About
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
The Northeast Trail Network has been nationally recognized as a critical undertaking to ensure access to outdoor spaces and conservation of special treasured natural habitats of Puerto Rico. The creation of networks, not just of physical trails, but of organizations interacting along natural resources, will provide new socioeconomic opportunities for NGOs, citizens, businesses, and public institutions. The Northeast Trail Network will allow users to enjoy the natural resources in El Yunque and its periphery, will increase knowledge about the different ecosystems of the region and their interactions. Moreover, will promote stewardship and provide new economic development opportunities for the area. By providing access and a greater connectivity level, the trail network adds value to a complete region, rather than a limited localized effect.
MORE ACCESS TO NATURAL AREAS
The vision for regional trails in eastern Puerto Rico has gained strength between community members and protected area managers. The theme of a regional trails system has surfaced consistently during community meetings and within the Social, Economic and Ecologic Assessment that is part of the USDA Forest Service’s revision of the El Yunque Land Management Plan. Connections between protected areas, rivers, and other natural resources by way of pedestrian trails and greenways, can increase visitation and access to lesser-known natural areas, diversify recreational and educational options, and provide opportunities for community economic development.
DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE TRAILS
With these goals in mind, Para la Naturaleza and the Forest Service, submitted a proposal to the National Park Service (NPS): Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) seeking technical assistance to move forward our shared vision of linking communities and visitors with Natural Protected Areas (NPAs) in the northeast of Puerto Rico. The NPS is currently providing consulting assistance with the purpose of formally organizing a steering committee to work towards the creation of a comprehensive project plan, including conceptual designs, to guide the development of future trails between NPAs and El Yunque.
SHORT-TERM GOAL
Our short-term goal is to develop a community based trail master plan and trail building workshop in the Northeast Ecological Corridor, which currently lacks formal trails and visitor infrastructure. The alliance is planning a regional trails workshop for 2016.
For more information see the MOU Northeast Trail Network Collaborative
The following guiding principles are a set of values that will be used to guide the development of the project in all of its stages: planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. These principles will evolve into a shared vision for the development of a trails system to connect the communities and protected natural areas in northeastern Puerto Rico, and perhaps, in the future, in all of Puerto Rico.
The principles are not in order of priority and will continue to be refined as input is received from the community.
EDUCATION.
Incorporate an educational aspect so that the users have knowledge about the local history and culture and to inspire them to protect and to convert them into custodians of the natural resources of the area and the rest of Puerto Rico.
CONNECTIVITY.
Create connections among protected natural areas, parks, historical and natural features, communities and businesses, by means of trails that are accessible, secure and if possible, for multiple us.
COMMUNITY SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
Promote and support the efforts originating in the community, for community-based tourism, and out-of-doors recreation, in a form that is economically viable, in solidarity, dynamic, and resilient.
CONSERVATION.
Protect the species and the aquatic and terrestrial habitats in and near the trails.
COLLABORATION.
Promote the creation of alliances among communities, public, private, and non-profit organizations for the planning, design, construction, and operation of the trails system and associated projects.
SUSTAINABILITY.
Maintain the balance among economic, social and environmental needs and goals.