Texas Trails Network 15th Statewide Conference Schedule



Texas Trails Network 15th Statewide Conference Schedule

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Noon to 6 p.m. Registration

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. “Cameron Park Adventure Hike”

A site visit to the Cameron Park trails will showcase one of Waco’s finest outdoor attractions. Cameron Park was rated as one of the top mountain bike destinations in Bike Magazine in 2008 and contains over 20 miles of single track throughout the 400-acre park. Participants will take an hour-long hike through bamboo forests, wind through cedars and cross over handcrafted bridges, and even have a view of the Brazos River from the top of 100 ft bluffs. Please wear appropriate clothing and carry water.

Kim Jennings has been a park ranger in Cameron Park since 2004. Her love of trails has led to her “second” job as a professional mountain bike racer and XTERRA off road triathlon athlete. Cameron Park and its trails have become an integral part of her life for work, training, leisure, and play. She has also been involved with bringing new event prospects to the park including mountain bike clinics, adventure races, and XTERRA events.

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. “Waco Trails: Then, Today, And Tomorrow”

need speaker info form and bios from Jeff Goodman

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Round Table Discussion

need explanation of session from Steve Bonner

Steve Bonner is a Community Planner with the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program. In this capacity he works with local government, nonprofit organizations, and individual citizens throughout Texas and Oklahoma in the development of land and water trails, parks, and conservation projects.

Mr. Bonner is a founder and served as the Executive Director of The Cibolo Conservancy, a land trust dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the natural, cultural, and aesthetic resources of the Cibolo Creek Watershed in San Antonio, Texas and surrounding areas. The Cibolo Conservancy works with landowners, developers, real estate and tax professionals, and government to protect the ranching heritage and water resources of the region.

In 1996 Mr. Bonner founded The Balcones Group, a consulting firm specializing in regional planning, and conservation. The mission of the firm is to help stakeholders find the balance between the economic benefits, environmental impacts, and social responsibilities of a project. A member of the Founders Circle and former Vice-president for Standards and Practices of the Texas Land Trust Council, Mr. Bonner is a leading advocate for ethical land trust practices. He is the author of numerous professional papers and reports on defense privatization, regional planning and conservation, and various socio-economic studies.

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dinner

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker: “Nature Deficit Disorder”

Nancy Herron has over 30 years experience in conservation education, volunteer management, community leadership and non-profit administration. Currently she manages the state nature and fishing education programs for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as well as educational technology, web and program evaluation efforts. While volunteering as Senior Associate for the National Children and Nature Network. Nancy was a reporter and columnist, and a teacher for pre-school through college level and children with disabilities. A former VISTA volunteer, Nancy was instrumental in organizing and capacity building for multiple non-profit organizations such as a five-county hospice, a Literacy Volunteers of America affiliate and a respite care center for handicapped children. She has been a featured speaker at national conferences on educational technology, best practices in conservation education and volunteerism. Nancy serves on multiple state and national boards, including co-chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Education, Outreach and Diversity Committee, the Association for Conservation Information and special committees for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and Project WILD. She is active at the local, state and national level for the Children and Nature network and is passionate about bettering our children's future. Nancy is the recipient of multiple awards for educational innovations and leadership. She loves to hike, kayak and explore the natural world. She has two grown sons and lives with her husband in Austin, Texas.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration

8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Exhibitors Breakfast

9:00a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

Economics Track: “Trails & Nature Tourism: Interesting Examples and Results”

Economic justification, payback on investment, or marketing to decision makers are concerns of anyone thinking about trails. This session will discuss examples of community and private land use of trails to improve the outdoor experience, and/or generate revenue. Participants will learn and be able to share economic data on Texas Nature Tourism, utilize the Texas Agrilife Extension Nature Tourism Resources and be able to share example/case studies from around Texas

Mr. Phillips is a member of the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Sciences Department at Texas A&M University. He holds a Masters Degree in Parks and Recreation Management from West Virginia University and a BS Degree in Engineering with a minor in Marketing from the University of Illinois.

 In his current position he supports program development for the extension agents in all 254 counties. He is a member of the Texas State Tourism Agency Council, the Texas Travel Industry Association Nature Tourism Council and the National Extension Tourism Design Team.

 He has conducted Ecotourism development work in Texas, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, West Virginia, and South Carolina. Prior to his work in ecotourism Mr. Phillips worked as a consulting environmental engineer doing site assessments, construction oversight and managing large scale ("Superfund") environmental remediation projects. 

Wellness/Health Track: “Safe Routes To School (SRTS) Planning Initiatives- How can Students Help?”

Texas Christian University’s Public Health Nursing program trains students to develop Safe Routes to School plans. Its SRTS Initiative for the Tri-School Area within the Mansfield ISD in south Arlington will serve as a case study. Learn what to look for from the engineer who worked with the school district and students to identify solutions for safe routes to an elementary, intermediate, and middle school in close proximity. Come learn how TCU’s SRTS Initiative can assist your community or get ideas on how to use school champions and volunteers to help develop your SRTS plan

Sharon Canclini RN, MS, FCN has 29 years of clinical and academic experience as an RN and community activist. She is currently a clinical instructor of Public Health Nursing at Texas Christian University. For the past three years she has combined her passion for teaching young nursing students with the promotion of public health and safety. The SRTS initiative for the Tri-School area is one example of her creative solution for one of today’s most vexing health care issues.

Larry Cervenka, a Professional Engineer, with Civil Associates and former TxDOT employee, knows TxDOT, school administration, city requirements as well as parents’ concerns for SRTS. He has gained this experience with over 38 years in transportation engineering. Larry has managed school safety programs for three cities and has made school safety recommendations as a consulting engineering for several cities and school districts.

Larry has helped train school crossing guards and worked with schools and PTA’s to manage school traffic on site. Larry’s experience has shown that school safety can be greatly enhanced by cooperation between the schools (school, ISD, and PTA) and governmental agencies (City, TxDOT).

Design/Operations Track: A) “The impact of youth conservation crews on Trails”

B) “Alien Invaders: Managing Invasive Trees & Plants along Trails”

A) Listeners will enjoy an introduction to the Student Conservation Association and the projects that youth have completed throughout the US. An overview of the impact of youth on trails and vice versa will follow, including photos and statistics. Resources for additional information (web-sites) and Q&A will round out this informative session.

Lisa Tatum, Student Conservation Association Program Coordinator, has coordinated all the logistical aspects of the Dallas Commuter Crew program for 2008.  Lisa has a service background, having participated in the AmeriCorps *National Civilian Community Corps for four years where she helped build/maintain trails from San Diego, CA to Fairbanks, AK.  Lisa then moved to Dallas, Texas where she served for five and a half years with the American Red Cross. Her work there consisted of disaster relief training and AmeriCorps program coordination.  One of her greatest achievements was coordinating the disaster training of thousands of spontaneous volunteers during Hurricane Katrina and Rita. More recently, she worked with a small education-based non-profit in a lower income community in Dallas and as a Volunteer and Project Management trainer for the Hands-On Network. 

B) Working to manage invasives doesn’t have to be expensive nor futile; you can get ahead and stay ahead of these issues with a plan. This session will discuss working with volunteers and paid professionals in removing tens of thousands of invasive plants and trees along trails in the Austin area It will cover identification, treatment, removal and restoration techniques. Learn what’s been done in Austin and how you can utilize lessons learned in your own areas.

Charlie McCabe, Executive Director of Austin Parks Foundation, has designed and built trails throughout the Austin, TX area. The Foundation works with over 35 community groups to improve parks and trails through fundraising, volunteer work and grants, lending tools and providing technical expertise and leading volunteer workdays. Each spring, the foundation hosts “It’s My Park! Day”, a city wide volunteer workday that in 2008 saw 1550 volunteers work on 43 different park improvement projects. Charlie has been Executive Director since June 2005. Prior to that he spent too many years in the tech industry and only building and improving trails on the weekends. In 2000, Charlie learned about the challenges of invasive trees and plants like ligustrum and chinaberry and has never looked at any greenbelt or trail the same since then.

10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

Economics Track: “El Camino Real de los Tejas: Putting Trail Tread on the Ground”

The recently designated El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historical Trail presents many possibilities to marry the publicity and popularity of cultural tourism with the recreation, health, and transportation benefits of physical trails. This presentation will suggest some of those possibilities, review potential economic and political benefits of leveraging multiple uses, and advocate for the development of trail tread from Laredo to Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Steve Bonner is a Community Planner with the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program. In this capacity he works with local government, nonprofit organizations, and individual citizens throughout Texas and Oklahoma in the development of land and water trails, parks, and conservation projects. His most recent trails project is in support of the organizational development of the Friends of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historical Trails. In addition to this role Mr. Bonner is the Officer in Charge for the national relationship between RTCA the Land Trust Alliance.

In 1996 Mr. Bonner founded The Balcones Group, a consulting firm specializing in regional planning, and conservation. The mission of the firm is to help stakeholders find the balance between the economic benefits, environmental impacts, and social responsibilities of a project. He is the author of numerous professional papers and reports on defense privatization, regional planning and conservation, and various socio-economic studies.

Health/Wellness Track: TBD

Design/Operations Track: A) “Nice Trails for Tough Sites”

B) “Designing your trailhead restroom building for form and function”

A) Several project examples depicting creative solutions and construction methods where challenging site conditions required innovative design resulting in incredible user experience outcomes will be presented (i.e. White Rock Lake Trail, Lady Bird Lake Trail & Boardwalk, Hot Springs Creek Greenway, Lake Fayetteville, Papago Green Line and more).  The impact of trails in neighborhoods as a public use component as well as technical issues such as dealing with hydrology of sites, difficult terrain, and permits will be addressed.

Philip Neeley, ASLA is a Senior Landscape Architect in the Urban Design & Planning Group of Jacobs Consultancy in Dallas, Texas. He has 25 years of experience in a wide range of park and recreational planning & trail design. Philip began his career in 1983 after receiving his Bachelors of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. In addition, he received his Masters of Landscape Architecture degree in 1986 from the same university. Philip is active in numerous professional and community organizations including the American Society of Landscape Architects, National Recreation & Park Association, and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Dave T. Retzsch, ASLA, serves as Managing Principal for the JACOBS Consultancy, Urban Design & Planning (UDP) business unit which focuses on Urban Design, Planning, and Landscape Architecture services to the Municipal, Transportation, Land Development, Buildings and Industrial sectors. Mr. Retzsch is a registered Landscape Architect with twenty-nine years of experience in multi-disciplinary design firms. Throughout his career, David has worked on a wide range of projects and is particularly experienced with transportation enhancements. Other related works include transit, streetscape and trail designs.

B) When a hiker sets off on a trail, oftentimes the only structure he’ll see is the restroom at the trailhead. This presentation will examine strategies to make that structure more than a pit stop. When designed properly, these buildings can add immeasurably to the aesthetic beauty of their park surroundings, while also offering a safe and comfortable facility. This presentation will take a case-study approach to exploring the issues of aesthetics, safety, energy efficiency and growth. Each discussion area will be illustrated through photographs and examples of actual park buildings that were designed to satisfy specific considerations.

Ryan Smith has had more than 10 years of direct experience in the construction field, including positions as construction crew leader, sales manager, marketing director and corporate sales. He currently serves as the National Sales Manager for Romtec Inc., which produces pre-engineered public restrooms, restroom/shower facilities, park shelters/pavilions, restroom/concession and multi-use buildings. He has overseen the design and construction of more than a dozen restroom structures specifically for trailheads.

Noon to 1:45 p.m. Lunch and keynote Speaker Enrique Penalosa [pic]

Enrique Penalosa is an accomplished leader, and an influential thinker on urban challenges related to sustainability, mobility, equity, public space and well-being.

Penalosa has lectured internationally in numerous environmental, urban design and policy and university forums and has advised governments in Asia, Africa, Australia, Latin America and the US. His vision and proposals have significantly influenced policies in numerous cities throughout the world. He currently is Senior International Advisor to the ITDP (Institute for Transportation and Development Policy) of New York and the Hewlett Foundation and a member of the experts’ team of the Urban Age Project of the London School of Economics.

