Missouri’s Ozark Trail designated as a National Recreation Trail

The US Department of Agriculture designates National Recreation Trails that are located on national forests, national grasslands, and other lands managed by USDA.
See the 24 National Recreation Trails also designated in 2008 by the US Secretary of Interior.

A 262 mile stretch of the Ozark Trail in southeastern Missouri became the newest addition to the National Recreation Trails System with the signature of Eastern Region Deputy Regional Forester Forest L. Starkey on May 28. The Ozark Trail traverses clear Ozark streams, dry granite barrens and panoramic mountaintops, travels near wetlands and fens (a fen is a bog-like area, generally with peaty soils, that is kept constantly moist or wet by spring-fed groundwater and dominated by sedges, forbs and some shrubs), and through deep Ozark forests, providing an opportunity for trail users to experience the variety of the Ozarks.

	Current River – Steve Kaub, Photographer

The Ozark Trail (OT) began in 1977, when a group of public land managers, trail users, and private landowners envisioned a long-distance (550 mile) trail from St. Louis to the Arkansas border, connecting with the 200 mile long Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas.

Of the proposed 550 miles, 346 miles have been constructed, including approximately 225 miles of trail located on and managed by the Mark Twain National Forest. Over 200 of the 262 miles of National Recreation Trail are on the Forest. Though not all sections are completed or connected through at this time, the longest stretch of through trail is over 215 miles in length.

The OT can be used for long distance backpacking, weekend trips, day hikes or half-hour strolls; many segments can be enjoyed by equestrians and mountain bikers, while others are restricted to foot traffic only.

Making the Connection – Ceremonial Completion of the Middle Fork Section

Volunteers have been involved in the construction, maintenance and operation of the OT from the beginning, and their roles have become increasingly important over the past few years.
The Ozark Trail Association (OTA) was formed in 2002 as a volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to develop, maintain, preserve, promote and protect the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail. Since that time, the OTA, working with the land managers and other interested members of the Council, has become a leader in construction, maintenance, and promotion of the Ozark Trail, and have donated tens of thousands of hours of labor.

The National Trail System Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-543) authorized creation of a national trail system comprised of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails. National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails designated by Congress, National Recreation Trails HYPERLINK "http://americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/AppScheduleNRT.html" designated by the Secretary of Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (through Regional Foresters) to recognize exemplary trails of local and regional significance.

	Taking a break to chat with mountain bikers who couldn’t wait until construction was complete to start riding new section of trail. – Middle Fork Section

National Recreation Trails benefit from the prestige and increased visibility of being a part of the National Trail System, which promotes special and outstanding trails across the nation.
The National Recreation Trails program recognizes and commemorates the diversity of our nation's trails and facilitates numerous healthy recreational activities in a variety of settings and landscapes. They are an important part of America's recreation, conservation, and transportation environment. NRTs:

• help connect people to nature, to each other, and to our shared histories and cultures.
• help instill a sense of pride and stewardship in our national landscape.
• bring peace, solace and joy.
• promote fitness and outdoor activity.
• embody America's values of diversity, community, and volunteerism.

There are over 1000 National Recreation Trails within the system, including 16 in MO.

See 190 pictures entered in the 2007 NRT Photo Contest

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The Bureau of Land Management is a supporter and partner in the National Trails Training Partnership: working to make training more available. The BLM Trail Management Process course is a comprehensive model for trails education.