PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
by John Downs, Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition President
 Welcome to the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition website. As we look back on 2008, we have a lot to be thankful for, not only along the Foothills Trail, but also in our personal lives. Although some have lost loved ones, others have survived treatments for various life threatening diseases, even while others announce the birth of a child or grandchild. Others celebrate the graduation of a son or daughter from their respective schools, and pray that they have a solid foundation to face the challenges that lay ahead.
Progress along the Foothills Trail continues as the bridge over Lower Burnett Road and South Prairie creek rises to completion.Permits are nearly completed for the section of trail from Buckley to the east end of the new Lower Burnett segment, and the county continues their dialogue with the owner of the campground in South Prairie which lies along the trail. Our work parties continue to invest time and many calories improving the trail along Gale Creek to Wilkeson which will be available for use once the trail east of South Prairie is complete. We have also worked to maintain the segment from Arline Road to the wetlands area west of there. Although recent floods have altered the original design of the wetlands, it now conforms to the “will” of Mother Nature and provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Take the time to visit this area between South Prairie and Orting.
Another initiative is the campaign for Active Transportation headed by Dixie Gatchel. In support of this program we have applied for a grant to help fund several parks and trail projects throughout Pierce County. Dixie and her group have spent numerous hours on the project, and we will continue monitoring the grant process. This grant would originate with the Federal Government.
Headed-up by Markus Dennis, our running program continues to grow with over 300 participants in last summer’s Rainier to Ruston Rail-Trail Relay and Ultra. The Coalition also supported the Foothills Dash sponsored by Pierce County Parks and Recreation, South Prairie’s Run with the Salmon, and Orting’s Pumpkin Festival. These events will continue to grow and support our communities, while drawing public attention to the Foothills Trail and building advocacy for its completion.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the volunteers who have made this program a success. A tremendous amount of effort is expended by those on the board and those that serve in other capacities such as web support, news letter publication, volunteers for the fair booth, work parties, Courtesy Patrol and those that help in our sponsored events throughout the county. Without your support we could not be successful.
Try to attend our Annual Meeting in January, and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a great 2009.
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