As Mayor of the capital city of Bogota, Columbia, during his 1998-2001 tenure –Mr. Penalosa implemented an environmentally and socially sustainable model which prioritizes public transport, public pedestrian spaces and children’s happiness. He created TransMilenio, probably the world’s best bus-based transit system; a network of bicycle paths; slum improvement projects; a land bank to provide low income housing with quality urbanism; greenways and pedestrian promenades through low income neighborhoods; radical improvements to the city center; daily car use restrictions during peak hours and an annual Car Free Day; formidable libraries and parks; high quality public schools managed through a innovative scheme by the best private schools in the country.

Penalosa holds a BA in Economics and History from Duke University, a Master’s Degree in Government from the IIAP in Paris and a DESS in Public Administration from the University of Paris II. Meet the man who said” "God made us walking animals — pedestrians. As a fish needs to swim, a bird to fly, a deer to run, we need to walk, not in order to survive, but to be happy."

2:00 p.m. to 3:15p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Economics Track: A) “Rural Texas Tourism Center”

B) “Welcome to Ennis Bluebonnet Trails!”

A) Find out about the “new, one and only RURAL TEXAS TOURISM CENTER, located in Giddings, Texas. The RTTC is opening in 2009 and will offer “one-stop” shopping for Rural Texas Tourism. The Center will be located in a historic three-depot (railroad) complex in downtown Giddings. All rural Texas communities and venues will be invited to promote their area and events (including trail events) in the Center. The RTTC will also be the facilitator of the Old Texas Hwy 20 Bike Trail Austin-Houston.

Joyce M. Bise is a native of Giddings, Texas and Current Director of the Giddings Economic Development Corporation. Ms. Bice has more than 15 years of experience in Economic Development as well as facilitator of new tourism venues including the Rural Texas Tourism Center

B) The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails project, sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club, was started in 1951. Ennis, the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas” and the “Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas” has become a tourist destination in April for wildflower seekers throughout Texas and beyond. The Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau supports the Ennis Garden Club by arranging tours, advertising the event, and providing the trail maps. Find out how Ennis has benefited economically from having over 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet trails to view during the month of April.

Gina Rokas is the Tourism Director for the city of Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau. A graduate of Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Recreational Administration, she has always worked in the hospitality business from the private club industry to the hotel industry and now the tourism industry. She enjoys promoting the “fun” of Ennis and working with the various groups in her city. Her favorite time of year in her job is bluebonnet season, when thousands descend upon Ennis searching for wildflowers.

Sandy Anderson is a businesswoman, inspirational and operational leader of the Ennis Bluebonnet event, past president and director of the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau, longtime resident and grandmother. She was part of the initial efforts and has seen the impact of the Bluebonnet Trails on every aspect of the community involving school education, volunteerism, vendor relationships, street signage, hospitality and horticulture. Her enthusiasm is contagious.

Health/Wellness Track: TBD

Design/Operations Track: A) “Don’t Stop When the Trail Does”

B) “The “Win-Win-Win” – Preserving Floodways, Promoting Fitness, and Providing Alternative Transit Options in the Alamo City”

A) An urban trail system needs to be part of a comprehensive on-street bicycle and pedestrian sidewalk network if it is going to be part of a viable urban transportation mix and transcend being seen as only a recreational amenity. See how Dallas is moving forward with this.

P.M (Paul) Summer is currently Senior Transportation Planner and Transportation Alternatives Coordinator for the city of Dallas as well as chair of the North Texas Council of Government’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force. P.M. has a plethora of specialized bicycle and transportation planning training including the Northwestern University Traffic Institute, Bicycle Facilities Design, Velo Mondial, Montreal, Canada, Certified Effective Cycling Instructor; Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety and Accommodation from the National Highway Institute and Urban Traffic Engineering Principles from Texas A&M.

