Resource Notes for the W3R-US Board of Directors 

Latest Changes: 2009-12-30: split off committees / 2010-01-02: add DANA /

Tips for Sound Management of a Non-profit Organization The W3R-US (incorporated in Delaware) is a member of the DANA (Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies) Their Website has many helpful guides for improving the effectiveness of 501(c)3 organizations. The National Trails System Act The National Trail System Act(Public Law 90-543) (16 U.S.Code 1241 et. seq.) This act specifies what the National Park Service (NPS -- a unit of the U.S. Department of the Interior) can and cannot do to help develop and maintain a nationally-designated trail. This act has been amended over the years to include additional trails, such as the W3R-NHT in 2009. Section 3.a.3 of the National Trail System Act says, in part, "National historic trails ... will be extended trails so located as to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the areas through which such trails may pass.... National historic trails shall have as their purpose the identification and protection of the historic route and its historic remnants and artifacts for public use and enjoyment." Directories for the National Trails System National Trails System National Trails System Map & Guide Partnership for the National Trails System National Scenic Trails National Historic Trails Strategy for Developing a Comprehensive Management Plan The National Scenic and Historic Trails Program is administered under the National Landscape Conservation System, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management. The 36-page bulletin, "National Scenic and Historic Trails Strategy and Work Plan" BLM-WO-GI-06-020-6250 includes the following: Mission Statement “The mission of the BLM National Scenic and Historic Trails Program is to connect people to the land and its scenic wonders, our heritage, our cultures, and our communities. Through partnerships, community involvement, citizen action and agency commitment, the BLM will administer and manage the diverse network of Congressionally-designated trails and associated landscapes. In order to provide for enriching and inspiring experiences, the BLM, in fulfilling our multiple-use mandate, will protect and sustain trail resources while fostering visitor enjoyment, appreciation, and learning opportunities.” Goals Four strategy goals were derived from the mission statement. After each goal is the excerpt used as the basis for its development: Administrative Goal: Institute and formalize the National Scenic and Historic Trails Program within the BLM pursuant to the National Trails System Act and our multiple-use mandate. “The BLM will administer and manage the diverse network of Congressionally-designated trails and associated landscapes.” Resource Goal: Protect and sustain trail resources to provide enriching and inspiring experiences, scenic landscapes, or historic settings. “In order to provide for enriching and inspiring experiences, the BLM, in fulfilling our multiple-use mandate, will protect and sustain trail resources.” Partnership Goal: Engage and encourage partnership involvement in planning, development, maintenance, and management, where appropriate. “Through partnerships, community involvement, citizen action, and agency commitment, the BLM will administer and manage the diverse network of Congressionally-designated trails and associated landscapes.” Visitor Goal: Promote appropriate public access and foster visitor enjoyment, appreciation, and learning opportunities to provide for enriching and inspiring experiences. “In order to provide for enriching and inspiring experiences, the BLM will foster visitor enjoyment, appreciation, and learning opportunities.” Follow the Development of a National Historic Trail The NPS Planning Site for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (designatedin 2008) will grow in content and detail as the planning process proceeds. Designing a W3R Sign or Exhibit NPS Products and Services lists many resources for developing signage and exhibits for historical trails. The W3R found these quite helpful when developing interpretive signs for Connecticut and Delaware. Engaging the Whole Community in Trail Development "Expanding Our Constituencies" Presentations made at the 2008 Nov meeting of the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS)