Prioritizing Trail Gaps Along the Susquehanna Greenway: Analysis and Study for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
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Date
2019
Authors
Adrian, Eve
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon
Abstract
The objective of this project was to help communities that are situated along the Susquehanna River make streategic multi-modal trail connections by identifying and prioritizing the trail gaps that exist along the seven-county Middle Susquehanna Greenway Corridor. Four unique prioritization methods were developed after reviewing case studies, articles, and planning documents; conducting a GIS coding and analysis, and engaging in interviews with planning staff and partners. This research found that there are over 40 trail gaps that exist in the Middle Susquehanna Region. The trail gaps in the study area were analyzed according to criteria such as number and type of landowners, miles to connect, plan continuity, obstacles, and the presence of cultural or historical sites along the route. Top trail gaps were identified from this system, though many of these gaps were challenging to prioritize due to a lack of information about their physical features. Further planning should be conducted to more thoroughly understand the route options and feasibility of the trail gaps identified in this research. Inventorying and prioritizing trail gaps benefits communities and planning bodies in several ways: by helping these entities make more-informed planning decisions, by being able to prioritize projects according to what funders find favorable, and by gaining a better understanding of where gaps in multi-modal services are located. The hope of this research is that it will be used and adapted in future greenway planning along the Susquehanna and beyond.
Description
61 pages
Keywords
trail gap, trail prioritization, prioritizing trails, greenway planning, trail planning