American Trails is pleased to announce the location of the 18th NATIONAL TRAILS SYMPOSIUM in the QUAD CITIES of of Iowa and Illinois in 2006! The National Trails Symposium is held every other year and is sponsored by American Trails and a state and local sponsor. The Quad Cities will host the 18th National Trails Symposium in 2006. American Trails is a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests, whose members want to create and protect America's network of interconnected trails.

The Symposium provides an opportunity for greenways and trails advocates, managers, planners, and users, outdoor product providers, as well as conservationists, private landowners, and tourism and business interests to come together to communicate and experience an inspirational and educational conference. The Symposium addresses both non-motorized and motorized trails issues.

Pam Gluck, American Trails' Executive Director, enthusiastically recommended to the American Trails Board that the Quad Cites be selected to host the 2006 Symposium. Here's what she had to say after a site visit to the area:

"I was especially impressed by the tremendous emphasis on the development of an extensive trails and greenways system throughout the region to serve area residents and as a major enticement to draw visitors to the area.

"But equally, our attendees will really benefit from learning how the complexity of the partnerships involved (the States of Iowa and Illinois, the Cities of Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island, six counties, and numerous nonprofits like River Action) work so well and seamlessly together to make these trails happen cross-jurisdictionally. It is obvious there is a unified vision for the area. And, the local hospitality is exceptional!"

The Symposium program will feature cutting-edge sessions delivered by respected national and local experts, an array of terrific workshops, events and field trips, outstanding recreational opportunities, an impressive exhibition hall, and much more.

The outings will showcase many of the best trails and natural lands in the region. Pam had a chance to visit some of these very special trails, including along the RiverWay. She said, "I was especially struck by the RiverWay, a scenic region stretching 65 miles along both sides of the Mississippi River. It features riverside parks, trails, natural areas and overlooks, art and historical sites, unifying themes and attractive and uniquely consistent wayfinding entrances. In addition, the river front trails are a part of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail and the Headwaters-to-Gulf Mississippi River Trail. This is a wonderful example of trails and greenways as economic development."

"The Quad Cities is pleased to host the 2006 National Trails Symposium as it demonstrates our destination's growing importance in trail development," said Joe Taylor, President/CEO, Quad Cities CVB. "The Quad Cities is already a major trail hub with our location on the American Discovery Trail, but we will soon become a national trail hub with the Mississippi River Trail. In addition, we anticipate an economic benefit to the area of $1.5 million."

For additional information about attending the 2006 Symposium, holding an affiliated meeting, serving as a sponsor or providing an exhibit, please contact American Trails at symposium@americantrails.org or (530) 547-2060 or the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Center at (800) 747-7800. Visit the American Trails website at www.AmericanTrails.org for up to date information. Details of the 2004 Symposium held in Austin, Texas, and the 2002 Symposium held in Orlando, Florida, are also available on the website to give you an idea of the kinds of programs, mobile workshops, and events that are part of every National Trails Symposium.