not only focus on mountain bike trails, but also
on BMX facilities, to increase the community's connectivity to the park...
To read the entire story visit American Trails.