B) The presentation will focus on the goals and objectives of the San Antonio Greenways Program. The program came about with the passage of 2 local consecutive sales tax initiatives to fund the acquisition of land along 3 major urban waterways and to construct approximately 50 miles of hike & bike trails. Hear how this is a “win-win-win” for the City of San Antonio because it addresses floodplain reclamation projects, preserves a system of wildlife habitat and provides opportunities for fitness through outdoor recreation and alternative transit.

Brandon Ross is a Special Projects Manager for the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. He is currently working on planning, land acquisitions, design and construction of a 50-mile Greenway system along San Antonio’s major waterways. His previous experience includes participation on a variety of initiatives and projects related to community planning, land use initiatives and affordable housing development. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a Masters of Urban Planning from Texas A&M University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Break

3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Economics Track: “Outdoor Recreation Data: Where Is It and How Can You Use It?”

This presentation will discuss sources of secondary data in outdoor recreation that are available to managers for understanding recreation behavior. Some data are national and some are available on a state level. Using these resources, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of using secondary data for understanding outdoor recreation and tourism behavior.

Michael A. Schuett is an Associate Professor with Texas AgriLife Extension in the Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences at Texas A & M University. He serves as Director of the Center for Socioeconomic Research and Education. Dr. Schuett conducts research and outreach on the human dimensions of natural resources.

Health/Wellness Track: TBD

Design/Operations Track: A) “Inventory of Trail Master Planning Techniques: A Case Study of Best Practice in Texas Communities”

B) TBD

A) The purpose of the presentation is to provide insight on the benefits and limitations associated with plan development and implementation for community trails or comprehensive trail systems. It will specifically focus on the planning process associated with trail implementation and development in various size Texas communities.

Marc Reid is a doctoral student at Texas A&M University in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. His current research focuses on planning processes, user preferences and sustainability in park, trail and open spaces.

Jamie Rae Walker, Ph.D. is an Urban Parks Specialist with Texas AgriLife Extension. She works on taking relevant research to the public and providing research assistance and support to local Texas communities in areas related parks and open space.

4:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Exhibitors/Sponsors Reception

4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Student Session

6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner/ Keynote Speech/Awards Presentation

Friday, January 23, 2009

8:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Board bus for Waco Wetlands at Hilton

8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Light Breakfast at Waco Wetlands

9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. General Session: “Waco Wetlands as a Win-Win Partnership“ (followed by a trails and/or paddling tour)

The Waco Wetlands is a successful mitigation partnership effort between the Corps of Engineers and the City of Waco, resulting in improved habitat, water quality, outreach, recreation, and education for the community. The 180 acre Lake Waco Wetlands is a working, living lab, full of educational opportunities for all school aged children and adults Learn how it all fits together for a very innovative and successful answer for Waco and it’s citizens.

Eric Haskell is currently employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Natural Resource Specialist. His volunteer efforts include President of Heart of Texas Master Naturalists, Program Director for Central Texas Audubon Society, member of the McLennan Bird Checklist Committee and Sierra Club. Spouse Kiyomi (also a master naturalist) and Eric have a 2 year old daughter.

Before coming to Waco, Eric worked seasonally as an Interpretive Ranger for the National Park Service in Carlsbad Caverns, Mt. Rainier, and Shenandoah National Parks. In between, he traveled extensively to over 50 countries, and volunteered or worked in several (Thailand, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, and France), a trend started by his parents who dragged him from his California birthplace off to Turkiye and Kenya at a young age.

Eric attended Cornell University before graduating with a BA in Literature and minor in Ecology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

. As the Program Coordinator for the Lake Waco Wetlands, Nora Schell’s job is to educate the public on the wetland ecosystem. She is a 23-year City of Waco employee, 18 years with the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Dept. (Park Ranger) and 4 years with the City of Waco Water Utilities Dept. Nora has a B.S. in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University.

10:30 a.m. to Noon “Walking and/or Paddling Tour of Waco Wetlands”

Join Nora Schell and Eric Haskell on a guided tour of the Waco Wetlands. Canoes and kayaks will be available for those who want additional first hand observations and extra exercise.

Noon to 12:30 Board bus for return to Hilton. Box lunch provided.

See you next year in January for the 2010 conference.

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