Kansas Trail News for December 15, 2010 from Sunflower Recreational Trails:
New State Refuge For Outdoor Recreation
The following appeared in the Lawrence Journal-World (12-8-10):
Topeka (AP) — More than 1,400 acres of land is being purchased by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks in Greenwood County, adding to the state’s refuge land.
The acres are in three parcels near Fall River and are owned by Dr. Mary Francis Mayo, who lives in Texas and grew up on the property. Mayo is donating the land in part, selling it to the state for half its value at $642,000, said Chad Depperschmidt, land acquisitions manager.
He said Mayo didn’t have family interested in keeping the land and contacted the state about giving it up for wildlife and parks use. Depperschmidt said the land will be purchased using federal funds awarded to Kansas.
The land will be used for recreational purposes, such as hunting and hiking.
Kanza Receives $25,000 Grant From Kansas Health Foundation
Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy has announced it has received a $25,000 grant from the Wichita-based Kansas Health Foundation to complete the Bushong (north of Emporia) to Kaw Heritage Park (east of Council Grove) section of the 117-mile Flint Hills Nature Trail. The funds will be used to rail three bridges (and deck one) along the 11-mile section. In September, the Conservancy received a $76,000 grant from the W.S. & E.C. Jones Testamentary Trust, Bank of America, Trustee. These funds were used to install crushed limestone on the old railroad bed. “We greatly appreciate the Foundation’s very generous support for this recreational trail project,” offered Karen DeOrnellas, Lyon County Division Superintendent of the Conservancy. “If all goes as planned, construction on this trail segment will be completed by spring.”
Scott Allen, Neosho Valley Division Superintendent, remarked that the 11-mile trail segment is “perhaps the most picturesque of all because it meanders through the spectacular tallgrass-covered Flint Hills and crosses high above beautiful Rock Creek. We appreciate the Foundation’s participation in this exciting venture.” When completed trail users will be able to bicycle, walk or horseback-ride 24 miles between Admire and Council Grove.
New State Coordinator For American Discovery Trail
Trails advocate Ed Lincoln of Wichita is the new state coordinator for the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail. Lincoln was nominated by longtime trails advocate Ross Greathouse of Nebraska and chosen by the American Discovery Trail Society to oversee promotion of development of the trail in the Sunflower State. The goal of ADT supporters is to move the trail off back roads to recreational trails (such as rail-trails) in the western part of the state plus install ADT signs once Congress approves the national trail designation. The trail will be developed and managed by local trail groups and local public agencies. Below is a news release from Mr. Lincoln (his first act as volunteer coordinator):
Horseback Ride On American Discovery Trail
Fellow Kansans,
Please review the information below concerning Jeannette and Richard McGrath’s coast-to-coast horseback ride across America.
Further information on their mission, route and current location is available on their website: heartsupranch.com. As of today, Monday, December 6, 2010, they are currently between Las Animas and Lamar, Colorado heading east to Kansas.
They have not yet contacted me but if they do I would like to have some references of places they might find to stay and keep their horses as they cross Kansas.
Please forward me any references you may have in that regard.
Or you may contact them directly via email at info@heartsupranch.com. Or call them at 951-675-7734.
Feel free to forward this information to anyone you feel may be of service to the McGraths on their journey.
Further information on the American Discovery Trail route across Kansas is available at http://www.discoverytrail.org/states/kansas/.
Let’s show them some Kansas hospitality.
Ed Lincoln
American Discovery Trail
Kansas Coordinator
7309 E. 21st Street, Suite 120
Wichita, KS 67206
316 213 1574 cell
adtkansas@gmail.comCoast-To-Coast Horseriders In Pueblo
Jeannette and Richard McGrath, riding horses across America on a 5,000 mile journey, have reached Pueblo. The couple, from Victor, Idaho, began their year- long ride in March from Point Reyes just north of San Francisco.
So far, they have logged over 1,800 miles crossing the Sierra Mountains, the deserts of Nevada and Utah, and the Colorado Rockies.
They are generally following the American Discovery Trail (ADT). The ADT is a coast-to-coast route that passes through 15 states, 16 national forests, 14 national parks, and over 10,000 significant cultural and natural sites. To see their route across America, visit www.discoverytrail.org .
The McGraths route across Colorado will pass through Rocky Ford, La Junta, Lamar, and Holly on the way to Kansas.
They are riding to discover and bring to light the true spirit and kindness in the hearts of American people and to raise funds to open “Hearts Up Ranch” to help those in need of emotional healing.
You can read about their mission and daily adventures at heartsupranch.com. Their exact location each hour can be seen on an interactive map at their web site.
The McGraths are traveling without a support crew so they would appreciate any help they can get such as a pasture to rest their horses, hay, or lodging. You can offer help by calling 951-675-7734 or sending an E mail to info@heartsupranch.com.
Revitalizing Our Kansas Communities
The following ad appeared in the Lawrence Journal-World (12-07-10):
Attention Communities of 5,000 or Less: Looking for financial and technical assistance to help your community?
The Office of Rural Opportunity is designed just for you.
We can help you:
- Preserve historic buildings
- Improve your community
- Beautify a downtown
- And more!
Kansas Trail News is published monthly by Clark H. Coan, Public Information Specialist for Sunflower Recreational Trails, P.O. Box 44-2043, Lawrence, KS 66044, 785-842-3458. Reprinted with permission. If you have any trail news you’d like to share, please contact us.Post tags: Kansas Trail News
