Texas Trails Study

Trails have long been a part of Texas’ history. A burgeoning population has fueled Texans’ interest in developing trails across the State. The Texas Trails Study is an unusual, one-of-a-kind planning effort, purposefully intended to make a case for how the State of Texas, through its key agencies, could create a statewide trails plan and strategy to enhance trail planning and development across Texas.

Sometimes a “plan” is needed to promote the benefits of planning. Halff facilitated this ground work and pre-planning for the study of strategic regional trails, which will help identify the State’s role in guiding trail development across Texas.

A collaborative effort with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC), the study outlines:

• How connected trail development can benefit all Texans.
• What efforts are needed to coordinate development.
• How the State of Texas, through its agencies, might help.

This study includes recommendations for the creation of a statewide trail plan strategy. Written in a highly graphic, easy-to-read format, the Texas Trails Study provides a broad overview of the benefits trails bring, including tangible and intangible benefits. The study focuses on how to assist potential partners as they encourage local and regional conservation efforts related to trails.